Conversations with Inna Milter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Inna Milter.

Inna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Lithuania, my journey into baking was an unexpected but deeply rewarding evolution of a lifelong passion for cooking. While I had always enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends, I had never considered a career as a baker. That changed when a free web seminar on cake-making caught my attention. It was a refreshing new challenge, distinct from my usual cooking, and I decided to try it.

The cake I made, while simple by professional standards, was a revelation to my family and friends. Their enthusiastic feedback and encouragement, particularly regarding its exceptional taste, were overwhelming. That moment of shared joy, watching the cake disappear within minutes, inspired me to take my passion further. I enrolled in a comprehensive course taught by a European baker, diving into the sophisticated world of European-style cakes. The training was eye-opening, exposing me to innovative techniques and flavor profiles I had never experienced before. I began to specialize in a variety of European types, including delicate mousse cakes, rich sponge cakes, layered meringue cakes, and classics like Russian Honey Cake and Napoleon.
As I honed my skills, I began sharing my creations with friends, who quickly became my first clients. As the demand grew, propelled by word-of-mouth, I realized the potential for a business rooted in authenticity and quality. I continued to expand my baking repertoire, experimenting with new recipes and developing original techniques. This process was also deeply nostalgic, as I found inspiration in the cherished cakes my mother used to bake, which resonated strongly with my growing clientele.
The foundation of my philosophy has always been the unwavering commitment to high-quality ingredients. I prioritize organic products, avoid pre-mixed substitutes, and use premium-grade Belgian chocolate. This dedication to excellence is a core tenet of my craft.
I realized early on that to be truly successful, I needed to create a unique and personal experience for every client. I moved away from “mass production” to focus on custom-made cakes, dedicating hours to phone consultations to understand each client’s specific vision for both taste and decoration. My meticulous attention to detail and personalized approach have fostered deep client trust. To this day, I maintain a practice of following up with every customer to gather their feedback, and I am proud to say that I have never received negative feedback.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been defined by overcoming a series of obstacles, each one shaping my craft and strengthening my commitment to excellence. Early on, the primary challenge was sourcing the high-quality ingredients and specialized packaging required for European-style cakes. Mainstream grocery stores proved insufficient, and finding reliable suppliers for premium ingredients and appropriate packaging required considerable research and time.
These initial difficulties taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and networking.
Another significant challenge arose from the unique dietary needs of clients. Some requested dairy-free options, while others needed gluten-free cakes. Rather than viewing these as limitations, I embraced them as creative opportunities. This pushed me to research and master the use of alternative, high-quality non-dairy and gluten-free ingredients, expanding my repertoire and expertise. It also opened up a valuable new market segment and demonstrated my ability to adapt and innovate for my clients.
Finally, while my decorations are intentionally not mass-produced, sourcing high-quality, specialty items proved difficult. I met this challenge by developing new skills and turning to high-quality chocolate as a core element of my decorations. This focus on handcrafted chocolate not only became a signature of my work but also reinforced my commitment to using the highest-grade ingredients in every aspect of my cakes.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Interestingly enough, my professional life was not related to cake baking – I was a dental assistant

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking, particularly in the context of entrepreneurship, has always been a calculated endeavor for me, heavily influenced by my role as a mother of two children and a grandmother to three. The decision to start a business was never about impulsive action; instead, it stemmed from a desire to both excel professionally and remain deeply engaged in my family’s life.
Launching a small baking business, specializing in European cakes, during a period marked by rising food prices and a slow economy presented inherent challenges and financial risks. The volatility in ingredient costs, from flour and sugar to specialty items like Belgian chocolate, required meticulous budgeting and pricing strategies to maintain profitability. Competing against established bakeries and finding a market niche for custom cakes meant overcoming initial marketing hurdles with limited resources. Despite these obstacles, I persisted, viewing them as opportunities to learn and refine my approach. For instance, the demand for gluten-free and dairy-free options prompted me to explore and master new ingredients and recipes, expanding my expertise and client base.
Overcoming the initial lack of entrepreneurial skills was another significant hurdle. I recognized the need to learn about business management, marketing, and operational efficiency. This meant dedicating time to acquire new skills while simultaneously managing the daily demands of a growing business and family. However, my strong support system, including family and a network of fellow entrepreneurs, proved invaluable in providing practical assistance and emotional encouragement. Balancing work and family life, as many mompreneurs experience, involved prioritizing tasks, setting clear boundaries, and making conscious choices to ensure I was fully present for both my business and loved ones. The flexibility of a home-based business, while allowing for this balance, didn’t diminish the hard work and dedication required to succeed.
Essentially, my view on risk-taking in business is tied to a blend of passion, practicality, and the unwavering commitment to my family’s well-being. Each step forward is measured against the needs of my children and grandchildren, driving me to be both innovative and resilient in carving out a successful business that I can be proud of, while still being the present mother and grandmother I aspire to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.innascakes.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/803314673764455/