Photo borrowed from here
Ah, the gateau - the beginning of my cake decorating journey! As a shy 17 year old working at a supermarket part-time during my first year of study, I was offered the opportunity to take up a position as a Shop Assistant at a French Bakery in Dunedin.
As it was my first foray into the hospitality industry I was completely useless for a start, but after a while I figured it out and began to really enjoy it! I progressed from Shop Assistant, to Saturday Manager and Assistant Cake Decorator, churning out gateau's as fast as I could go on the weekends. I loved that job so much, but after the business changed hands the original staff were pushed out of their positions by the new owners so it was time to leave.
I mention all this as I am considering furthering my own little cake decorating adventure. There are monthly markets down here in Invercargill I'm thinking about signing up for, where I can sell cupcakes and have brochures and information on my cake decorating. I thought I could make some cake toppers and gumpaste flowers to have on my table as examples of what I can make as well.
What do you think? Do you have any advice for me? I've never sold anything at a market before, so what preparation should I do? Any thoughts on advertising, promotion, products to sell??
I have no idea about markets etc sorry but I say go for it!! x
ReplyDeletego for it girl!
ReplyDeleteThat's such a great idea! If I was anywhere near you i'd totally come and support you by buying one! :D
ReplyDeletethat's an awesome idea! im sure big laura would give you some ideas from when she used to have her jewellery stall :)
ReplyDeletesomething that has started coming out here recently are 'cake pops' - they're kinda like a lollypop but with a ball of cake on the top, see:
http://www.starbucks.com/blog/the-inside-scoop-on-cake-pops
i'm sure you could make some cute ones!
Go for it!! I have sold my crafts before - advice I have is:
ReplyDelete1) Take a friend with you - it can get lonely (plus you need to go to the toilet sometime!)
2) Have a pretty table cloth and decorate the table if you can
3) SMILE! :D
I am sure you will do great - take loads of photos!
I have no advice except go for it.
ReplyDeleteAnd do as much homework as you can.
If you have a dream, follow it.
beks xx
Thanks Sarah, Carrie, beks and Jen!! :) Laura - I'm investigating cake pops right now! They're really easy think I might have to give it a go :) i was thinking of asking big laura too :) trees - thanks for the tips! True, I will need someone to mind the stall at times, maybe someone in my cake decorating club will help :) Plus yes to gelato at the waterfront!
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna try do one before Christmas, otherwise early next year. Plenty of time to plan!
Kc
Inquire about their requirements first! A friend of mine wanted to do the exact same thing but then found out that to have a stall at the farmers market, you need to have a kitchen that is certified as professional or industrial or some such thing because you are officially selling a food product to the general public.
ReplyDeleteYes Maria I've heard of that before too! :( it's so annoying, I think if you have completed the required standards then you should be all good to go but some places are really strict :p I hope that doesn't apply!!
ReplyDeleteKc
I know nothing about making cakes and marketing, but this sounds exciting! hmmm, maybe u can take photos of your cakes too and have an online catalogue? You can do it!
ReplyDeleteFang Ting
ftashion
oh you should definitely do it! i say just follow your heart and take a risk ad go for it.
ReplyDeletei'd love it if you would do a guest recipe post with pics for my blog tea party? would you be interested?
xx