Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Baquet.
Hi Carmen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since growing up in New Orleans, I have always been surrounded by food. Not just food, but food that is both historical and cultural. My father’s side of the family are full of chefs, artists, doctors, journalists, musicians and photographers. Food is just a way of life and survival. I’ve always wanted to create food that would taste good and look good but most importantly make it to where people would come back because it was different. I moved to Atlanta after a year my son was born. My sister opened a bakery in Union City, GA. and wanted me to come run and operate the business. It was my ticket to get away from New Orleans but also to take it with me.
The bakery only survived about a year then I had to find work. I hated it but I was determined to have my own business. Well, the Pandemic changed everything around! I had nothing and was in fear of going back to work. I had to figure out a way to provide for my family and that was what I needed to step out and get what I desired the most, my own business.
With research, stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, social media and word of mouth, the orders started rolling in. I started selling my art work first, handmade jewelry next, then the food. From my Great Grandmother’s Old Fashioned Pound Cakes to Baquet’s Creole Chicken and Seafood Gumbo, this was the moment I’ve been waiting for.
Still, I try to come up with creative ideas to make reality to share with the world. It is hard work, can be exhausting emotionally and mentally but this passion I have is always burning and my aim is to make returning customers and take my business to a public location.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road, but the key is to stay positive, never give up, stay persistent, research and develop the necessary skills needed to succeed. From doing side jobs like laundry, grocery deliveries to make money in order to pay for my LLC, business cards, ingredients, packaging, and other tools, it’s still an ongoing process. Now, I’m at the point where I need to go back to work so that I can keep my business alive, among paying bills, etc.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a baker, cook, artist, writer, and crafty. I make handmade jewelry, candles, soap, paintings, baked goods, food, poetry, and anything creative I can get my hands on. I am mostly known for my creative baked goods. I am versatile when it comes to food. Vegan, Keto, Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, etc. I am mostly proud of having taken that first step.
My ability to do several things in creative ways but keeping the customer in mind is what sets me apart from the rest.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was and still quiet. An introvert but as I get older, I have become more outspoken and it shows in my works of art. I have always been kind hearted, thinks deeply, deeply passionate, and try to understand others’ emotions and why. I was very curious about life, why things happen, why things don’t happen, and now I just go with the flow and hope for the best.
Pricing:
- $35.00 each (homemade old fashioned pound cakes any flavor
- $15.00 each Creole pecan pralines any flavor
Contact Info:
- Email: Baquetsartbakery2020@gmail.com
- Instagram: Baquetsartbakery
- Other: @baquetscreolepecanpralines
