Meet Me Monday: niner bakes

Tags

cake pops, Germany, niner bakes

Name: Nina G.
Birthday: July 12th
Business Name: niner bakes; my business in Germany is called “Cupcake City”.
Location: Hanover, Germany

Background:
I am a media designer and have been creative all my life. From photography to graffiti, I usually have been active in all kinds of creative things. That’s why I love to give my cake pops extra details, so I am happy at the end of the day.

 

When & how did you become a cake pop maker?
I began making cake pops in 2010 and was actually one of the first people who made them in Germany. I started blogging about my treats in English since no Germans knew about cake pops. The hype just started in 2012, so now my blog is accessible in English and German because Europeans are now all over cake pops (and cupcakes).

Do you bake as your full-time job?
I do not bake full-time. I still have my media design job but I do start working on cake pops when I get home. Well, basically I have two full-time jobs and I have to think about how to handle it in the future because my cake pop business grows and grows. (I have to refuse orders, so that means, I need more time or an employee to help out, haha)

What inspires you in your baking; how do you come up with original ideas?
Just like a cookie designer gets inspired, so do I: by anything. When I look at things I always try to imagine: Could this be a cake pop? Textures, patterns, movies, toys etc. inspire me to make unique cake pops. Even though there is almost everything out there already (cake pops), whenever I make them I try to be unique in the details. Standing out is important and to be ambitious.

What are some of your favorite cake pops that you have made?

What advice do you have for other cake pop makers?
Some people ask me why my cake pops look so “perfect” (for example the snowmen etc.) – I usually do not see the “perfectness” though, I am so surprised when they ask me. But my answer is usually: Lots of practice; the more you make cake pops, the better you get. Even if if it’s your first time, try to make a Christmas tree pop for example. When you are experienced enough it gets easier to try out new things, so do not give up – the only thing you need is passion and love for what you do.

Sometimes I sit in my kitchen for hours (luckily I have a TV there to entertain me, haha), until 2 or 3am in the morning talking to myself: Why are you doing this, girl, you should be asleep!! But when the pops are done, and daylight hits, and I get to take beautiful photos of my treats, I know why I do this: because I love it. It would not be possible to do it all the time if the love was missing.

Of course people like looking at pops and try to make them because they want to be “a part of the hype” but I see those come and go to be honest. It is a lot of work and people tend to forget it I think, IT IS WORK lol. Especially when you sell them. Anyway cake pop makers, keep it up, if you love what you do, nothing can stop you!!

Do you make anything else in addition to cake pops?
Yes I bake cupcakes, cakes and cookies as well. But cake pops are my specialty.

OK, some non-baking questions… 🙂

• Favorite TV show or movie: My favourite childhood movie: Eleven Cats  (1987), current fav movies: The Intouchables & The Blind Side
• Favorite book: I am all about Joyce Meyer books.
• Favorite candy: Public Displays of Confection (www.pd.net)
• Favorite celebrity: Jennifer Aniston, I love her! Oh and Sandra Bullock, she is half German and I love her humor!
• If you could have any super power, what would it be, and why? Going back to my childhood years, I so miss it because it was the best time in my life.

How can people find you?

Website: www.ninerbakes.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ninerbakescom
Twitter: www.twitter.com/itsniner
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ninerbakes
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ninerbakes
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/wechooseorganic/

What area do you serve/sell to?  Germany, Austria, Switzerland
Do you ship your cake pops?  Yes absolutely!
What’s the best way for people to order from you? If they contact me via E-Mail (info@ninerbakes.com)

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Would you like to be featured on Meet Me Monday?  Email kcbakes@hotmail.com with “Meet Me Monday” in the subject.

Push Pop Giveaway!

Tags

Push Pop Containers, Push Pops, Push Up Pops

Happy Friday!

So, while I was working on the Push Pop Post I did for Pop Cosmo earlier this week, I realized I had an extra order of 12 push pop containers!

It’s kind of funny that it was 12 containers, because this Wednesday on 12/12/12, we hit 12,000 followers on Facebook – spooky! 🙂

I truly believe that “sharing is caring”, so to show my utmost appreciation for all of you amazing supporters of KC Bakes, I’m gifting these containers to one lucky winner!

Now, I want to share a little tip regarding giveaways in general. Usually on blogs, there are quite a few ways to enter (including this giveaway). I’ve seen some people leave one comment saying “I liked on FB, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram” or whatever the stipulations may be… but that only counts one entry because its one comment.

In order to take full advantage of the multiple entry possibilities, leave separate comments for each action item, for example:
– I liked your FB page
– I am following your blog
– I am following on Twitter

See how that gives you 3 individual chances?  It may take you a few minutes longer, but don’t short-change yourself.  Now, let’s get to the fun part, the goodies!

Prize:
Twelve (12) Push Pop Containers

Deadline: 
Tonight (12/14/12), 11:59pm EST; winner will be contacted over the weekend

To Enter: 
Leave a comment answering this question… If you win, what kind of Push Pop will you make? Will you try any crazy flavor combinations?

For Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each item):
– Like KC Bakes on Facebook
– Share this giveaway on your Facebook page, tagging KC Bakes in the post
– Follow KC Bakes on Twitter
– Tweet about this contest, mentioning @KCbakes in the tweet
– Follow KC Bakes on Instagram

That is six ways to win – good luck!!! Have a great weekend!

