Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Voorhees.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
When I was a kid and my parents took us grocery shopping, we were allowed to walk around the store while they shopped. Most kids ran to the toy section, or the entertainment section to play video games. I, however, would go straight to the bakery, flipping through the book of cake designs and stare at all the marvelous creations in awe. Funny thing is- I never thought of becoming a baker when I grew up.
In my twenties, I worked at a three local bakeries. I originally applied to these bakeries hoping to become a cake decorator. Every bakery told me the same thing: I needed certification from a pastry arts school. As young parents. we didn’t have the money to afford schooling along with daycare, mortgage, and three kids.
So, I asked questions, watched a ton of videos online, and read like crazy. Eventually, I became a stay-at-home mom and used my extra time to practice. I had no goals in mind, I just made cakes for our family birthday parties. I had never even thought I would one day own my own bakery.
One day, we were on our way to our daughter’s birthday party, and while my husband ran into a store to buy balloons, I sat in the car with her cake on my lap. A woman ran over and asked where she could get that exact cake. When I had told her I made it myself, she offered to pay me to make one for her. And that’s where it began.
Every day I learn something new, and surprisingly to me, I gain new clients. In the beginning, I had one order a month. Now, I am booked out weeks in advance. My clients are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. My husband has been my cheerleader from the beginning, and my kiddos don’t mind taste-testing the new recipes. All in all, I am living the dream.
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?
Let’s put it this way- To perfect my chocolate chip cookie recipe, I baked 162 cookies, tweaking the recipe every time. Every journey has its struggles, but that is what makes us stronger. Every mistake along the way has been a learning experience.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own Bearcat Bakery. I specialize in custom desserts that that are as appealing to the eyes as the tongue. Although I began the bakery by making custom cakes, I am most known for custom sugar cookies.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my recipes and willingness to over-deliver. I tweak my recipes constantly, I am always reading and researching. I use high-quality ingredients, including eggs from our own chickens. I do everything possible to go above and beyond for my clients, even hand-wrapping every box with ribbon.
Out of all the things I do, I am most proud of the fact that I can contribute to our monthly finances. My husband has always taken care of us and it feels great being able to help him out. Without his encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Any big plans?
There will be big changes in our future! As much as I love baking, my husband is the best chef in the house. We both have a passion for food and making people happy. In the future, we will operate a food truck, bearing the same “Bearcat” name and being able to work side-by-side every day together.
Pricing:
- Floral Cupcakes- $40/dozen
- Drop Cookies- “$18/dozen
- Custom Sugar Cookies- $36/dozen
- Gourmet Stuffed Cupcakes- $36/dozen
Contact Info:
- Email: BearcatBakeryContact@gmail.com
- Website: www.BearcatBakeryDFW.com
- Instagram: @BearcatBakeryDFW
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BearcatBakeryDFW
