Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Harris.
Hi Erica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
All of this started simply because I didn’t want to buy another birthday cake for my daughter. I baked with my mom and grandmother so I knew the process and I considered myself pretty crafty. Her cake turned out great. I got lots of requests and even questions about pricing but I didn’t take it seriously. A few months later I baked cakes for a supposed party for my parents and got the same type of feedback. I thought, well maybe I could see myself as a baker. I kept baking for my children’s birthdays and small events and before I knew it I had orders almost every week. As a woman of faith, I truly believe that God gave me this gift and allowed me to fall right into it. Now I’m baking for weddings and corporate events. It’s extremely exciting.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! I am a wife and mother of 5 children. I’m also an elementary school teacher. The biggest struggle for me has been time management. There are many late nights and early mornings that go along with juggling my day-to-day schedule. Making sure that I have a healthy balance in all aspects of my life is difficult but I do the best I can. My husband and children are extremely supportive so that helps a whole lot.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Pat-E-Cake specializes in specialty cakes and other sweet treats for any celebration or special event. I am most proud of the growth of my business. True enough, it is still a one-man operation, but the type of events I am asked to bake for to have grown. I have gone from strictly small birthday parties or even just friends or family to school fundraisers, to weddings, and corporate events. I am also proud of the longevity that God has given me in this business. I’ve had a few major life changes where I’ve had to take a step back and take a break but when I returned, business picked up where it left off. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come and I’m super excited for the future. I have so many dreams for this business and I can’t wait for them to come true!
What are your plans for the future?
There are some big things in the works for Pat-E-Cake Bakery. In addition to specialty orders, we are planning to add cake-decorating parties, a line of products, and much more! We are small now, but HUGE is coming! I know that with my faith, determination, and my amazing support system, everything that I set out to accomplish, I will! The goal is for Pat-E-Cake to become a household name! Stay tuned!
Pricing:
- Standard 9 inch/2 layer cake $95
- Dozen cupcakes $40
- Dozen chocolate-covered treats $25
- Dozen macarons $30
- Dessert shooters $3 per cup
Contact Info:
- Website: Patecake.com
- Instagram: Patecakebakery
Image Credits
Tara Martin Sheldon Harris
