Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Vickers
Hi Olivia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up one of my favorite books was a kid’s book about a strawberry shortcake recipe. I remember being in awe of how these different ingredients could come together to create a beautiful and delicious sweet.
At about 14 I realized I wanted to be a baker. This started with making treats for friends, cakes at dinner and eventually making a wedding cake for a friend of a friend.
Over the years I’ve gone down the path of culinary school and pastry school but I always knew I wanted to run my own business. Pursuing Olive + Aries full time has been a dream come true but it hasn’t been the easiest journey.
About two years ago I decided to go all in on the wedding industry, even with some hesitation, and it’s brought incredible clients and opportunities that I am so grateful for.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not one bump in the road!
Just kidding.
Every entrepreneur knows that starting your own business takes a lot of long nights, big mistakes and taking risks. I was working as a server while starting my business which was really hard, but I finally reached a point where I knew I was ready to go all in and I quit my ‘day job’.
Cakes falling over, incorrect orders and being late to a delivery are all apart of the journey. But you learn from those struggles, and you continue working with great clients who understand the mishaps and can eventually laugh with you!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a baker and I specialize in designing beautiful cakes.
I think what sets me apart is also what I’m most proud of, which is that I run a small business from a private kitchen and work with clients to create custom designed cakes for their occasion.
Although I can do any cake design, I enjoy doing the non-traditional styles, trying out new trends with cakes and pushing artistic boundaries.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
As creatives we want and need to make things, that’s the whole point! But if you want this endeavor to last you have to think about the business piece. To some it can be very boring but it’s necessary to understand your pricing and keeping up to date on your invoices.
I’m still learning this part but there are great resources out there and spreadsheets for bakers that can help you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.olivearies.com/
- Instagram: @oliveandaries
Image Credits
Alyssa Jarae
John Allen
Cloud Craft Studios
Ann Mark Photo
Ruet
Sarah Tribett Photo
Jenna McElroy
Hunter Edgerly
