Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Stoner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jenn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was living in Berlin, Germany for work several years ago (I have a career in advertising as a Creative Director) when I was first introduced to chocolate covered rice cakes. Immediately I thought, “What a great idea to use the rice cake a platform for flavors. What if we take this one step further and craft creative and tasty toppings, kinda like a gluten free, lower calorie alternative to cupcakes?” Well, four years, three cities and two daughters later, I finally pursued this.
I started off in Farmers Markets about a year ago, then sold in Smorgasburg LA. Then I quickly realized that retail and coffee shops were the next step to really start to make an impact in the snack game. I started pounding the pavement since and now have about 20 retail locations around Los Angeles, in New York and in Canada.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
OMG No. At first it was packaging: my heat seal was coming undone so I had to fix that. Next it was the heat: my cakes quickly melt in the sun or when it’s too hot, which is why I switched out of Smorgasburg once the summer months started. Once I started in retail, it was tough. New brands need several store demos, otherwise they’ll just sit on the shelf! Also, not everyone (grocery buyers) understand the vision or thinks rice cakes are a viable mainstream snack. I will say, once everyone tries my products they love them — which is what keeps me going!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cake Bams – what should we know?
Cake Bams are organic brown rice cakes topped with “healthyish frostings” ranging from vegan dark chocolate and sea salt to birthday cake (made with Greek yogurt and organic strawberry”) The whole idea is healthier, lighter alternative to cupcakes and cookies. Or the world’s most delicious rice cakes. 🙂
All of them are naturally gluten free, too.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband has certainly been my biggest supporter. He was previously an entrepreneur, so has a ton of insights into how to grow a business, plus gets me through the emotional ups and downs. He’s also supported us financially while I focus my time and resources on the business. We also have two small daughters (ages 1 1/2 and 3 1/2), so after he works long hours all week and solo parenting on the weekends. Sometimes I feel so bad! Otherwise I’ve had some great support, advice and words of encouragement, from buyers at some of my stores, namely Urban Radish, Vintage Grocers and Mrs. Winstons Green Grocery. I’ve also met so many amazing fellow entrepreneurs at Smorgasburg and the various markets like Artisanal LA and Cookie Con, so hearing their stories and tips have been invaluable.
Lastly, I’m suuuper lucky that I’ve been able to do Pop-Ups at Williams Sonoma around LA (Thank you, Brooke!) The staff and customers there have been so great.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cakebams.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakebams/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cakebams
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cakebams
Image Credit:
Alan De Herrera
Kseniya White
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