Today we’d like to introduce you to Soumi De.
Hi Soumi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started with baking a cake for my son’s birthday and starting from his 1st birthday. It was a simple cake with limited tools, zero knowledge, and skill, but full of passion. This sparked a tradition of baking a themed cake for my son each birthday. Most or many moms do, in some shape and form. The difference was it was based on themes. As the boy grew older, his interests and passions changed, and he would give me themes for each birthday cake – from fire trucks to sharks. And with each passing year, the cakes improved in taste and appearance. I found the passion deep within, and it helped me to improve my baking skills. It moved from my son’s birthday to my husband’s birthday, our anniversary – small celebrations of our little cozy life.
Soon, the tradition expanded beyond the family. I realized I wanted to do more when we moved to St Louis. That deep-down passion crept up. I started making theme-based cakes for other kids—mainly my friends or my son’s friends. Initially free of charge, they started offering payment themselves as those were good. Suddenly I became “Cake Queen” in my small Indian community of St Louis. With my passion now ignited, I opened a business wholly owned and operated by me. Sweet Street Bakery was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While I am confident in my abilities as a skilled baker and cake designer, I have encountered challenges in the business aspects of my enterprise. One such challenge has been understanding the intricacies of financial management, including estimating expenses and setting appropriate pricing. Balancing the costs of ingredients, equipment, and overhead with competitive pricing can be a delicate balance. I have had to educate myself on sound financial principles to ensure my business remains profitable. Additionally, managing a high volume of orders can be challenging as a one-woman show. Efficient operations management, including scheduling, inventory management, and time management, has been critical to ensuring that I meet the demands of my customers without sacrificing the quality of my products or the service I provide. Despite these challenges, I am committed to learning and growing as a business owner. Through trial and error and seeking mentorship and guidance from more experienced entrepreneurs, I have overcome obstacles and continue building a successful business.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a professional baker, I specialize in crafting a wide range of cakes catering to various tastes and dietary needs. From classic favorites such as chocolate cake, Black Forest, and Red Velvet to gluten-free and allergy-friendly options, I strive to create delicious and visually stunning cakes that meet all my clients’ needs.
My passion for baking began as a hobby, making cakes for my friends, family, and community. Over time, my skills and reputation as a cake designer grew, and I am proud to have built my own business. I am grateful for the support of my loyal customers, family, and friends, who have helped me to grow and succeed.
As a professional baker, I am committed to using only the finest quality ingredients and employing expert techniques to create cakes that are not only beautiful but also delicious. In summary, my cakes are highly detailed and neatly made, reflecting my dedication to excellence and passion for creating beautiful and delicious works of art. I take pride in every cake I create and find joy in making them. But the fulfillment comes from the satisfaction of my customers. Whether for a special occasion or just a simple treat, I am dedicated to making every cake a memorable and delightful experience for my clients.
What do you think about luck?
As a professional, I recognize that while hard work and dedication are undoubtedly essential ingredients for success, the role of luck cannot be overlooked. Luck can play a significant role in determining one’s success, and I am grateful for the lucky breaks that have come my way throughout my journey. Despite my best efforts, there have been times when luck has played a critical role in my success. For example, I was fortunate enough to have supportive family and friends who encouraged me to pursue my passion for baking and provided me with the resources and opportunities to do so. Additionally, there have been instances where luck has played a role in my business’s success. For instance, I may have been in the right place at the right time to present my creativity to others who could recognize my talent. I am grateful for the role that luck has played in my success, and I recognize that without it, I may not have achieved the level of success that I have today. However, hard work and dedication are essential components of success. I remain committed to continuing to work hard to achieve my goals, regardless of luck’s role.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetstreetbakerymo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetstreetbakerymo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Sweet-Street-Bakery-105139081571404/
