CAKENETWORK

Hello Lovelies....

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend. 

I recently joined a group on whats app called CAKENETWORK. It is a group where tips, and advise is shared to encourage individuals with a passion for cake baking and decoration. We had our first competition recently and the winner got some fantastic gift. CAKENETWORK is an initiative of BAKEUHAPPY Owerri. 

If you are interested in joining the group all you need to do is send an invite to this number 08026555999 and the admin will add you up. Feel free to participate in the discussions that come up and you can also get fantastic discounts on the group. 

Read here and here for more information about the Network and update about competitions.

Have a Caketastic day...

xoxo..

HOW TO 102: COCONUT CUPCAKES

Hello Lovelies,

I will be sharing with you my recipe on how to make coconut cupcakes. I am working on getting a suitable location so I can make videos, so keep your fingers crossed. 

This recipe will make up to 12 cupcakes. You will need:

Ingredients

Flour- 200g

Sugar- 150g (I try to reduce the sugar for my cakes)

Butter- 200g
Baking powder- 1 teaspoon
Salt- a pinch

Eggs- 2
Coconut Extract- 1/2teaspoon

Milk- 2tablespoons (optional)

Shredded coconut-  100g

Utensils
Cupcake baking tray

Cupcake cases

Spatula

Mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)

Mixing bowl

Prep time: 30-45mins
Bake time: 20-25mins

Step 1

Put the sugar and butter in the mixer and turn on 

Measure out the remaining dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and set aside while the butter and sugar is mixing.

Step 2

Separate the egg white from the yolk into a bowl (this is to give the cupcake extra fluffiness ), beat the egg white until soft peek.

Add the egg yolk and coconut extract to the butter and sugar and continue mixing until light and fluffy.

Step 3

Once the sugar, butter and yolk has reached the desired fluffiness, gradually add the flour and shredded coconut. After the batter has been well incorporated, fold in the egg white. NOTE: do not over mix. 

Put your cupcake cases into the cupcake baking tray and with an ice cream scoop, scoop your batter into the cupcake cases.

Step 4

Bake in the over for 20-25 mins at 180 degrees

You can decorate your freshly baked coconut cupcakes with any decoration of choice. I have done mine with butter cream frosting and fondant stars. You can click here for my recipe on how to make butter cream frosting.

Enjoy and have a Caketastic weekend..

xoxo..

PRICING YOUR CAKES

Hello Lovelies,

Hope we are all doing well and caking as usual.

Today's discussion is about how to price your baked goodies. I recently joined a group on whatsapp called the Cake Network (an Initiative of BakeUHappy, Owerri) and I posted a picture of wedding cake I made recently and the issue of pricing your cakes came up so I thought I should share my thought about it.

Pricing is an aspect of business people tend to struggle with. It could be due to the fear of loosing customers or afraid of comments about how expensive your product is and how they could get it cheaper else where, the list goes on and on and on. 

Know your Cost
This is a very important factor that you need to consider when pricing your cakes. There are a number of things that needs to be considered before you put a price on your cakes (or any baked goodies you offer), this is where you get out your receipts, a pen, paper and calculator to know what you will spend to make a cake.

• Ingredients:  flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, chocolate, vanilla and other specialty ingredients etc.
• Baking supplies/equipment: mixer, oven, tables, cooling racks, pans, bowls, food coloring, luster dusts, fondant, tools, boxes, cake stands, cake boards, dowel etc.
• Overhead: rent, utilities, business cards, posters, office supplies, computer
• Delivery: gas, wear and tear on your car, your time
• Time: Set a salary for yourself and charge accordingly, you need to also be compensated for the time spent in creating your products.

Just a Cake
As a cake maker, you will hear this a lot from your customers "i can't pay that amount for just a cake". Dear customers, it is not just a cake, it is the center piece of your event, be it wedding, birthdays, house-warming, anniversary, christening etc. Your cake will be seen and talked about by your guest. Customs cakes cost more than basic cakes this is because of the design, time, ingredients and equipment that will be needed to create that unique cake that will be specific for your event.

