How Do You Dress When Meeting Clients?

Business By BatterUpCake Updated 25 Jan 2014 , 7:09am by cakefull

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BatterUpCake Posted 19 Jul 2013 , 5:29pm
post #1 of 45

For those that do not have a storefront have you taken wardrobe into consideration? I am upgrading my wardrobe (due to a little weight gain, not my great success and amount of $$ pouring in...lol) I was wondering if anyone other than myself thinks wardrobe plays a big role in your success and and what people are willing to pay for your cakes? I feel once you have a reputation as a cake genius then you could show up in your pajamas and just be labeled eccentric. When I look at AZ Couture's picture and how she is dressed I think high end confections that I could probably not afford (that is meant as a compliment since I don't want customers that can only afford what I can). I want clothing that will make me stand out but not in a bad way (like clown shoes)...I have decided to go with a signature color palette. And when I deliver to a venue I wear an embroidered Chef's coat. What do other home baker's on here do...or do you just not think it's that important.

44 replies
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arlenej Posted 19 Jul 2013 , 5:53pm
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It makes you look more professional when you do business -meeting with clients, delivering- in a chef's coat. They feel safer entrusting their cake -and money!- to you. I was rushed to make delivery deadline and didn't realise that I hadn't a coat in my car (ALWAYS keep a quick-change chef's coat in your vehicle!). They got the cake on time, but I got some initial looks that were...unsettling to me.

Ruth Rickey at http://sugarzen.com wrote an article in May of 2012 titled 'I'm Not Worthy' Give it a read.

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BatterUpCake Posted 19 Jul 2013 , 6:00pm
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the link takes me to godaddy.com...don't see anything on there but ads.

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 19 Jul 2013 , 6:16pm
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AIt's HOT in charleston. The only time I wear a chef jacket is the food & wine festival. I would for competition that's about it.

I purchased several skorts. They are pretty, feminine, flexible, & comfortable. I also always wear my hot pink Landau Rx shoes. When delivering, I wear am apron.

I've never gotten weird looks. Well...not from what I was wearing during a delivery.

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 19 Jul 2013 , 6:17pm
post #5 of 45

AFYI, Dicks sporting goods carries beautiful skorts by lady Hagar. I don't like the shirts.

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scrumdiddlycakes Posted 19 Jul 2013 , 6:44pm
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I have a kitchen on our property now, but when I have a meeting I wear what I use to wear as a pastry chef. Chefs coat, checkered pencil skirt and usually funky shoes, lol. For the most part I still bake in that as well, minus the shoes, force of habit I guess.

 

Looking professional is definitely important, I'm totally guilty of judging someone on first glance. When I see a baker in a frumpy t-shirt and shorts, I automatically wonder what their kitchen looks like. (please don't stone me, I can't help it, lol)

I don't think you have to dress 'fancy', but crisp and clean for sure, with a touch of personality.

 

I have a friend who has her chef coats custom made, and has a ruffle added, she gets so many comments on it.

People really do pay a lot more attention than you realize.

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BatterUpCake Posted 19 Jul 2013 , 6:45pm
post #7 of 45
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeliciousDesserts 

FYI, Dicks sporting goods carries beautiful skorts by lady Hagar. I don't like the shirts.

Thanks...I have bought some dressy long shorts but would really like a skirt look. I just hate wearing skirts. I will look at those.

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BatterUpCake Posted 19 Jul 2013 , 6:54pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scrumdiddlycakes 

I have a kitchen on our property now, but when I have a meeting I wear what I use to wear as a pastry chef. Chefs coat, checkered pencil skirt and usually funky shoes, lol. For the most part I still bake in that as well, minus the shoes, force of habit I guess.

 

Looking professional is definitely important, I'm totally guilty of judging someone on first glance. When I see a baker in a frumpy t-shirt and shorts, I automatically wonder what their kitchen looks like. (please don't stone me, I can't help it, lol)

I don't think you have to dress 'fancy', but crisp and clean for sure, with a touch of personality.

 

I have a friend who has her chef coats custom made, and has a ruffle added, she gets so many comments on it.

People really do pay a lot more attention than you realize.

