We recently had the chance to connect with Hanna Still and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Hanna, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I’ve been very lucky that life has been treating me wonderfully recently, and I’ve found myself feeling true joy a lot! The past few months, I have spent enjoying friends’ company, traveling, and going to concerts and shows! Indulging in small things such as new creative outlets, and reminding myself that life really is full of joyful moments. I recently got back into town after getting to see a favorite artist of mine live, and I can confidently say the moments I spent on that trip were what I would consider pure, unadulterated joy!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Hanna Still, and I am a 25-year-old business owner. I opened my cake business, Sweetie Pie’s Cakes and Bakery, around the time of the pandemic. Five years later, I am still going strong and have spent the years not only honing my craft, but also figuring out where I’d like to take my business, working towards that place, and enjoying all the cute cakes I’ve gotten to make along the way! When I first started, creating pretty and fun cakes was the goal, but over time, and with a bit of luck, I’ve been able to incorporate a few of my own passions and loves into the business. Nowadays, I’m still making birthday and anniversary cakes, but I also get to design cakes inspired by video games, anime, and K-pop idols, bringing those characters and themes to life in my decorations, which makes my days in the kitchen even more fun and exciting!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I was very lucky to have been taught the importance of a good work ethic very young. I spent a lot of my childhood in extracurriculars and always enjoyed working hard and the satisfaction that came from knowing I had done my very best. Both of my parents supported me in my goals and in finding that satisfaction, and that followed me into my adult life, into becoming a business owner, and continues to be one of the most important driving factors in not only still getting to do what I love, but being able to sustain the business and passion for my craft. While I have learned a lot about work myself, the foundation was wonderfully set by those in my family who support me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely! I feel that anything worth doing comes with doubt, and sometimes that doubt grows large enough for you to consider throwing in the towel and giving up. Over time, I learned to see the urge as a sign that I needed to sit with myself and regroup. When I found myself wanting to give up, I always tried to understand exactly why. This, in turn, has led to many changes in my business over the years. Sometimes it’s as small as a menu update, and other times it’s something much larger, with a much wider impact. For example, I found myself unhappy with where my business was a few years ago, and in the end, I went out on a limb and made a few cakes with some of my favorite characters on them. This not only allowed me a moment to be creative, just for myself, but it worked in my favor, and I began to attract a new crowd of customers wanting something similar. That small change brought a new life to my business, and I found myself months later, beyond grateful that I had, once again, not given up.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Consistency and stability are very important to me, whether that be a schedule I like to keep day to day or being able to clear my email inbox when the clock hits six, so I know that everything is ready for the next day. Along with that, I think keeping up a strong sense of self is important. While what I have created with my business is significant, still being able to enjoy my life, my interests, and make time for family, friends, and moments of joy is equally important.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
For a long time, I felt like I had to create what everyone else was creating. Cake trends come and go, and while it was fun to keep up with them, it sometimes meant losing that personal touch and creative freedom. In the beginning, I kept things very business-like and did not share much of myself. I thought that’s what people wanted: order a cake, pick it up, and that was that. But over time, through connecting with customers, I’ve started letting more of myself shine. I’ve found joy in making cakes inspired by things I love, like those video game characters, anime, and K-pop idols, and sharing more of my personality, hobbies, and life with the business. It feels like I’ve found a balance now. I still get to make the cakes people request, but I also get to be more “me” in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/sweetie-pies-cakes
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sweetiepiescakesandbakery