Supermarket cake/ Bakery shop cake
Never compare your cakes with store bought cakes.  When your are pricing your cakes, do not compare your price with the supermarket cakes. What you need to know is that most of this supermarket cakes have been baked in mass production and frozen for weeks or months however your cakes are freshly baked to the customers request.

Location
In pricing your cakes, your location needs to be factored into the price. This is because the cost of supplies, ingredients may vary depending on your locality. For example, if you live in Lagos but stay around Agbado/Ijaye or Surulere, the cost of supply/ingredient will be different.

Competitor
Do not under price your cakes because you want to win over your competitors customers. That is not an healthy way to do business. You don't know why the competitors price is set that way, thus you need to factor your own pricing.

I hope this help has been helpful. Please feel free to drop your comment or questions. 

Have a Caketastic day...

xoxo...

RUNNING A CAKE BUSINESS FROM HOME

Hello Lovelies,

Hope your week has been going great so far....

Todays post is on running a cake business from home successfully.

I have been running my cake business from home for the past 2 years now and I most say it has been exciting, although it comes with its own challenges.

If your family and friends crave for your baked goodies , you might want to consider selling your baked goodies but you can start from Home. All you need is a Business plan, a Budget and your Market.

Business Registration and Business Name

Register your business and create a business name. Yes, this is very necessary for your business. You need to compile with the law and also create a name that people will associate with your brand. If you will be making cakes to sell at your local supermarket, you need to familiarize yourself with NAFDAC laws and get a licence as well. 

Specialty

Select a niche. Let your customers know your niche. Are you going to specialize in making children's birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cupcakes or general confectioneries? This will help you create a target market profile that will help you think of ideas to promote your business.

Work space and setup

In a much as you will be working from home, you need to create a work space. Setup an area strictly for your cake baking and decoration jobs. Keep your work space tidy always, remember cakes is food and you don't want to contaminate what your customers will eat.

Menu and Flavour

Create a menu/flavour that includes the types of cakes you plan to market and your pricing. Include instructions for placing orders at the bottom of the form, along with your email address and phone number.

Suppliers

Search for supplies, ingredients and equipment to get your home cake business started. Buy ingredients and supplies in bulk if you plan to take a large number of orders each week.

Advertising and Marketing

Get you business known by advertising on social network (create a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter account). Create a logo that is unique to your business using colors that will catch the eye of customers. Print your business cards and hand bills that can be used to promote your baking services. If you have the capital, you can create a website that will carry your business name, contact information, baked goods offered, ingredients, turnaround time for orders and instructions for placing orders etc.

Participation

Always participate in cake related events. You can sign up for a booth or table at these events to sell your baked goods and to generate a customer base for your business. Offer samples and give passerby's a business card and flier for future orders.

You can also read http://www.cakeboss.com/Cake-Stuff/Articles/How-To-Start-A-Cake-Business-From-Home

I hope this will help someone's decision today.

Have a Caketastic day..

xoxo...

STARTING A CAKE BUSINESS

Hello Lovelies,

Hope you are all doing good????

Today's post is sharing with you how to start a cake business.

"If making cakes is your calling, you may want to consider starting a cake business". Meredith Dault

Before I started my cake business, I used to find myself drooling over cakes online and watching cake shows "cake boss" every time. I found myself day dreaming of when I would be able to create a piece of art like what I see and people will appreciate. Read my story here.

Often time, I tell people that cake making is not a business you stumble into, you need to have a PASSION for it because it won't feel like work however if it is something you just decided to do without any flair for it, the business will struggle.

Here are a few tips that should help anyone decide on how to start a cake business.

• Passion: Before you consider starting a cake business, you need to have a zeal in cake making and decorating. The cake has to be on point,it has to be delicious. I remember went I started baking, the first cake I baked came out like pancake but that did not deter me from practicing. I practiced hard until I perfected my baking skills. I challenge myself by trying new things and seek for peoples opinion a lot when I do something new. There are a lot of caking making classes that can hone your skills if you are still struggling. Check here or here or here 

• Cost of setup: Starting a cake business isn't a joke. There is so much to it. It a business that you continue to invest in, by buying specialized equipment to finding a suitable work space for the business. It is also important to consider the cost of ingredients when you are setting the cost of your cakes and remember to set a wage (salary) for yourself. Most times, I put my wage back into the business at the end of the day as an investment.

