Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Rada.
Amy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up on a tiny family farm in Iowa, I was exposed to ingredients that were organic long before organic was the trend. Summer days were spent outdoors, and desserts in our house began with what was ripe and how many eggs we could gather.
Fresh strawberry milkshakes in the early summer led to homemade pies in the fall. As an Iowa farm kid eating apples, pears, and cherries right from the tree, I took this early glimpse of the “farm to table” idea completely for granted. Baking completely from scratch was just what you did. In 2001, I moved to the East Coast and spent a lot of my time in the Boston hospitality industry. The Rustic Baking Company began on a very small scale, making a tiny cake for a friend’s birthday or cupcakes for a baby shower.
Food, and in my case desserts specifically, are such an integral part of any celebration. I feel very honored whenever I can be even a small part of these happy occasions and incredibly lucky to spend my days doing what I love.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a business will always be challenging, but it’s a labor of love. Finding balance is key, but also a constant struggle.
Please tell us about The Rustic Baking Company.
There are so many options when you’re looking for a custom cake for a special event. I think what sets me apart is that I try to make each client a priority and get to know them. I do all of my deliveries personally because I absolutely love seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they see their creation. I make a lot of military cakes for promotions, homecomings, and retirements. These events are so special to me because I’m also part of a military family. My husband is currently deployed to Iraq as a Medevac helicopter pilot in the Army, so I personally know the sacrifices that these families make on a daily basis.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Oddly, one of my most favorite memories was work. Living on a farm, there was always something to be done and whether that was weeding the garden, picking vegetables, or baling hay we were expected to help. Looking back, sitting in the sun and eating more vegetables than I brought back to the kitchen seems more like a vacation than a chore.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rusticbakingco.com
- Phone: 617-642-3419
- Email: rusticbaker61@gmail.com
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