Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheyenne Dann.
Hi Cheyenne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Ever since I was little, I used to love watching the food Network with my grandmother. I was always so fascinated with what you create with sweets and all the different flavors you could do, it was different than regular food in my eyes. When I ended up in high school, I did cooking classes and I wanted to pursue my dream in baking and pastry and get my degree in it. Life happened and I ended up not even going to college because at the time and still now, I have two other jobs besides my bakery. When the pandemic hit and work was in and out, I definitely wanted to do something to be able to make some kind of income to make up the difference pretty much. I thought about opening up my own bakery for months and months and months but never thought I actually could do it. Until one day in August of 2021, I was talking to one of my best friends and told her that I want my own bakery. We were talking about how before I even start anything, I would need to find out how to do it and everything I would need in order to open one up. Well, I stayed up all night researching, found out everything I needed and the following day started looking for names to call it and the day after went and applied for my business license! Since then, I’ve done so much trial and error with my products and one of my best selling is decorated sugar cookies. I cannot be thankful enough for my “sisters” at sugar cookie marketing, friends, family and husband helping me pursue my dream. I now do all sorts of different sugar cookies from bday parties to baby showers, corporate logos and more!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing is ever a smooth road. I have had to overcome a few obstacles in this business. I’ve had other bakers try bashing my business right when it first opened and I’ve came back from that. I’ve had months where I’ve had little business and you have to keep going and not give up. You keep promoting everywhere and hoping someone orders. It’s always a rollercoaster here at the bakery.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in decorated sugar cookies, at least that’s my most ordered item from everyone. I’ve done quite a few sets so far for some businesses that I’m particularly proud of. It’s always such a hard thing to nail business logos but when you do, it’s the best feeling in the world! I think what sets me apart is I think of my customers as friends and family, whereas some think of them as just money. I want to build relationships with my clients for years and years, and get to know their family and be their go to bakery.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest mentor would be in my cookie marketing group I’m in; these girls, their names are Heather, Corrie and Mardee are phenomenal women. They are constantly giving advice and helping us work through different scenarios. Honestly, because of them it has truly made me a better business women, my sales have went up extraordinarily from their help.
Pricing:
- My custom cookie sets start at $45/dozen for basic cookies
- For more detailed cookies I start at $60/dozen
- For company logos they start at $3.50/cookie and go up depending on their logo
Contact Info:
- Email: cakesandcookiesbychey@gmail.com
- Website: www.mycustombakes.com/ccbc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/cakesandcookiesbychey
