Yes, yes, if you're one of those people who could draw out the whole timeline of this saga - I can name two of you - I could benefit from your teaching; however, like most people, I'm not really that interested. Ok, I take that back, if I'm wearing my Luke Skywalker jacket and medallion from Episode 4, then I might be in the mood for some galactic education. Don't ask.
This week, though, I was asked if I could do a Clone Wars cake for a 6 year old's birthday party. I have done more complex cakes and I did some research on what other cake designers have done. Oh my, did they take it to the next level. However, to stick to an economical budget for this party, we decided on a 10" triple-layer (marble/chocolate/marble), chocolate butter frosting, and with the Clone Wars design custom-cut into the top. Usually this is much easier with fondant, but like most substitutes, I rarely try to employ their use. So, the top was cut to leave a "Clone Wars" void and then carefully piped with a glowing golden-colored frosting. Ok, for the record it doesn't glow. My youngest daughter was looking at it after I had just finished it and said, "Dad, it's glowing!" Really? As a 6 year old herself, with a fond imagination and maybe more credit is due to how the light hit it just right, she thought it was glowing. It was the coolest thing to her.
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| 10" Triple-Layer Marble/Chocolate/Marble "Clone Wars" Cake |
So Cakes for a Mustang has been really busy these past 6 weeks. Started more as a result of good laugh and maybe a bit to test a theory on how good my baking really was, I am amazed more and more each day how people praise the taste and design of these cakes. Some have asked me when I will begin to mass market them. Honestly, until I have the proper licensing in place will I probably consider that, but I say probably because I am more scared about how big this could get with even just a little more marketing. I know that sounds like a good thing, but I enjoy being able to fulfill orders and making every face smile with them. I am worried I wouldn't be able to keep up that end of the deal if this business exploded with orders.
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| 6" Double-Layer Carrot Cakes compared to the 10" Triple-Layer Carrot Cake. Size does indeed matter. |
If I have learned one thing from both working in the real world and from my graduate business degree, keeping your ear tuned-in to your customers' wants and needs will prove to bring loyalty and could bring the greatest potential profit for the business.
Thanks again for your support! I have enjoyed making your events - big or small - a sweet affair. :-)
~Luke