I went to a buffet at the culinary school yesterday and was amazed how gross some of the students chefs coats looked as they were serving....first of all I was appalled the students would present themselves to the public like that but even worse was the fact that  the Chef instructors and administrators allowed it. I will soon be starting the Baking/Pastry degree program there if I get accepted but that and the fact that some of the students  didn't know crap about baking gave me pause. One did not know what fondant was....one did not know that swiss buttercream was a meringue recipe and then explained to me that "the difference between regular BC and SMBC was that the swiss had more fat"...WHAT???? I was relieved to find out that they were not students in the baking school and their program only touched on basics...

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Elcee Posted 19 Jul 2013 , 11:06pm
post #9 of 45

I wear a chef's coat and black pants (NEVER jeans) for deliveries, and wore it at a bridal show. For consultations, I wear nice casual pants )again, no jeans) with clogs. For a top, I have some nice, fairly upscale, Eddie Bauer t-shirts that are colorful, with 3/4 sleeves and V or scoop necklines that look professional, creative, and casual. If I don't wear one of those, I wear a white button down blouse. I also wear a nice watch, fun earrings and my wedding cake necklace.

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arlenej Posted 20 Jul 2013 , 12:00pm
post #10 of 45

I'm SO SORRY! I have no idea why that is! I clicked on the link and went to godaddy. And now I'm trying to get sugarzen directly and I'm being re-directed all over the place! This is weird.

Does anyone have any idea why this is happening? Ruth are you out there? Can you shed some light...Oh shoot! She'll be at Cake Camp.

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LizzieAylett Posted 20 Jul 2013 , 2:56pm
post #11 of 45
Quote:
Originally Posted by arlenej 

I'm SO SORRY! I have no idea why that is! I clicked on the link and went to godaddy. And now I'm trying to get sugarzen directly and I'm being re-directed all over the place! This is weird.

Does anyone have any idea why this is happening? Ruth are you out there? Can you shed some light...Oh shoot! She'll be at Cake Camp.

 



I expect she let her domain lapse.  That is a holding page until she renews her registration.

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kpny Posted 20 Jul 2013 , 3:20pm
post #12 of 45

I think this link - is for the article you were mentioning..  http://sugarzen.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/im-not-worthy/

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jenmat Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 1:45am
post #13 of 45

I guess I dress comfortably for everything. I don't wear jammies, but I have been known to wear yoga pants and a t shirt if I'm meeting them in the middle of a work day. Otherwise jeans or something with a nice shirt at night. I come from a region where people wear jeans to weddings and $50 per plate restaurants though. It's kind of a running joke around here. No one ever buys an evening dress because besides prom, you'll never get to wear it!

 

I like to give off the impression that I'm approachable, young (ish) and someone they can relate to. I do wear a chef's coat to deliveries though, I find that this is where "I'm a professional, not just a cake lady" really needs to be expressed. 

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costumeczar Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 2:55pm
post #14 of 45

I dress like I'm going to work, but I'm not into uniforms so I don't wear a chef's coat.

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AZCouture Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 3:22pm
post #15 of 45

AOk, that was a photo shoot I won, hope no one thinks I look like that all the time!

Shoot, I am about as far from looking like that as you can imagine. Ok, hair pulled back, thin button up blouse over a tank top, and jeans. Flip flops too! (gasp!) Srsly. But I don't look thrown together, I'm presentable but casual, and my meeting space is very neat and clean. Some Brazilian jazz radio in the background, hanging lanterns with scented candles lit...cozy, nice, not stuffy.

But no, Marie Freakin Antoinette is not greeting the customers with a cake in hand...ha ha ha!

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AZCouture Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 3:25pm
post #16 of 45

AAnd yeah, it's hot here, dressing up? Ain't got time fo' dat!

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arlenej Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 3:50pm
post #17 of 45
Quote:
Originally Posted by kpny 

I think this link - is for the article you were mentioning..  http://sugarzen.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/im-not-worthy/

Yep, that's it. How did you DO that? Actually, don't explain, as long as folks get the info. Thanks

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Alvida Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 3:59pm
post #18 of 45
Quote:
Originally Posted by kpny 

I think this link - is for the article you were mentioning..  http://sugarzen.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/im-not-worthy/

Thank you for posting this.  It addresses my own feelings exactly..... and sets my mind at ease, somewhat...

I might even purchase a chef coat now. icon_smile.gif

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BatterUpCake Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 4:02pm
post #19 of 45
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZCouture 

Ok, that was a photo shoot I won, hope no one thinks I look like that all the time!

