Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Bisciglia
Michele, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Though I’ve always been fascinated by flavors and desserts, I only started seriously baking around 2015, when I got my first official baking job at a popular, quirky donut shop. Instead of going to culinary school like many of my peers, I’ve been lucky enough to learn techniques beside and from them while working at various bakeries around Austin.
I would often work long shifts and then come home and relax by watching competitive baking shows or bookmarking dozens of unique recipes that I hoped to one day make, whenever I had the resources. Finally realizing it was never going to stop, I cleared the space in my cramped apartment, put on some music, and baked my little heart out!
I started experimenting with chocolate chip cookie recipes (my all-time fave dessert) and would bring them to share with my coworkers, until someone asked if I was selling them. I named a price, handed them off, and then 2 more coworkers showed up asking for cookies! I’ll never forget that feeling, but I figured it was just a one-time thing.
I continued to share my baked goods for free over the years, while friends and family would ask if I ever thought about starting my own baking business. After many (MANY) conversations with and support from my husband, I decided to follow my passion and started Velvet Milk Bakeshop, a cottage bakery offering rotating baked goods with modern flavors, as well as celebration cakes and cupcakes.
It’s been amazing to share my creations and connect with people and I’m so glad I took the first step!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenges so far have been dealing with self-doubt and balancing a new business with a full-time job. I have so much fun selling at markets and events, but it takes a lot of preparation and research to plan out what items to offer, what ingredients I need, what will fit in my fridge/freezer, and how to package and transport everything.
There have been plenty of days where I wake up at 2:30am, go to work for 8 hours, then come home and bake for 4 more hours… but I love to bake, and even though I’m exhausted, I feel so fulfilled. And coffee helps, too.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Velvet Milk Bakeshop?
You can find us at markets around Pflugerville, offering a rotating menu that usually includes cookies, hand pies, scones, and brownies. Our most popular items are Fudgy Espresso Brownies and Chai Snickerdoodles, but you never know what you’ll find!
We also offer cupcakes and cakes for small celebrations, using quality ingredients like Mexican vanilla, Dutch cocoa powder, and artisanal accents like rosewater, dulce de leche, and mascarpone.
The name ‘Velvet Milk’ reflects the smooth, velvety texture of our buttercream—less sweet and silkier than traditional American buttercream—and the touch of everyday luxury we aim to bring with each bite.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.velvetmilkbakeshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velvetmilkbakeshop
