Today we’d like to introduce you to Libby Ryan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Libby. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a single mom in 2009, my son asked me for a birthday cake that I could not afford – I YouTube a video on how to make a skateboard cake and posted my cake on Facebook. I started baking, just for friends at home, then got so busy that I had to quit my job to work on cakes full time, got licensed by the County and that is how my original business, She Makes Cakes began and then in 2015 my friend had to move unexpectedly and sold me her storefront. I switched the names, kept a bunch of the recipes and now we have expanded to two locations and ship all over the world. I have now won several awards, been on a few TV Shows, and been featured in several magazines for our work. Though we specialize in weddings because SLO is such a destination wedding area, we are most known for our Flagship Chocolate Chip Cookies and French Macarons.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been a WILD road, but pretty smooth. I have an amazing and talented staff in place and we turn out, in my opinion, the best work in our County. The only real struggles that we have were growing pains as the business really boomed for us! In addition, we for sure had to pivot our business when COVID-19 struck our county, not only have we had to reschedule close to 125 weddings for this year but we had to move to a more online presence and began offering delivery + shipping options which have now become so popular that we will probably always keep them! It has opened my eyes to how this business can really grow from this point. Our new location in Paso Robles should have already opened, but it too was pushed back because of COVID-19.
Just Baked Cake Studio & Bakery – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in weddings, from big cakes to small cakes and our dessert displays – we do just about 200 weddings per year. In addition, we are known for all of our amazing celebration cakes! We also have cult following for our Flagship Chocolate Chip Cookies French Macarons and Scones. I think what I am most proud of is my deep connection with our community – I was born in LA and we moved here when I was 10. I have been heavily involved with Youth Sports + FFA here in the community donating whenever I can to give back to those that helped me get here and helped with my kids as well. During this crazy pandemic we have also done two drive thru bake sales that were donation only so that we could help out those who couldn’t afford our stuff that were maybe struggling with bills and unemployment. I think our connection with our clients is truly something that you won’t find at every bakery — I know the clients and I know their kids. I know what they like and what they don’t like and I also know how to be more than just the neighborhood baker — I like to say that I am friends with most of my clients!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think that most would say some sort of wealth or fame here and that is totally NOT me. I feel like for me when a client reaches out to order a cake and says “Libby can do whatever she wants, its always amazing” that is what I am looking for. The fact that a client totally just trusts myself and my staff based on previous purchases or our Instagram + Facebook posts. Sure, we have a lot of awards but my client’s satisfaction means more to me than those ever will. I once received a review for our Flagship cookie and at the end, the guy literally says “I want to get a tattoo of this cookie” — that to me is success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 22720 El Camino Real #A
Santa Margarita, CA 93453
or
1803 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446 - Website: www.justbakedslo.com
- Phone: 805-242-5948
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @justbakedslo
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/justbakedslo
Image Credit:
Jenjoi Photography {Cookies in my hands}
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