What I would do if I was starting my Cookie Business over Again!

Okay, so last week we got into the nitty-gritty of what I would never do again as a bakery business side hustler. We discussed the importance of not overbooking myself, not selling wholesale, and definitely not packing up and moving my cookie business all the way across the state. The reason I shared my "Don't List" was to help you learn from my mistakes so that you don't have to learn the hard way like I did. Burnout can be all too real, and I want to spare you from that fate because, frankly, I don't want it for myself either! If you missed last week's post, make sure to check it out.

But this week, we're shifting our focus to what I would do all over again. These are the strategies that truly made a difference in my bakery business, helping me gain traction and build a loyal customer base. I'm confident that these "Do List" items can work wonders for your business too. So, without further ado, here's my Bakery Business Owner "Do List."

1. Have a Very Specific Niche:

One of the first lessons I learned on my journey as a bakery business owner was the power of having a specific niche. When I started, I legit only sold one thing. I sold custom sugar cookies …. plain vanilla custom sugar cookies… I didn’t even modify the flavors or dive into any other offerings for my entire first year in business! And at the time I didn’t know how powerful this was until I was further along in my business.

The key to success in the bakery business, as I discovered, is to specialize in something unique. It's about finding your sweet spot (pun intended) and becoming known for it. Whether it's gourmet cupcakes, artisanal bread, or hand-decorated cookies like mine, having a niche sets you apart in a crowded market.

Having a specific niche not only helps you stand out but also makes marketing and branding much more focused. You can target your ideal customers more effectively, and they will seek you out because they know you're the expert in that area. So, take the time to identify your passion and expertise, and build your bakery business around it. Trust me; it's a game-changer!

2. Go to In-Person Pop-Ups/Markets:

In today's digital age, it's easy to get caught up in the online world of e-commerce and social media. While these platforms are undoubtedly essential, especially for reaching a broader audience, there's something magical about the in-person connection you can make with your customers.

Participating in local pop-up markets, food festivals, or craft fairs can be a game-changer for your bakery business. These events offer a unique opportunity to showcase your products, engage with customers face-to-face, and build a loyal following within your community.

I remember my first pop-up market; the response was overwhelming. People not only loved my cookies but also enjoyed getting to know the face behind the brand. These events provide instant feedback and allow you to test new products or flavors. Plus, they're a fantastic way to create buzz around your bakery and establish a strong local presence.

3. Host Cookie Classes (My Favorite!):

Now, this is where things get truly exciting! Hosting cookie classes has been a game-changer for my bakery business. It's not only a fantastic source of additional income but also a way to share your passion and skills with others.

Teaching cookie classes allows you to showcase your expertise and build a community of loyal customers who admire your craft. Whether you're teaching basic decorating techniques or advanced designs, people love the opportunity to learn and have fun in the process.

Hosting classes also helps you connect with other bakers and enthusiasts, creating a network that can be valuable for collaborations and partnerships. The joy of seeing your students succeed and create beautiful cookies is incredibly rewarding and can lead to long-lasting relationships.

If you’ve been wanting to host a cookie class I have created a free guide all about hosting cookie classes you can find it here!

And if you need an idea on a what to teach & how to teach I’ve got you covered with my free class where I breakdown a seasonal cookie class theme including what cookie cutters to use, how much icing to make and last but not least step by step instructions on how to teach the theme to your students. And the best part? It’s totally free! Check it out here !

In Conclusion

So just to re-cap my Bakery Business Owner "Do List" boils down to three key strategies: having a very specific niche, participating in in-person pop-ups/markets, and hosting cookie classes. These strategies have not only helped me gain traction in my business but also helped me create deep connections in my community and honestly have brought me so much joy.

Remember, building a bakery business takes time, dedication, and a willingness to adapt. My hope for you by following these "Do List" strategies, you'll be on the path to sweet success. So, go out there, find your niche, connect with your community, and start sharing your passion for baking with the world!

And until next time….

Happy Baking !