Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Garcia
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was heavily influenced in my baking by my father who was a confectionist in Europe. I watched him make intricate cakes and pastry in our home.
I had always made baked goods growing up but never had a feeling I could do something significant with them until I met my husband. We started dating, I would bring him goodies and he encouraged me to start posting them on Instagram. After about a year of making cakes for family and friends, I dove into more education on baking, design, and started to build my own recipes. I invested my time and energy to make my small business grow.
My love for unique flavors and trying to find a style lead me to where I am now. AfterFloursCakes is a pun to the time I spend in my bakes: after hours. I still work another full time job throughout the week but my passion for baking and offering beautiful cakes keeps me busy in the evenings and every weekend. My passion is for hand-piped buttercream cakes for special occasions or just because. I find my customers know what they want and I am so encouraged that I have repeat customers who come back to me for each milestone of their journey. It makes a beautiful story when I get to look back on the special cakes I make for each one.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a small business has not been a smooth road. The challenges you face can vary by experience, but mine depend on the season. It can be busy one month, the next it can taper. Because I only offer during limited times, I know I can “miss out” on opportunities but it has helped me hone in on my specific niche.
I did go full time at one point, during the pandemic, and that made it a struggle in its own. I know not every path is perfect but I am grateful for the customers I have and love the pace I am growing in.
As you know, we’re big fans of AfterFloursCakes. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
AfterFloursCakes is an after hours (after 8-5) specialty cottage cake business, women-owned and operated by me! I work solo, out of my house.
I specialize in buttercream cakes with unique, hand-piped designs for all sorts of special occasions. What I am most proud of in my brand is the ability to take someone’s inspiration and create a one-of-a-kind cake for their event.
My cake recipes are all developed by me and are reminiscent of my European heritage. My flavor profiles offer a balance of sweet and savory, not too sweet to the taste and can fit anyone’s tastebuds. There is something for everyone on my menu.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I love making cake and pastry, it brings me joy and I get to share it not only with my community but with my family. They are my reason for working so hard in my small business and in life. They inspire me to be a better baker, mom, and wife.
Pricing:
- All pricing is unique and offering via consultation for your unique needs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterflourscakes/
