We were lucky enough to get in the kitchen with Susan of SusieCakes Bakery. They are currently opening up their 27th store since 2006- and their momentum isn’t slowing down. I remember when SusieCakes opened near me in Newport Beach, and everyone was talking about it. Once I tried it I was officially hooked! It’s my family’s go-to for celebrations big or small (they did my wedding cake!). I first met Susan at an event for her Long Beach location and she was so sweet (pun intended), I knew we had to feature her. After learning more about her journey I found it so inspiring that I couldn’t wait to share it with all of you. Xo @kirbykurzeka
1. How did you come up with the idea for SusieCakes?
I had always been inspired by my two grandmothers, Mildred & Madeline, who taught me the values that made me the person I am today. I spent many days in both of their kitchens, enjoying unbelievable amazing desserts. I inherited both of their 3” x 5” handwritten recipe cards & believed that the great Midwest desserts I grew up with, would be welcomed in California. Their inspiration, combined with my desire to create a workplace where women could pursue progressive careers in foodservice, brought about the idea for SusieCakes.
2. What sets SusieCakes apart from other bakeries?
Many things – but primarily that we bake entirely from scratch, by HAND, each day, with REAL ingredients (butter, flour, sugar, eggs!) at our locations. Additionally, all our decorations & designs are created by hand, in buttercream. We are able to customize ANY cake to guests’ exact specifications. If you can dream it, we can create it!
3. At what age did you start baking in the kitchen?
Too young to recall!
4. Did you go to baking school?
I went to Cornell University School of Hotel Administration to learn the business side of the hospitality industry – marketing, finance/accounting, human resources, real estate, management, etc.
5. What are some of the pros and cons of working with your spouse?
Pros, certainly working late at the office is never an issue & being able to travel for work together. Cons, it’s really impossible to “shut off” work when we get home.
6. What inspires you?
Seeing all the ways & reasons people celebrate inspires me to create more baked goods to support those celebrations!
7. Who are some of your favorite chefs?
Ina Garten – she’s very real & genuine. Never anything fussy in her kitchen – just really good food prepared extraordinarily well – very much SusieCakes’ style 😉
8. What are your favorite baking traditions for the holidays?
Starting baking batches of cookies the day after Thanksgiving and by early December, creating vintage tins of assorted cookies to share with neighbors, friends, mail carriers, co-workers, vendors, etc. Love being able to share secret family favorites with others.
9. What is your favorite flavor cake?
Vanilla Celebration, our signature cake of course! Cookie? Frosted Sugar Cookies. I will always choose something vanilla first.
10. What do you love most about what you do?
Being able to see team members reach their full potential and seeing guests’ excitement when they see their cakes! Nothing more important to me than connecting with our team & our guests. Single most fulfilling thing, hands down.
11. You’re constantly opening new stores and your popularity is only growing. How do you keep the momentum going?
I surround myself with amazing people who wholeheartedly support the mission of “Connecting through Celebration” & always manage to give me energy to keep the momentum going.
12. On your website you mention your “commitment to providing women with progressive careers in the food and hospitality industry”. How are you doing that and why is that important to you?
I worked in the hotel & restaurant industry my entire career. I saw many women leave the hospitality industry simply because it required a 24/7 commitment. I wanted to create a business model that didn’t require being open early mornings, late nights, & holidays so that women could fulfill both their professional AND their personal aspirations.
13. If it weren’t SusieCakes, what would you be doing?
Rescuing animals!
14. If you had to start all over again what would you different?
Listen to my heart over my head more.
15. What’s your ultimate goal with SusieCakes?
Become a household name nationwide, synonymous with celebration- coast to coast!
16. Do you have any advice for women looking to start a company?
Surround yourself with as many positive, supportive individuals you can and never let naysayers dissuade you from pursuing your dreams.
17. What does the ‘Art of Being Female’ mean you to?
Being able to live life on your own terms, in a manner that truly fulfills your heart every day. I feel beyond incredibly blessed & fortunate to do what I love.
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