Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Young.
Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Baking is in my genes. Family recipes passed down from grandparents and great-grandparents made for amazing holiday memories baking in the kitchen with my mom. I never stopped baking, whether it was for my college roommates or after working a full day at my dental office front desk job. Somewhere in between deciding what to do with my life, a few baking orders for friends turned into many, and my full-time desk job turned into a full-time baking job. For 5 years, I cranked out thousands of decorated cookies in one tiny apartment oven. The support I received from customers, family & friends was inspiring and it was what ultimately led me to a tiny brick & mortar that I bake out of today.
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?
Of course not. Running a business is all about trial and error. It won’t work unless you’re ready to fail. Struggles of creating a product that everyone will love, struggles of running a business with a speech and hearing degree, or trying to find the balance between work and life.
Did I mention we opened our storefront in the middle of a pandemic?
But I wouldn’t change one moment because it is in the struggles that I learn what works and what doesn’t.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bakes by Lo?
Bakes by Lo is a tiny but mighty bakery in Hilliard. We specialize in decorated cookies and all types and flavors of drop cookies, cookie cakes, and other sweet treats. Our decorated cookies are works of edible art. We have a talented team of bakers and cookie artists who work magic with their hands, creating some of the most beautiful and delicious sugar cookies. My goal for the bakery is to bring a taste of nostalgia to the consumer. If I can recreate a memory through taste, bring a smile to your face, or just let you bask in a moment of tasty bliss, then my job is done.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Find a friend, a group, a mentor, or someone to help guide you or to listen to you when times get tough. Entrepreneurship is hard, but it’s even harder when you do it alone. And you’re not alone!! There are so many people in the same situation or that have been in a similar situation, so it’s super helpful to have a shoulder to lean on.
I wish I had the confidence to ask for help when I was just starting out- with tax information and the entire business side. There are so many parts and pieces to owning a business and I wish I knew more going into it.
Contact Info:
- Email: lo@bakesbylo.com
- Website: www.bakesbylo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakesbylo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bakesbylo
Image Credits
Erica Kay Photography
