Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Gaffney
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was able to start my bakery when we moved here, the cost of living difference allowed for me to take the leap and pursue my dream.
I made the decision to give myself 2 holiday seasons to see if I could show actual growth, the first Thanksgiving (2018) I sold about 15 pies (not bad for having only been in business since September) the second Thanksgiving I sold about 65! So I definitely saw growth and saw I could do this.
I have gotten to where I am almost 7years later by not just hard work, although there is A LOT of that, I sometimes work 16hr days, I have the burns and bad knees and missed dinners with friends to prove it. But I also try to really work on making connections that last. I tell my customers I’m here for the long term so I’m looking for relationships not just a transaction.
I also help out a lot in the community when I can. I donate to schools, I help with fundraisers for several schools and charities, Which has helped me get customers as well as helped the local community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been easy.
Not just that baking is incredibly hard on your body but doing it all as a solo business is difficult.
I have to handle every aspect of the business and baking feels like just a small part of it some days,
Not to mention there is a lot of competition, home baking has exploded recently and while I love seeing people pursue their passions, trying to stand out in the crowd is hard.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in logo cookies for businesses. I call it “edible marketing”.
I love making logo cookies! Finding the way to make what is sometimes a very simple thing pop on a cookie is so satisfying. Not to mention the look on customers faces when they realize it was recreated so perfectly for them to share.
Being able to bring people’s ideas to life is what I’m most proud of. Being a small part of someone else’s biggest days is such an honor.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband deserves all the credit. He is the one that suggested I try starting the bakery. He is there to give advice on the creative side, tell me when something isn’t working, do runs to the store at 9pm when I’m out of butter, listen when I’m frustrated and give me kudos when I reach a lofty goal. And he does dishes!
My friends sre always supportive, they accept me not showing up for things, or showing up with flour in my hair and a new burn in my arm. They will always help when I am trying to decide which design or answer weird questions about flavor ideas and packaging, even at 11pm!
I have a great group of bakers I talk to, we push each other to do better, help find ways to make sure we don’t fully overlap in designs and flavors so we can all shine, we lift each other up when it’s hard out there and we laugh and rejoice when we get good orders in.
I am truly blessed and lucky with the community I have been able to be part of.
Pricing:
- Logo cookie-$50/dozen
- Celebration cookies-$45/dozen
- Cinnamon rolls-$30/dozen
- Chocolate chip cookies-$12/dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.perfectlyimperfectbakingco.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARUozccRm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
