Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorothy Gabriel.
Hi Dorothy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Dora, better known as The Belle Baker! I was born to bake!!! My love of baking started at the young age of 11 with my little easy bake oven and a dream… well, a deferred one at least. I soon began baking for school bake sales and local church events, all before I even hit high school. I would bake for anyone that would let me. I spent years baking and creating treats just for fun. One day when I made a beautiful fruit platter for my friends’ baby shower. She and her guests loved the platter so much she suggested that I do this full time and start a business. I laughed off the idea but secretly tucked it in the back of my mind.
I soon started experimenting with different chocolate-covered treats, and again baking for anyone who would let me. It finally hit me all these years, degrees, and student loans later, that cake was my passion. Making people smile just by a simple treat crafted with love and care. I decided to begin investing in my craft and position myself so that I could one day bake full time. I started taking cake decorating classes at my local A.C. Moore as well as with well known accomplished cakers in the industry. Slowly but surely, I began to master my craft. A childhood hobby turned passion has now turned into a brand that I love and want to share with the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a bumpy road along the way but those bumps and bruises come with experience and wisdom. Every stumble taught me a lesson, humbled me, and helped me build a solid foundation. Slow and steady has always been my motto and excellence takes time. It is never easy starting your own business, will anyone order, will I be able to handle it, but with faith nothing is impossible. I would say the biggest struggle was getting to a place where I believed I could and so I did!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in custom cakes and treats. I love infusing flavors of my culture into my baking. I am most known for my fun-filled cake jars. These custom jars are tailor-made for each client with the filling of their choice. No request is too out there, from gummy worms to cookie bits and M & M’s, whatever the client desires. Great for kids parties and no mess for parents to clean up afterwards, its a win win. I am most proud of my custom cakes, each one made with love and each one with a story attached to it, which makes them that more special.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Excellence takes time, if this is your passion, then you are in this for the long haul, don’t rush. Take your time, do your homework, and enjoy the process.
Pricing:
- Cake jars range from $10 -$20
- Custom Cakes start at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebellebaker.com
- Instagram: @thebellebaker_
- Facebook: Belle Baker
Image Credits:
Dorothy Gabriel – product images
Meagan C. Henry – Baker image
