School functions really started it for me. I was working in a school and they were having something and I told them I would make the cake. From there, the teachers started ordering from me. I would bring the cake to school so they didn't have to worry about going to pick it up. I also became associated with a cooking school by offering to do their grand opening cake. Met a several local chefs and make cakes for them.
I just started offering doing cakes for the people I work with and charging them a discount rate. Luckily no one expected me to do them for free. From there I have done it for my immediate family for free. Then when everyone comments on them at the party or what-not I tell them (or have my immediate family ie sisters/mom) that I have really started getting into it and am excitedly hoping to turn it into a little side business. People get the hint seeing as I am stating it as a business and not a hobby.
Do you have a license to bake at home? If not, some schools cannot accept home baked goods. Advertising will get you "caught" and fined, sometimes in the thousands of dollars.
If you are licensed, consider donations to places that normally buy cakes, schools, churches, offices.
sandi64--
Here in ET, They do hava a thing about home-baked goods for the students but if it's for the teachers, it's not a problem...especially if a family member brings it. Our faculty has a Friday "thing" where everybody brings something--store-bought or homemade and it is only for the faculty.
Do you have a license to bake at home? If not, some schools cannot accept home baked goods. Advertising will get you "caught" and fined, sometimes in the thousands of dollars.
If you are licensed, consider donations to places that normally buy cakes, schools, churches, offices.
The laws vary state by state. There are some states that alow an occasional home-made product to be sold, as long as there is no advertising. But, word of mouth is a strong animal! I have never advertised in print. Word of mouth has gotten me orders up the you-know-what in the past few months!
Check, anonymously, with the Health Dept. in your state or town. You may merely need to have a quick inspection of your kitchen.
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%