Spotlight on Local Business: The Baker's Lab!
Have you ever wanted to sit down with a small business owner and ask all the questions you ever wanted to know about their journey?
We were so excited we had the opportunity to catch up with Markham's The Baker's Lab, a boutique bakery with a chic vibe and an emphasis on the science of baking (so cool!) to do just that.
Kim, the founder, took the leap to open a storefront during the pandemic, offering a unique blend of art and science in the world of baking. By the end of this Q&A your mouth will definitely be watering, and you'll HAVE to check out The Baker's Lab on Instagram (@thebakerslab) and visit their website to learn more.
Getting to Know The Baker's Lab
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and The Baker's Lab?
A: Hello! My name is Kim. Born & raised in the GTA, I'm an art and science lover! I started as a home-based baker and decided to open a storefront during the pandemic. We offer baked goods for catered affairs, custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies & more! We also offer a shared workspace and baking classes on/off-site.
Unique Offerings
Q: What sets The Baker's Lab apart from other bakeries in Markham?
A: Me. I’m the cat's pajamas 😊 Also, our theme is the ‘science of baking,’ offering a unique and educative approach to the art of baking and decorating. Q: What are some of your signature products or services? A: Our top sellers are Edible images (edible custom logos/images) on Sugar Cookies, Cupcakes & Slab Cakes. We also offer Bars, Loaves & Pies.
Business Journey
Q: What inspired you to start The Baker's Lab, and how did the idea come about?
A: I spent my early years in a home-based daycare operated by a master cake designer. We weren’t allowed to watch TV, so we were left to our own devices, which I believe sparked my interest in science… I had no intention of doing this until adulthood, and it started as a hobby. Here we are now! I have always been an entrepreneur and had a natural passion for art & science. Now, merging the two into one makes a living out of what I love to do, for the people I love. I would say I was overall influenced by a lot of the people around me subconsciously for me to end up here.
Q: Can you walk us through the early stages of starting your business? What were the key steps and decisions?
A: After starting as a hobby, by request, I graduated to selling on a very small scale. Once the demand (via word of mouth) and quantities increased, I started to invest more into the business, acquired further education on all aspects, and slowly began marketing and sales strategies. When sales and volume continued to increase to the point I needed to hire contracted help, I decided to add revenue streams and apply the same approach to marketing it. Lo and behold, more sales 😊 that’s when I took the leap and opened up shop!
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Q: What advice would you give to individuals considering starting their own business, especially in the food industry?
A: I would say, see the big picture but take small steps. Be besties with change. Stay informed.
Staying Resilient
Q: How do you adapt and stay resilient in a competitive market?
A: I have learned to do what suits me and to be open to things not always going according to plan.
Resources and Mentorship
Q: Are there resources or mentorship programs that you found particularly helpful?
A: Use all and anything you can find is useful, and it should be ongoing throughout your business journey and life. Learning is endless.
Staying Inspired
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated in your day-to-day work?
A: I do this to support my family, and I happen to truly love what I do, so it’s pretty easy 😊 I also try new endeavors regularly, which helps keep the spark going!
Rewards of Business Ownership
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a business owner?
A: Building my income around who I am so that the process suits me and my needs.
Lessons Learned
Q: Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known before starting The Baker's Lab?
A: Everything!!! But that’s not possible! I am a hands-on learner, I learn as I go. Perhaps knowing my capabilities earlier would have helped me start earlier.
Future Goals
Q: What’s next for The Baker’s Lab? What are your future goals and aspirations?
A: I am working on larger contract work that would warrant full-time employees as well as a line of prepackaged branded items sold by third parties and manufactured by a co-packer.
We hope you enjoyed this business spotlight interview! A huge thank you to Kim for sharing her journey with Markham Public Library.
Are you on your own business journey, or now feeling super inspired? There are so many resources to support you along the way!
Several Markham Small Business Community Resources:
Markham Public Library Resources:
- Market Research Tools & the latest industry information.
- Digital and physical collections filled with reputable and trustworthy business information (Hello to no more random google searches!)
- Business handbooks on virtually every topic, business templates, start-up kits and more.
- Online courses and FREE access to all Udemy Courses.
- The latest editions of Business eMagazines and Newspapers such as Forbes, The Economist, Bloomberg Businessweek and more.
- Engaging In-person and virtual Business-related programs at Markham Public Library,
- Connect 1-on-1 with our Business Librarian for information and resources (mplcommunitylibrarians@markham.library.on.ca)
Check out our Business-related readings lists such as this one to keep learning. Enjoy!
Tips and suggestions on starting your own small business.
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