Looking for some great locally made cakes and baked goods? Our most recent featured local Calgary business is 8 Cakes Bakery who specialize in celebratory and wedding cakes, cupcakes, macarons and more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
8 Cakes bake shop. We specialize in custom cakes, macarons, cupcakes, choux and cheesecake.
What made you want to do this work?
I have always enjoyed being in the kitchen. I love entertaining and I would spend a full week working on the menu. Baking is the one thing that always intimidated me. About 8 years ago, I started baking at home and made my first fully decorated cake for a friend. I was hooked.
Never in a million years would I have thought that one day I would be an entrepreneur. Here I am today, a homemaker turned business woman. I thought myself everything, and I mean everything. Contacts, payroll, accounting and list hours on. I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish in this short time.
What problem does this solve?
We live in a world where a lot of people have all sorts of allergies . People are more social aware and make it a choice to not eat meat or animal products. There aren’t a lot of choices and 8 Cakes has filled a huge void . We have made vegan wedding cakes, eggless cakes and we will be making a wedding cake this summer without the use of processed sugar. There are days when I feel like we are chemists not bakers .
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We make more cakes for adults than we do kids cakes . Our cakes tend to be elegant with classy colours and delicate designs. I would say that 50% of our orders are vegan. That is why I have worked to create a full vegan line and we keep adding to it .
How does your business make money? How does it work?
There is t a lot of margins in desserts. With rent and labour going up, volume is the only way to make a profit…. like a lot of desserts.
Where in Calgary can we find your profession?
Out adorable bake shop is located in Mardaloop.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services?
What sets us apart? I kept myself this question . I didn’t know the answer until I started working day in and day out. I slowly realized that not only do people love the taste of our desserts, appreciate the high quality ingredients that we use , but they can’t stop gushing over our designs. We definitely work hard in staying innovative and trendy .
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Macarons. I have a love and hate relationship with these finicky little monsters. Recently I took on the daunting task of making vegan macarons. Let’s just say that they make traditional macarons look like child’s play. Vegan macarons are my pride and joy. I can’t tell you how beautiful it is to watch our vegan customers get excited about them. We sell out at every vegan market.
Worst part by far is cleaning silkomats . Bakers will know what I am talking about. Silkomats are special mats that are used to bake macarons. They are washed by hand which gets real old when you have a full stack of them to clean.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Why do bakers work so hard?
Because they need the dough.
PAY IT FORWARD: What are some other Calgary brands you love?
Dwarf stars / Bathisserrie
