Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Lapohn.
Hi Vanessa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been baking my whole life. As a kid, I would bake with my grandma, my mom, and my aunt. As I got older, I was always the one to want to bring a dessert to any function or event my family was attending, and I sought out new recipes to try and started to come up with some on my own. Baking was always a favorite hobby of mine, and it brought me so much joy when my loved ones would tell me how much they liked what I made.
I went to college and grad school for Public Health Administration and worked in corporate health care for seven years when I suddenly lost my job. I was devastated; this was supposed to be my long-term career, and I had planned to stay at this company for the foreseeable future. I started looking for a new job in health care, and nothing struck me as interesting or something that I wanted to pursue. I was burnt out and feeling very uninspired.
I was talking to my brother about my situation one day, and he asked me, “Why don’t you start a bakery?” I had been considering the idea and hadn’t really talked it out with anyone yet, but when my brother suggested this, I felt like it was something I should begin to consider more seriously. I started talking to more family and friends about the idea, and the support I received from everyone was overwhelming. So, I decided to take the plunge! I did a ton of research and spent countless hours trying to come up with a name and decide on which recipes I would start off with. Once all the details were settled, my website was built, my logo was created, I had a menu planned, and my amazing support system was behind me, I was ready to launch.
I officially announced my business in April of this year, and it’s been a whirlwind of excitement. At this point, I have participated in one craft & vendor show and have several more lined up for the next few months. I will be participating in the Seven Hills Farmers Market as well, which runs every Thursday July 6th through September 28th, 4-7pm. Most of my business thus far has been special orders. I recently had an order for 100 cupcakes, and that was such an amazing feeling! Every single visit to my website and every follow, like, and share on social media means the world to me. I do a happy dance every time I get an inquiry from a customer! While I am just starting out, I know in my heart this is where I am meant to be, and I am so excited to see where this journey takes me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s always challenging to start something new, especially something like starting a business. I really had no idea where to begin, and it felt very overwhelming to attempt to navigate without knowing exactly what I needed. I am faced with a lot of challenges and doubts, but I just keep reminding myself that this is what I want to be doing, this is my passion, and the struggles that I am facing now will all be worth it. I am so grateful to my family and my friends who have supported me throughout the last several months and believe in me and my dreams.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Flour Power Baking Company?
Flour Power Baking Company is a small home bakery featuring delicious twists on classic favorites as well as innovative treats for when you want to try something new. I am best known for my banana bread, cupcakes, and cookies, especially my flower-shaped sugar cookies with sprinkles and a colorful chocolate center.
I love trying new recipes and flavor combinations, so I am always adding new items to my menu. I also make cakes and put dessert trays together for events – it’s so much fun to work with a customer looking for something special and unique to share with their loved ones.
I am constantly learning and growing, and I am proud of every item I put out there, and every single thing goes through testing and trials to make sure it’s good enough to be on the menu. I love what I do, and I want everyone who buys something to feel that love when they bite into something I have made. Everything is small batch and made fresh to order. I am currently offering pickup in Parma Heights or delivery for a fee.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that everything always works out the way it is supposed to. My mom is always telling me this when I am worrying or upset, and it helps me gain some perspective because it’s so true. If something goes completely wrong, I sometimes get frustrated in the moment, but then I realize that it didn’t work out because something better is meant to happen. A positive mindset is such a game changer, and when you tell yourself that things will work out and you will succeed, there’s a much better chance you actually will.
Pricing:
- Cookies – Starting at $12/dozen
- Cupcakes – Starting at $24/dozen
- Banana Bread – $5 for mini loaves & bites
- Cakes – Starting at $45
Contact Info:
- Website: fpbakingco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpbakingco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091680916911