• Create a Specialty: Before you start your cake business know your specialty. Do you want to specialize in wedding cakes, celebration cakes, novelty cakes or just confectioneries. Your business needs to be tailored towards your specialty. When I decided to start my cake business, I knew I was going to specialize in wedding cakes and novelty cakes, (however make sure you have an idea of everything cake making and decorating) so what I do is network with brides, mothers, event planners/coordinators etc. 

• Never under-sell yourself: No matter what, never sell yourself short in business. The time and effort you put in making and beautifying a cake shouldn't be undervalued. When I started my cake business, I remember I used to say "it's not about the profit for now, I need to build my client base" hmmm... that came back to bite me where it pains the most because this same customer's you were trying to please will question you when you start to charge (the original price) for your cakes.

• Marketing: SELL SELL SELL your business. Any opportunity you have, make sure you put a word in about your business. Thank God for social media, the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. take advantage of these channel to promote your business. You can also participate in cake events or exhibitions in your state e.g. WED Expo, Kogsy Sugarcraft Exhibition etc.

I hope someone has benefited from this post. Stay tuned for my next post on Running a Cake Business from Home.

Have a Caketastic week..

xoxo.

RANT 102

Hello Lovelies,

Pardon me cos I have come to RANT....

Why can't employees be truthful in dealing with their boss. I mean it is annoying, very annoying, and the worst part is when they get caught, the lie they come up with is EPIC.

So I caught my staff stealing my cutters for cake decorating. There my cutter was, right in her purse... and then I asked her, what are these cutters doing in your purse and then she goes.... I was going to tell you, I need it to decorate my birthday cake at home. Am like what????? you were going to ask me but already put it in your purse. Abi, shey na me dey mistake say, you will ask before you take ba.

Anyway, she didn't get fired... well not after her whole family don call me taya to beg.....

Have you caught a staff stealing from you before...please share your experience.

Have a Caketastic Week....

xoxo...

TRADITIONAL AND RECEPTION CAKES

Hello Lovelies,

How has your week been?? am sure we all are looking forward to the Holidaysss... sobs... am working on Monday though :( Wondering why??? I have a paid job and also run a cake business. Not easy but God has been my help and have got wonderful family and friends who encourage and support me 100%...Love them so much...muahh.

So this post is to show you the traditional and wedding cakes have done so far...not much but I love every minute I spent in making them look as pretty as the customer wanted. Enjoy...

To place an order email yelashcakes@gmail.com or call 08188636751.

Have a Caketastic day...

xoxo...

CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING CAKE/BAKER

Hello Lovelies,

Am sure we all enjoyed the holidaysss....

This post is for brides that do not have an idea on how to decide on their wedding cake. Often times I come across brides that have no idea on what they want for their wedding cake. In Nigeria, we believe the usual standard of wedding cake is to have 3 tiers or more (one for the couple, bride's parents and groom's parents). I wonder who came up with that myth but that has been the norm in our society today.

When choosing a wedding cake, a bride should consider the following:

• The Design/Color: Brides should know the design and color they want their cake to be. I personally love working on white cakes (my opinion) however a bride can decide to have the enter cake in the color of the event.

• Know your Baker: This is highly recommended. Do a research, look for bakers that you feel can work with your design. After you may have done your research, narrow your search down to 3 bakers you who want to handle your wedding cake, contact them to book a meeting (which most brides don't do). If you can't meet up with the baker, send your sister or a close friend you can trust to pick the best. Brides may also consider a baker via referral (referral is mostly practiced in Nigeria).

• Budget: Set a budget for your wedding cake. This is highly advised. However do not set unrealistic budget. Do not go to your baker with an elaborate cake idea with a budget for a 10 inch birthday cake. That's a no no....

• Flavor: Wedding cakes in Nigeria are usually fruit cakes covered with fondant icing and this is because they keep well due to our kind of weather. Brides are changing things up now by asking for sponge cakes rather than the norm however most bakers will recommend fruit cakes because it can be baked weeks before the wedding to allow time for decorating. But for sponge cakes, this has to be baked a day to the event which puts a strain on the baker.

• Take Notes: Whenever you discuss with your baker, always take notes so that you have records of the things you and your baker has agreed on.

