Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaleea Barbain.
Hi Kaleea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Kaleea Barbain and I am 21 years old. I just recently started my baking business, “Beautifully Baked”, earlier this year in January! I’ve always had a love for baking since I was a little girl and I’m probably one of the biggest sweets person you’ll ever meet- I love it! However, I never imagined having my own bakery and selling it to others. It was always just a hobby I did for fun. A little back story is that I graduated from Cosmetology School in 2023 with my license and I fully intended on pursuing the hair and beauty industry so I did! I became a freelance hairstylist for a couple months and then started applying for hair salons, while still maintaining a part time job. Fast forward to 2024, I began working at my mom’s daycare due to wanting to work from home and not feeling in purpose at my previous job. The desire to do hair was very much still there but I really believe God transitioned me, not only into daycare unexpectedly but also into starting my own Christian bakery! Now I am a full time daycare worker and I do my business part time as I continue to get my name out there!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been a easy road as one can imagine. At the beginning of any venture, it is fun, thrilling and exciting all at once! For me, in the beginning the business did skyrocket and take off fairly quickly! I was really busy for the first 3 months upon starting my business. I posted on my social media pages via Instagram and Facebook, told members of my former church about it, neighbors and much more! Then once this seemingly busy time dwindled down, so did the customers and my desire to keep baking. It’s easy to do something you love and get paid for doing it but what about when reality hits? Can you still be faithful to your craft? Even though their was a period of time where I wanted to quit, I am thankful for its challenge! Truth be told this process has humbled me and I am grateful for a circle of people who will not let me give up! I am currently receiving more orders after much encouragement, prayer, a new strategy and a new outlook on not only baking but also on my life. I would encourage anyone to seek God, and to not chase Paper but chase Purpose! Whatever you may do, DO NOT QUIT!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is based off the scripture Psalm 34:8 “Taste and See that the Lord is Good”! We are located in Dallas, Tx. The sole purpose of my business is to glorify God and attract new customers based upon my faith in God, allowing people to “taste and see” is our primary goal! It’s not just about desserts or pastries but it is also a ministry in its own unique way! Beautifully Baked specializes in a variety of cookies, cupcakes and yummy treats such as cheesecakes, fried Oreos, apple pies and so much more! We are certainly NOT your average bakery lol and we take pride in that! I am most proud of my brand for standing out and being different in the sense that every order is prayed over, cared for and handcrafted from the heart. You can also message us if you have a custom idea that you saw on the internet, we love to customize and be creative! We also offer catering for cupcakes and cookies- a Large platter and a XL platter we provide for our customers convenience. We service birthday parties, baby showers, work events, church get togethers, bible studies, and more! We are available to be a vendor at pop-up shops now having our food handler certificate and complying under the Texas Cottage Food Laws. You will be able to purchase your very own Beautifully Baked treat using our Bakesy link or also through our social media platforms and we will be more than happy to serve YOU!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Honestly, starting this business was me taking a risk! I took a chance on myself and it took me awhile even to build the courage to invest into myself. I invested a lot of money in the beginning and I educated myself via Youtube trying to figure out what I was doing! Since a baking business wasn’t in the books for me initially, it wasn’t quite as easy as I had expected it to be. However, now I am so happy that I took a leap of faith because my hard work and dedication is paying off! Dedication is key when you first start anything, so stick with it and you’ll reap the rewards of success!
Pricing:
- Catering 25 Cookies/Cupcakes for $50
- Catering 50 Cookies/Cupcakes for $100
- More pricings available on our website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/beautifully-baked-2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_beautifullybaked1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575897727908
Image Credits
@themajorsphotography for the headshot and myself for the dessert pictures
