Podcast Summary: Baking For Business Podcast - Episode #94: Celebrating 5 Figure Months With Baked By Caryn
Host: Chef Amanda Schonberg
Guest: Karen Lee, Owner and Founder of Baked by Karen, Kentucky
Release Date: January 16, 2025
1. Introduction to Karen Lee and Her Baking Journey
Chef Amanda Schonberg opens the episode by introducing Karen Lee, the passionate owner of Baked by Karen in Kentucky. Karen is celebrated not only for her exquisite wedding cake designs but also for her versatile creations, including cupcakes and gluten-free offerings. Karen’s journey is rooted in a deep love for baking, which began in her childhood.
Notable Quote:
Karen Lee [01:45]: "Growing up, I loved making cake mixes with my mom and being in the food world. I pursued a baking and pastry arts degree to understand the science behind everything."
2. Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: Overcoming Challenges
Karen shares her transition from working in various bakeries for nearly a decade to launching her own business in 2020. The unexpected job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for her entrepreneurial venture. This period of uncertainty pushed her to reassess her career path and eventually embrace cake decorating as her passion.
Notable Quote:
Karen Lee [02:45]: "If I can work for someone else doing that much hard work, why can't I do that for myself?"
3. Gaining Traction in the Wedding Cake Industry
Navigating a saturated market, Karen found success through strategic participation in wedding expos and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals. Her dedication to creating edible and visually appealing wedding cakes set her apart, ensuring that her creations were not only admired but also enjoyed by clients.
Notable Quote:
Karen Lee [04:34]: "People actually eat their cake, which is the biggest thing my clients enjoy."
4. Diversification Through Gluten-Free Offerings
Karen’s personal experience with gluten sensitivity prompted her to introduce gluten-free products. This diversification not only catered to a broader audience but also reinforced her reputation for inclusivity and quality. Implementing strict measures to prevent cross-contamination, Karen successfully expanded her product line to include pastries and baked goods available in local health food stores and coffee shops.
Notable Quote:
Karen Lee [10:52]: "Gluten-free products come with a higher price, but people love the fact that they can now be included."
5. Joining the Entrepreneur Community: A Game Changer
Feeling isolated in her early entrepreneurial days, Karen discovered Chef Amanda Schonberg’s podcast and the Entrepreneur Community. This supportive network provided her with invaluable insights, mentorship, and a sense of belonging, which proved instrumental in scaling her business.
Notable Quote:
Karen Lee [15:15]: "Joining your entrepreneur group has been so insightful and just golden nugget after golden nugget... It is absolutely just an invaluable community."
6. Achieving Five-Figure Months: An Unexpected Success
In December of the previous year, Karen celebrated her first five-figure month, which was a milestone achieved not through wedding cakes but through volume sales of cookie platters. This success underscored the importance of diversifying revenue streams and tapping into corporate clients for bulk orders.
Notable Quote:
Karen Lee [21:43]: "I had a company that had been buying from me for the last two years. They wanted to spoil their clients, and I was able to help with that."
7. Future Endeavors: Expanding Through Digital Products
Looking ahead, Karen plans to launch a range of digital products, including gluten-free recipes and cake decorating courses. These offerings aim to empower other bakers by sharing her expertise and fostering a community of knowledge-sharing and mutual growth.
Notable Quote:
Karen Lee [26:08]: "I'm going to start with some gluten-free recipes and create cake decorating courses... Hopefully by next month."
8. Lightning Round: Personal Insights
In a fun lightning round segment, Karen shares personal preferences, offering listeners a glimpse into her personality beyond her professional achievements.
- Favorite Color: Purple
- Favorite Utensil: Her hands
- Favorite Book: Tuesdays with Morrie
- Celebrity Crush: Tom Cruise
- One Dessert She Cannot Live Without: S’mores
Notable Quote:
Karen Lee [28:19]: "My favorite utensil is my hands. They're my best tools."
9. Conclusion: Reflections and Encouragements
Chef Amanda Schonberg wraps up the episode by praising Karen’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to continuous growth. She emphasizes the value of multiple income streams and the importance of community support in achieving business success.
Notable Quote:
Chef Amanda Schonberg [31:31]: "Karen has nailed it. And she is going to blow up with her gluten-free desserts because of the care and science she puts into them."
Key Takeaways
- Adaptability: Karen's ability to pivot during challenging times was crucial in establishing and growing her business.
- Diversification: Expanding product lines to include gluten-free options opened new revenue streams and attracted a wider customer base.
- Community Support: Engaging with supportive networks and communities provided Karen with the resources and encouragement needed to thrive.
- Hard Work and Persistence: Achieving significant milestones, like five-figure months, underscores the importance of dedication and strategic planning.
Final Thoughts
Karen Lee’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, continuous learning, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities. Her journey offers invaluable lessons for aspiring and established home bakery owners looking to scale their businesses sustainably.
For more insights and resources, visit Chef Amanda Schonberg’s Website.