Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Andrews.
Hi Ruth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My grandmother has always been a force to be reckoned with, especially in the kitchen; so growing up I was always lucky to be surrounded by extraordinary food. Back in Chennai, India, my grandparents owned a bakery and when they immigrated to America, my grandmother brought all of their recipes with her. I always loved helping her out when she was baking and she would always let me lick the spoon at the end (which was the only reason I ever wanted to help). By the time I was 10, Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes were two shows that were popular and quickly became my favorite shows. I was so intrigued by their creative processes and how Buddy Valastro and Duff Goldman were able to create beautiful art simply out of cake. With the knowledge that I had learned from my grandmother, I started off baking simple things like boxed cakes and refrigerated cookie dough.
Eventually, I started to bake desserts from scratch by following cookbooks we had lying around the house. Baking brought me so much joy because I was able to express my creativity in a whole new way. Creating something from scratch is such a fulfilling process, and having the ability to put my own twist on things made things so much more fun. I began making cookies for church events and received so much support from my community and peers. Everyone loved the desserts I would whip up and people kept asking me to make more stuff. Soon, I was baking for every event and I was known as the baker around town. As I continued to bake for friends and family, I was always told to start my own bakery. However, I was always apprehensive to start a baking business because I was afraid I would lose the love and joy I had for my hobby. However, when the 2020 quarantine hit, I had A LOT of time on my hands, so I thought why not start an Instagram page for my baked goods. As a marketing major, I was always drawn to aesthetic Instagram pages with good, overarching themes. One of my biggest inspirations being @lokokitchen. I started taking pictures of my baked goods on a Target cake stand sitting on a coffee table in my living room and I thought, “Yeah, this could be an Instagram page”. So in the summer of 2020, I came up with the Instagram handle @toomuchbrownsugar and started to post stuff that I made throughout quarantine. A few months in, a friend of mine asked to order some cookies from me, and from there my small business began to grow!
I have an amazing support system around me, and I honestly would not be here without their encouragement. They are constantly pushing me to grow with my business and Too Much Brown Sugar wouldn’t be what it is today without them. My family, especially, is a huge support for this business. My grandparents are constantly helping me out in the kitchen and my parents and sister are always helping me out with packing orders when things get too overwhelming. To think this all in a small bakery in Chennai started by my grandfather and now my grandparents are helping me chase my own dreams with my own bakery. My grandmother got so much joy from sharing her baked goods with others and now I have the same joy in me and that’s what makes all of this worth it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey to say the least as been a long-winded road. I have oftentimes found things very overwhelming and stressful. I struggle severely with anxiety and things can get out of hand fast in the kitchen. I love baking but sometimes when it gets too much to handle, I never want to look at my stand mixer again. I usually end up taking a break but I always find my way back in the kitchen baking something new. Also, in the beginning my parents were not always supportive. As typical South Asian parents, they were feared that this could not be a successful career path for me, and though I don’t to make this my full-time job, it’s still something I enjoy as a side hustle and I think they finally see that too now and have come around to the idea of me having this business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and other treats! My best sellers are my Chai cupcakes and Chocolate Chip Cookies. I’m most proud of the fact that I am constantly learning and perfecting my skills every time I bake something.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m extremely blessed to have an amazing community surrounding me that has supported me throughout my entire journey. I’m very aware that people are not privileged enough to have a support system around them so that’s why I’m very grateful to have the people that I do have!
Contact Info:
- Email: ruthandrews99@gmail.com
- Website: toomuchbrownsugar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toomuchbrownsugar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toomuchbrownsugar/
Image Credits
Personal Portraits done by: Neena Mundolil
