Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Buxbaum.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sarah. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I went to SDSU and studied Business Management and Entrepreneurship, but didn’t know exactly what kind of business I wanted to have. After graduating, I worked in the Food and Beverage industry from serving to management, but fate is ultimately what ended up directing me to start this business.
It was a very low point in my life after a previous business opportunity fell apart. I was left with an empty bank account and a strong desire not to go back to corporate life. I decided since I literally had nothing to lose, now was the time to make my dream come true. (I know, many people wouldn’t agree with this, and I heard the criticism daily, but it made me work even harder.)
There were a ton of bills I needed to pay, so not selling cupcakes wasn’t an option. The week I got my business license, kitchen permits, and insurance, I had $6 left in my bank account. It was a high and a low all at once.
Not only did I need funds to run this, but I had previous responsibilities. I drove for Uber to make ends meet until business picked up. I hated it, so it was extremely motivating not to have to do that anymore. I learned everything I could about social media, web design, marketing, branding, networking groups, and just started putting myself out there.
Now after three years, I love sharing my story and the power of being broke. I hope to inspire other entrepreneurs who have a dream, and maybe not the most ideal situation to make it come true. Looking back, I’m actually glad I had nothing when I started. I value every single client as much now as I did when they took a chance on me when I needed them the most at the beginning.
With a lot of experience in allergen-friendly food, it was very important to also develop delicious gluten-free products that everyone could enjoy, not just those who couldn’t eat certain foods. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at age 18 and have since faced many other health challenges that led to a wide range of crazy diets and medications. Cupcakes have always been a steady positive light at the end of everything. I love catering to the general public, but also those with dietary restrictions who used to have to miss out on birthday cake!
Has it been a smooth road?
I definitely wouldn’t describe my journey as smooth. The challenges keep it interesting and make the victories even better to celebrate! No two days are alike, and I think that keeps me motivated to learn every nook and cranny of building a successful business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Celebrate with Sarah is a custom dessert catering business. I specialize in dessert tables for occasions ranging from birthdays and weddings to corporate events, grazing boards, and all kinds of bite-size desserts. I am known for incorporating edible flowers on my dessert, as well as offering almost every flavor in not only a traditional version, but also gluten-free, and/or vegan.
One special event that I do monthly is a Craft Beer and Cupcake (and sometimes donut!) Pairing at 14 Cannons. It takes place on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, and tickets can be purchased online. It gives me an opportunity to be very creative since every month we feature four brand new pairings!
One of my proudest accomplishments was being an Emerging Leader Finalist for eWomen Network. I was chosen to go to a national conference as a leader in my community and being a business owner under the age of 30. It was an amazing opportunity to learn from some amazing and very successful women.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is a great city for specialized businesses! People in our area like to support small businesses and appreciate fresh, local, and high-quality food. It’s a lot of work to stand out amongst the crowd, but the demand is definitely there.
Pricing:
- Dessert Grazing Boards: Range from $135-$275
- Monthly Craft Beer and Cupcake/Donut Pairing: $20
- Dessert Tables: Please contact for specific pricing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CelebratewithSarah.com
- Phone: 805-279-2798
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/CelebratewithSarah
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CelebratewithSarahLA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/celebrate-with-sarah-thousand-oaks
Image Credit:
Nicole Henshaw Photography, Christy Kendall Photography, Christyna Lovell Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