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And the winner is…

Customize Your Facebook Link

Tags

Custom Facebook, Custom Link, Facebook, Facebook link

Does your Facebook link look something like this?

http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Baking-Biz/115976355121234

It’s super long, and who can remember all of those numbers at the end?

Did you know you can make your own custom link?  How much easier would it be to put this link on a business card:

http://www.facebook.com/mybakingbiz

Creating a custom link is super easy, and it only takes minutes.

See? It’s that simple!  Now you can use your new custom link to promote your business and attract new followers.

If you have a Facebook biz page, please share your link below, I’d love to “like” your page 🙂  Also include where you’re from, its so fun to meet people!

Meet Me Monday: Pandora’s Oven

Tags

cake pops, Pandora's Oven

Name: Stephanie Guerrero
Birthday: February 2
Business Name: Pandora’s Oven
Location: Houston, TX

Background:
Graduated high school, worked for an architect for a couple of years and now working in the family business of insurance and insuring everything!

When & how did you become a cake pop maker?
I guess I became a cake pop maker when I saw them online and decided to try and make them. I posted pictures on Facebook of what I made and the next day I got so many good responses. An old volleyball teacher wanted to place an order and just like that I was a cake pop maker.

Do you bake as your full-time job?
No, I bake part-time. Usually when the orders roll in, I take time out of my full-time job with my dad. He is very understanding of my goals and supports me in my baking madness.

What inspires you in your baking; how do you come up with original ideas?
My customers and other bakers that are more advanced inspire me every day to push myself and come up with amazing ideas.

What are some of your favorite cake pops that you have made?
My favorites would have to be my “birthday cake” pop that I offer; I think it’s a great surprise when they don’t know they are getting their own mini b-day cake. The Halloween pops were a lot of fun to do, everyone loved them and I had a lot of help from my boyfriend in the design.

What advice do you have for other cake pop makers?
Since I am a newbie in a way, I would just say to another newbie to not stop rolling, and inspire yourself to always try new designs and offer something that no one would ever think of putting on a cake pop!

Do you make anything else in addition to cake pops?
Yes I sure do! Custom cakes, cupcakes, decorated sugar cookies & whatever is sweet and comes out of the oven, I offer!

OK, some non-baking questions… 🙂

• Favorite TV show or movie: Walking Dead, Cake Boss, Chopped, Cupcake wars, Grey’s Anatomy
• Favorite book: I am sad to say I haven’t had a chance to get into any new books, but my last favorite was The Hunger Games!
• Favorite candy: anything sour!
• If you could have any super power, what would it be, and why? Control time, cause I was seem to run out of it!!!

How can people find you?

Facebook: Pandora’s Oven
Pinterest: Pandorasoven
Instagram: Pandorasoven
Blog: http://theovencompany.blogspot.com/

What area do you serve/sell to? the Houston area
Do you ship your pops?  I will start shipping pops within the New Year, but I do ship cookies now.
What’s the best way for people to order from you? Email is the best to reach me for orders

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Would you like to be featured on Meet Me Monday?  Email kcbakes@hotmail.com with “Meet Me Monday” in the subject.

 

Meet Me Monday: Beckaboo’s Cakes

Tags

cake pops

Name: Becky McGraw
Birthday: September 24
Business Name: Beckaboo’s Cakes
Location: Winchester, Virginia

Background:
Strangely enough, I had no artistic talent growing up. I was an athlete all through high school and college. I actually have a BS in Exercise Science (all in moderation, right?). My artistic side didn’t develop until I had my son. Guess those days of Play-Do paid off!

When & how did you become a cake pop maker?
My first try was Easter of 2009, and for some odd reason, I thought I’d try specialty Easter pops for my son’s preschool class. Fail. Said I’d never do it again 🙂 I don’t think I tried again until that October, and have been poppin’ away ever since!

Do you bake as your full-time job?
My cake business is my second full-time business as being a work-at-home mom/wife is my first. The business does present some work-life balance challenges, but it’s been a great 2nd income for us while doing something I love.

What inspires you in your baking; how do you come up with original ideas?
Most of my inspiration comes from the internet and the candy aisle! I’m thankful for my clients presenting with new challenges often. Most of my new designs are from client requests.

What are some of your favorite cake pops that you have made?

What advice do you have for other cake pop makers?
Have patience. Cake pops do get easier after several thousand! Watch YouTube videos, join groups with other cake pop makers – most are gracious to share tips. Don’t sell yourself short – I find many home bakers undercut themselves and do not put enough value in their product.

Do you make anything else in addition to cake pops?
Cakes, cupcakes, chocolate covered Oreos, pumpkin rolls, etc.

OK, some non-baking questions… 🙂

• Favorite TV show or movie: will always be Friends – I watch reruns all the time.
• Favorite book: love James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, Jodi Piccoult
• Favorite candy: Chunky
• Favorite celebrity: Bakerella and the Pioneer Woman
• If you could have any super power, what would it be, and why? Sometimes, I wish I could keep my son young forever. I’m going to miss the cuddles, kisses, and playing Santa/Tooth Fairy as he gets older.

How can people find you?

Website: www.beckabooscakes.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/beckabooscakes
Twitter: @BeckaboosCakes

What area do you serve/sell to?  Mostly VA/WV/MD, but do ship nationwide – even have shipped to Afghanistan
Do you ship your cake pops?  Yes, usually from October-April
What’s the best way for people to order from you? Email or Facebook/Website

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Would you like to be featured on Meet Me Monday?  Email kcbakes@hotmail.com with “Meet Me Monday” in the subject 🙂