Cakes By Elaine
Tsunoda Stylings is a Japan-based agency that strives to create successful, responsive websites that are fast, easy to use, and built with the best techniques. At Tsunoda Stylings, we search for new and experienced small business owners looking to promote their businesses without breaking the bank! Not too long after we celebrated the new year, we received a rebranding opportunity request from a newly opened bakery in Northern Ireland called Cakes By Elaine!
Let me introduce you to Elaine! The master baker behind the traditional baked goods that have people lining up out the door! Read below to learn more about her and what she plans to accomplish with their new branding with Tsunoda Stylings.
Jasmine: Tell us a little about your background and how you came up with the idea to start a cake business.
Elaine:I grew up in the countryside in Northern Ireland and spent many summer days with my grandmother in her kitchen as she made buns and traditional baked goods such as soda farls and bread. This gave me encouragement to learn more and try baking for myself. While studying for my degree in food business management, I also took a part-time course in Sugarcraft, which taught me the foundations of cake design. Fast forward to today, and I have built up a list of returning customers for my business, Cakes by Elaine, and I continue to research and learn new techniques.
Jasmine: What is your mission/company saying? How did you come up with that?
Elaine: My mission is to provide fresh, high-quality baked goods. I purchase fresh, quality ingredients and only bake 1-2 days before the customer needs their order. Each cake design is unique and hopefully puts a smile on the customer's face!
Jasmine: What is your mission/company saying? How did you come up with that?
Elaine: 'Creating relationships through food.’ I don’t remember how I came up with it, but it may be in the middle of a walk. My husband likes cooking and is a highly talented cook. Also, I love to offer delicious cuisine and to see that people are happy. We want to cherish all relationships regardless of who it is and to cherish everything.
Jasmine: What services/menu items do you offer?
Elaine: The most popular item on my list is buttercream cakes. I also offer fondant cakes, cupcakes, and desserts.
Jasmine: What is unique about Cakes By Elaine?
Elaine: Each item that I make is unique to the customer and their occasion. I never make the same cake twice.
Jasmine: Do you ever plan to expand? Nationally? Globally? If possible?
Elaine: At the moment, I am happy with working from my kitchen, but in the future, I may expand to opening a store in my area to sell freshly baked items and take orders for bespoke cakes.
Jasmine: What is the thing you enjoy most about your job?
Elaine: I really enjoy the process of baking and cake decorating. I am at peace and in my zone when I’m in my kitchen with some music on.
Jasmine: What is the most difficult? What are the biggest challenges of working in the food/catering industry?
Elaine: The biggest challenge would be keeping up to date with legislation and new trends. There are many factors to consider when baking for customers, such as food allergens, intolerances, and food safety. Trends in cake design come and go, and I am at risk of falling behind if I don’t pay attention to these.
Jasmine: What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you in regard to your business?
Elaine: My dad once told me to make sure to count all of my costs for an order- most importantly, my own time.
Jasmine: What advice would you give anyone wanting to start their own business?
Elaine: Start a spreadsheet for ingredient and materials prices. This will help you to count the total price of an order quickly. Prices will change regularly, especially at the moment! All costs need to be accounted for, or you’re effectively running a charity. People who really appreciate and understand a bespoke cake will not mind paying your price.
Jasmine: How did you find out about Tsunoda Stylings?
Elaine: I found out about Tsunoda Stylings from my friend Joyce as we went to school together in Northern Ireland and have stayed in touch ever since.
Jasmine: What are your goals for 2023?
Elaine: In 2023, my goal is to use the tools I have learned to reach a wider audience and grow my customer base.