Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Williams.
Hi Autumn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I discovered my love and gift for baking back in 10th grade. It all started with selling Cookies and Cream Oreo brownies to my friends at school. Those quickly became a hit. My family jumped in to support me, and through word of mouth, I started getting more and more orders. One of my favorite early memories is when my grandfather helped me land my first big catering gig; I baked five 10” cheesecakes, each a different flavor. It was A LOT, but I loved every second of it.
When COVID hit, I pressed pause like many others. People were understandably cautious of getting food from others’ around that time, and I wanted to respect that. But once I started at Texas State University in 2021, I relaunched my business with a fresh energy. I started building connections with fellow students and people in the local community, sharing desserts like custom cakes and (my famous) banana pudding. Baking became more than just a hustle; it was a way to meet people and share a part of myself through something I genuinely love doing.
In August 2024, I got married and made the move to San Antonio, TX, where I brought both my life and business. These days, I specialize in bento cake boxes, custom cakes, and cupcakes… and I’m still just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been all smooth sailing, though. There have been plenty of challenges along the way. It can get overwhelming, especially since I’m a one-woman show doing all the baking myself. And don’t even get me started on the price of eggs constantly going up (seriously, why?). But even when things feel stressful or exhausting, I always try to come back to my “why.” I started this to connect with people and share something I love, and that’s what keeps me going. On the hardest days, just seeing a finished product I’m proud of (or getting a message from someone who loved what I made), reminds me that it’s all worth it.
We’ve been impressed with The Sugar Layer, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is all about creating sweet moments—literally. I specialize in custom cakes, bento cake boxes, and cupcakes that not only look good but taste amazing too. But more than that, I’m big on creating a full experience for my customers. I’m not just here to sell a dessert; I’m here to connect with people and bring something meaningful to their special moments.
What sets me apart is my commitment to quality and service. I pour my heart into every order, no matter how big or small. I don’t believe in cutting corners or doing the bare minimum just to get something out the door. I want every person who supports my business to feel like they got something that was made with care, intention, and love.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that people often tell me they come back not just for the desserts, but for the relatability, the energy, and the person behind it all. That means everything to me. I want readers to know that when they support my business, they’re not just getting a product; they’re getting a little piece of me, and hopefully something that makes their day a little sweeter.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on this journey is to never undervalue myself or my work. In the beginning, I used to worry that if my prices were “too high,” people wouldn’t want to order from me. But over time, I realized that not everyone is my client, and that’s totally okay. The people who truly see the value in what I create will be more than willing to support it.
Undervaluing myself only ended up hurting me, both financially and mentally. It made it hard to grow, to stay motivated, and to reinvest in my business the way I needed to. But when I started charging what my work was really worth (considering the time, effort, and creativity that goes into each order), it changed everything. It allowed me to focus on quality, longevity, and building something sustainable. And honestly, it just feels good to stand in my worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/the-sugar-layer
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesugarlayer?igsh=MXExZXZkN3VoZ3Excw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G5ufguVNE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
