Stefanie Hockett shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Stefanie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
That as a bakery we either have a specialty or that we do it all. We have folks coming in all the time that ask what we specialize in and we’re just more of a mom & pop bakery that has lots of options. We also have folks come in asking for donuts, ice cream, pies by the slice, specific items. We wish we could do it all but we just can’t do ALL of those things. I feel like now you’re either a donut shop OR a bakery. An ice cream shop OR a bakery. A diner or a bakery.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Stefanie and I am the owner of F & Goode Desserts. I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Growing up I was fascinated by watching CIA Chefs on PBS on weekend mornings create wonderful dishes. Before the days of Food Network and The Cooking Channel, I loved listening to the sounds of the kitchen and the whisks beating against the copper bowls to make whipped cream. Over the past 20 plus years of my career I have traveled throughout the US learning new techniques, meeting inspiring mentors and creating my award-winning recipes.
F & Goode Desserts was created from my passion of baking for others. I love baking knowing that what I can create with my hands from my heart can change someone’s day. Our tagline “Baked with Aloha” is a nod to both of my grandmothers who always had a full cookie jar waiting for me to raid, and full hearts ready for hugs
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to believe that it was my responsibility to keep others happy and meet their expectations, even if it wasn’t exactly what aligned with my beliefs. Now I’m aware that sometimes we just can’t meet other peoples expectations and desires, even if we want to. Sometimes we’ll get a request for an order and I’ll know that its just not in our wheelhouse or something we’d enjoying doing. We have a list of other phenomenal bakers that we recommend for situations like these. Sometimes saying “No” to others is saying “Yes” to yourself.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You don’t owe anyone any explanations or justifications for your actions. As long as the choices you make align with your priorities and you’re not intentionally hurting anyone, the only person you need to please is you!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Honestly? I love watching Mrs. Frazzled on social media platforms. I like how she’s able to address bad behavior and situations with humor and sarcasm without being crass or outrageous. I think its important to hold people accountable for poor behavior but also doing so with pizazz.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! As a mom and a business owner you’re usually not earning the daily accolades. Especially now while my son is still a toddler you have no idea who they’ll grow up to be and if all the hard work you’re putting in now pays off. My philosophy is to try to be the good in the world. When I’m having a bad day I try to put positivity out into the world instead of focusing on the bad. Getting praise often feels great but sometimes you wonder if its really deserved or real. So absolutely, I try to give my best but as a human, my best isn’t always 100%, but I’m never looking for the pat on the back!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fngoodedesserts.com
- Instagram: @fngoodedesserts
- Facebook: @fngoodedesserts
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/f-and-goode-desserts-covington?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
Image Credits
Tasha Pinelo
Sarah Anne Photography (last photo)