Shoot, I am about as far from looking like that as you can imagine. Ok, hair pulled back, thin button up blouse over a tank top, and jeans. Flip flops too! (gasp!) Srsly. But I don't look thrown together, I'm presentable but casual, and my meeting space is very neat and clean. Some Brazilian jazz radio in the background, hanging lanterns with scented candles lit...cozy, nice, not stuffy.

But no, Marie Freakin Antoinette is not greeting the customers with a cake in hand...ha ha ha!

Awww...my bubble is burst. Seriously though I didn't think you dressed like that al lof the time but I could totally see you rockin this

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as you wish Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 4:31pm
post #20 of 45

AI am making a delivery shortly and now I am rethinking my capris and tank top. Hmm...

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AZCouture Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 4:52pm
post #21 of 45

A

Original message sent by BatterUpCake

Awww...my bubble is burst. Seriously though I didn't think you dressed like that al lof the time but I could totally see you rockin this [URL=http://cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3060339/] [/URL]

Not. A. Chance. But thanks for thinking that!

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FrostedMoon Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 5:52pm
post #22 of 45

I've just been having this conversation.  I'm having my logo redesigned and I was thinking of what to get it embroidered on.  Pick-ups are at my home, and I think it would be a little odd to throw a chef coat on for that, but maybe I'll begin to wear an apron with my logo on it.  Deliveries I think the chef coat is the way to go.  Right now I wear business casual for interacting with clients.  That includes make-up and I pull my hair back, and usually a skirt or dress, but that's what I'm most comfortable in.

 

What you wear absolutely reflects on your business!  

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Annabakescakes Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 6:06pm
post #23 of 45

AFor consultations I wear black jeans and a pink chef coat, with my hair up. For pickups I take a quick sponge to my black jeans and wear a T-shirt because I am still working on other orders and I will sweat in my coat, plus I don't want it dirty! And for deliveries I wear my coat again. I always wear tennis shoes with funky laces.

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costumeczar Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 7:42pm
post #24 of 45

A

Original message sent by AZCouture

Not. A. Chance. But thanks for thinking that!

I just about wet my pants laughing when I saw that outfit and thought of you in it. Bwuahahahahaha!

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AZCouture Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 8:00pm
post #25 of 45

AHa ha ha!

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smittyditty Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 8:19pm
post #26 of 45

I think I will be sporting some black pants and stylish shirt. I will wear my chef coat for deliveries..as in I put it on right before pulling out the cake. ITs HOT here. I have a new found respect for anyone who wears them..oh my gosh cooking all day in a hot kitchen I'm surprised chefs aren't nude or have a kiddy pool in the back.

Anyhow I just cook in my regular jeans and t-shirt.

I like the ideas from AZcouture on the music, candles, ect.

 

 

Question if the client is just coming for a wedding consultation and you aren't serving cake, as in its already in a box and wrapped, do you still need to wear your hair up?

 

Not trying to high jack you batterup...:)
 

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AZCouture Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 8:33pm
post #27 of 45

AI think the hair thing is up to you, but I just do it anyways, because I don't really ever wear my hair down. Unless I just washed and blowdried it, which I rarely do. Blowdry that is.

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smittyditty Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 8:48pm
post #28 of 45

Oh come on AZ we know you don't wash your hair...lol..jk

Ya I wear mine down primarily so that is why I was wondering. Plus I think I look better with it down.
 

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costumeczar Posted 21 Jul 2013 , 9:10pm
post #29 of 45
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZCouture 

Ha ha ha!

Must admit I tried to picture myself in it to, and I laughed even harder.

 

I usually wear my hair in a ponytail when meeting people, but that's because I don't want to shed hair in the samples.

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Annabakescakes Posted 22 Jul 2013 , 4:47am
post #30 of 45

A

Original message sent by AZCouture

I think the hair thing is up to you, but I just do it anyways, because I don't really ever wear my hair down. Unless I just washed and blowdried it, which I rarely do. Blowdry that is.

I mostly wear mine up too. I hate the way it feels on my neck when it is down, and I always fiddle with it, and if a split end catches my eye, somehow, I want to peel it back, haha. Yes, freakish, and unprofessional! I think I look better with I'd down, though. I sort of just made a rule that no one walks around the bakery with their hair down. We can bring in groceries and put them away, or run and grab a frozen cupcake, but if you are out there, you tie your hair back.

Oh, and I have never been a blow drier person, but now that my hair is so thin, I need the body it gives! My hair literally looks pasted to my scalp if I let it dry naturally.

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