• Secure your Date: After you have found your baker, discussed and agreed on the color/design and price, you need to secure your date with a Deposit. This should not come has a surprise when you are asked for a deposit from your baker. Paying a deposit shows a commitment which the baker has to fulfill and you know your cake will be ready or your big day (however balance is usually required 2 weeks to your wedding).

• Communicate: Do not stop communicating during and after you have chosen your baker. Make calls or send emails If you have any concerns or issues; it is always good to inform your baker in good time to avoid an itch free transaction.

There are a few more things that you need to consider however in my own opinion , I think the ones listed above should take priority when choosing a wedding cake/baker. I hope this helps every bride.

Have a Caketastic week...

xoxo...

MY LOVE FOR CUPCAKEsssssss

Hello Lovelies,

Anyone that knows me well will know I have a special thing for cupcakes. Cupcakes are very easy and pretty straight forward to bake, any amateur could bake and decorate a decent cupcake.

This post is all about my cupcakes. Here are a few pictures on cupcakes I have made so far... Enjoy. Click here for cupcakes recipe.

To order send an email to yelashcakes@gmail.com or call 08188636751

Have a Caketatsic day...

xoxo...

WEDDING CAKE DISASTER

Hello Lovelies,

Hope you are having a great week.

Today's post I will be sharing my wedding cake disaster just to encourage any beginner or a cakie person who is still struggling to find a balance in this business.

It all happened when I got a call from the bride's mother-in-law. She had received a fruit cake from my sister-in-law during the Christmas celebrating and immediately fell in Love with my cakes. She arranged an appointment with me and after our meeting she booked me for the big day. I got a call few days after from the Bride who happened to be someone I knew back in Uni. We exchanged thoughts and designs on what she wanted for her day and I was so much excited about making this cake.

Fast-forward to the wedding day, I got to the hall in good time to set up the cake but before we got to the hall, my assistant noticed a slight issue with one of the tier which occurred during transportation. It was something we could fix at the venue so I wasn't worried about it. So we setup the cake, took a few photos and waited about an hour to be sure that the cake had good balance then we left to meet up another delivery for the day. After about 30mins, I got a call from the event decorator...hello is this yelashcakes, your cake has fallen oooo, come back to the hall now and see it.. Errrmmmm, WHAT WHAT, how did that happen bla bla bla bla bla bla bla. Immediately jumped into the car and back to the hall I was. As I entered, I saw 3 tier still standing however the top cake which I had used a seperator to divide had fallen. I was heartbroken, all I could think of was the Bride, she won't be happy with this. There was nothing I could do to salvage the top teir, it was badly smashed that we had to bin it. I said to my assistant, no time to brood, lets figure how to make this 3 tier look good, so we took some roses out and used it to form a bouquet to seat on the top of the 3 tier cake. This time I instructed my assistant to stay in the hall until the event starts proper so she can guard the cake.

Lessons I took away from this cakie disaster: 

• Always arrange with the bride to have someone watch over the cake at the reception. Anyone could have hit the cake table (not intentionally) but I wasn't there to confirm that and nobody owned up to it.
• Always take photos of your cakes after setup. This was my saving grace as I had evidence of the cake standing before leaving the hall.

Here is a picture of the cake

The top part fell off so we had to work with the 3 tier alone.

We all have our fair share of disaster, no business can boast of disaster free, be it wedding cake, celebration cakes, pastries etc... It is our ability to come back from the disaster with a BANG that sets up apart from the lot. As long as you enjoy doing what you do, Keep Believing that your best is yet to come.

Have a Caketastic day...

xoxo..

CAKETASTIC JUNE

Hello Lovelies,

How have you been.... Yea I know I went awol again but am back...hehehehehe

The month of June was month of so many celebrations. I mean some of my Fabulous friends celebrated their Birthdays in June. It was a busy busy busy cakie month for me as i had so many orders lined up ranging from birthday cakes to wedding cakes to wedding desserts..whew..... However I enjoyed every moment I had decorating this cakes. Here are few cakes I did...Enjoy.

To make an order send an email to yelashcakes@gmail.com or call 08188636751

Have a Caketastic day....

xoxo...