Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryann Walgren.
Hi Ryann, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My grandma baked all of our birthday cakes and wedding cakes for friends and family; I always loved her creativity and slowly developed my sweet tooth. I graduated from Truman State University with two bachelor’s degrees (English and German) and baked a lot through school for my sorority and friends. After graduation, I decided to start baking for extra income and sold my cakes and cupcakes to friends and family, soon the referrals started coming in as well. I realized my passion was for baking and creating delicious and beautiful desserts to wow people. I started baking more regularly at home July 2020, created my website and logo with help from one of my childhood friends Emily Wildenhaus who works with logos and websites professionally, and now I bake about 3 orders or more a week while working at my day job. I tried the culinary school route but quickly realized I could learn anything through a faster and cheaper mentor- YouTube.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth journey. I am constantly faced with self-doubts about my abilities and choice, but even professional bakers on the TV shows experience a few mishaps and failures as they try/learn new techniques. I also have unsupportive loved ones who want me to choose an easier and more normal career path with a steady and stable job. But why choose to be normal working at a windowless cubicle 9 am-5 pm when you could be artistic and get paid for your talents creating one-of-a-kind tasty creations? Seeing the child’s face light up when they see their special cake made and designed just for them, makes every struggle and all-nighter worth it in the end.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I bake custom cakes and cupcakes. My specialty is sculpted cakes like making 3D roosters or 3D fruits like pineapples or apples. I’ve sold at least 5 rooster/chicken cakes, and over 50 apples and pumpkins. Flavor-wise I love creating boozy cakes for 21st birthdays like salted caramel bourbon, chocaholic liqueur, and strawberry tequila.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Always be prepared to reschedule an order, people get sick and parties get canceled, it’s not their fault and they did not want their grandma to fall ill.
Contact Info:
- Email: ryann.pbakery@gmail.com
- Website: www.bakedbyryann.com
- Instagram: @bakedbyryann
- Facebook: BAKED by Ryann
