Who doesn’t love the smell (and taste!) of fresh baked cookies? Sarah Seligman, owner of Bakefully Yours, is counting on that. Whether you stop by her stand at a local farmer’s market or order her delectable treats on Amazon Fresh, Sarah believes everyone should enjoy a homemade dessert, no matter what restrictions or allergies a person might have and she is committed to her cause.
Sarah loves challenging herself in the kitchen and bakes paleo, vegan, gluten-free and traditional desserts. With a passion for baking since she was a young girl, Sarah realized she could fulfill her lifelong dream and start her own bakery. The name Bakefully Yours came to fruition from Sarah’s gluten-free and paleo baking for herself, family and friends and she hasn’t slowed down since.
I recently had a chance to sit down with Sarah to learn more about the secret ingredients to her business’ sweet success:
Rod: Why did you start your business?
Sarah: I have been baking since I was ten. And I have been following a gluten-free and dairy-free diet (for the most part) for the past five years. The FBI hired me two years ago before I graduated from college, but my clearance was denied. I needed a temporary job in the meantime. I started working at a local butcher shop. That was where I realized that I wanted to follow my passion of baking. I learned a lot about the business side of things when I worked there, which helped me launch my own business. I felt like it was the right time in my life to start this business. Everything just started falling in place, like it was meant to be. It was a blessing in disguise that I did not get that job at the FBI. I knew that I wanted to make desserts that everyone could enjoy, no matter what food allergies one may have. My bakery specializes in gluten-free, vegan, and paleo desserts.
Rod: What do you love most about your business?
Sarah: I provide desserts that cater to people with different food allergies. So when someone comes up to me at a farmers market or event and says: “Wow, I can actually eat this! Thank you for making these desserts! And they actually taste good!” That is what I love most about my business. That is what keeps me going every day.
Rod: What’s a major challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Sarah: One of the biggest challenges of being a one-woman business is that I wear many hats. I have learned so much in the past year about all aspects of running a business. I have learned how to build my own website, to be an accountant, to improve time management and to give my sales pitch to possible retailers. It has been a roller coaster, but I would not have it any other way.
Rod: What advice you would share with a potential business owner?
Sarah: The one piece of advice I would give to potential business owners is that before you start your business, make sure it is something that you truly enjoy doing because that passion will drive you to keep hustling every day to grow your business.
If you have a sweet tooth craving you must satisfy, track Sarah or her goodies down at one of several farmers markets and shops in the area. Give her chocolate chip cookies or coconut brittle a try - I promise you won’t be sorry!
For more information on Sarah Seligman's products, visit Bakefully Yours