One day, a friend of mine decided to open a shop.
Not just any shop — it was a lovely little whole food store filled with dried fruits, herbs, and spices. I remember the smell even now. That rich, comforting scent of cinnamon, cardamom and possibility.
She set it up beautifully. Warm wooden shelves. Carefully chosen jars. A welcoming smile behind the counter.
But she had one big problem.
The shop wasn’t on the high street. It was tucked away, up a cobbled alley. Unless you already knew it was there… you’d never find it.
After a few weeks of footfall resembling a tumbleweed convention, she asked me — exasperated — why no one was coming in.
With my business coach hat firmly on, I suggested she try something simple: a chalkboard sign.
An A-frame at the entrance of the alley with an arrow saying: “Gorgeous whole foods – THIS WAY →”
That was the first of several little changes.
And it worked.
But it got me thinking.
So many new bakers are in the exact same position.
Incredibly talented. Genuinely gifted.
But quietly hidden up a metaphorical cobbled alley.
No chalkboard. No arrow. No sign they even exist.
And if people don’t know you’re there — they can’t order from you.
So if you’re in that early stage — unsure how to begin, still fearful of taking those first steps out into the world — I’ve made something just for you. Have a peep in our P.S.
Kind regards,
Karen
🧁 P.S.
It’s called From Hobby to Orders — and it’s a gentle, no-pressure weekly email series designed to help beginner bakers start getting seen, known, and gently booked.
You’ll get 20 Monday morning emails, one a week — full of encouragement, small smart tips, and ideas to help you take the first steps (without needing to shout online).
It’s completely free.
And while it’s written for those just beginning to take their cakes more seriously, you’re very welcome to join even if you’ve been baking for years but feel like you missed a few business basics along the way.
👉 Click here to join From Hobby to Orders (It’s Free!)
We look forward to having you on board!
✨ Sprinkle of Success:
Every successful cake business started with a quiet beginning — a cake made for love, not money. What matters most is making the decision to take that next step.
👀 Not a beginner?
Keep your eyes peeled — a brand new mini workshop is arriving soon, just for more seasoned bakers who are wishing for more orders (especially from the people already around them).
I think you’ll really like this one.
🍰 Looking for something else this weekend?
Here are a few helpful links while you sip your tea:
– 📝 Want to price your cakes properly?
Try the Cake Pricing Calculator – our most popular tool
– 📚 Enjoy a good story with a baking lesson?
Read the latest CakeCoach blog here
– 🧾 Ready to quote with confidence?
Grab A Baker’s Dozen – 13 essential questions to ask before you price a cake