Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Adler-Neufels.
Andrea, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My family and I came over from Germany in 2012 and as we are used to do in Germany I baked a lot of traditional cakes for us as a family and for friends. I saw some decorated cookies on Pinterest and fell in love with it. As a former Architect, I love to draw and create something with my hands. One of our closest friends came up with the idea to open up a Cottage Food Operation, an “in-house” bakery registered at the Health department. So, I started as Frau Schmidt Cupcakes and Dreams, never thinking about that I would create more than 2 dozen cookies and a cake per month. Within the next 1,5 years the business grow so much that it was not possible to stay in our house, so we decided to partner with “Desserts by Patrick”, a traditional French bakery that offers self-made gelato and French pastries. The perfect fit as we both work well together and support each other. We believe that the love we put in our products is seen by our customer and as we still are a small team we don´t accept a lot of orders so that we have enough time to take care of every single one in a special way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The balance between work and family is a struggle, as most of our orders are at the weekend, so I miss a lot of family time. Growing the business is also challenging, finding the right people with the same understanding of customer care and detailed work. Keeping up our good customer service.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Frau Schmidt Cakery story. Tell us more about the business.
We are specialized in custom sweets. Every cake/cookie is special to us and we create together with our customer the cake they are looking for. Tears of joy – the most rewarding reaction to our cakes, they show us that we are on the right way and that is what drives us forward. We are a small business and take care of each other like a family, our customers are included!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Getting the chance to move to the USA was amazing. Having friends and family who support you is the best luck you can have. My loving husband – he is always there with a helping hand, the right words when something not so good happens, supportive and loving. I couldn´t run the business without him at my side.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1820 S Catalina Ave
Redondo Beach, CA, 90277 - Website: www.frauschmidtcakery.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @frauschmidtcupcakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrauSchmidtCakery
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.de/biz/frau-schmidt-cakery-redondo-beach-2
Image Credit:
(Unicorn & Safari themed Birthday Cakes) – Event location: The Coop South Bay – Photos: Anita Lobsenz
Sweet Table – small rustic themed – Photos: Cuckoo’s Nest West // @cuckoosnestwest
