Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Munger.
Kelsey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was diagnosed with a peanut and tree nut allergy at the age of 6. I was the kid who had to sit at the “nut-free table” at lunch and bring my own cupcakes for birthday parties. When I got older, I realized my search for new (and delicious) safe treats continued to be limited, so that’s when I took matters into my own hands and started baking. From there, I began baking for not just myself but for friends and family too. Instead of bringing food just for myself at parties, I was now baking the cake for everyone to enjoy. Since then, food has become a focal point in my life; from working in bakeries to running kitchens to even getting my masters in Gastronomy, I was able to use my food limitations as a way to get creative in the kitchen. After reaching a point in my career where I was forced to either look for a new job or take the risk and start my own business, I took the leap and that is when I began Lavender Bee Baking Company. Now, daily, I strive to provide delicious and safe treats for those with nut allergies, but also for those who just want a sweet treat!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Lavender Bee didn’t happen overnight. This has been a dream of mine ever since I started baking but I knew I was going to have to put in the work to get to this point. I’ve worked in a variety of kitchens, learning all aspects of running a business, how to run efficient kitchen operations, all the while constantly pushing myself to grow in my field. When I was offered the chance for my first kitchen rental, it took 6 months to get the lease from the landlord and even after signing, the kitchen closed after a month and I was back at square one. Set backs happen all the time but I learned that I couldn’t let it get me down, that kitchen didn’t work out but the next day I was researching new options. I would say weekly, there’s a time where I feel discouraged, whether I was hoping a new sales opportunity would work out and it doesn’t, or a recipe I was excited about doesn’t scale well for the markets, but then I have a great day talking to customers and I’m reminded why I do this. For young women starting out, I’ve learned that I was the only person who was going to advocate for myself and my business; you can’t wait around for opportunities to just happen, you need to be curious, get answers, and make moves that will further your goal every day.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lavender Bee Baking Company – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Lavender Bee Baking Company is a specialty nut-free baked good business based in Boston. I strive to provide delicious and safe treats for those with nut allergies, but also for those who just want a sweet treat! I specialize in nut free treats but I also understand the struggle other allergies have so I offer a variety of allergy-friendly items as well for those looking for gluten-free, vegan and more. Our ingredients are sourced as local as possible and baked fresh from scratch daily. I am most proud when I see that look of relief in the parents’ eyes and the excitement from the kids as they inhale a chocolate chip cookie or pop tart right in front of me. I love being at markets and having people coming up (sometimes sprinting up) to my tent knowing for the first time in a while they have the freedom to choose anything in my case and know they are safe with their allergies. Building these connections within my community is so important to me and being able to give back is one of my main goals in growing my business.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I’ve found that as a woman entrepreneur, there is a loyal community of us out there. Seeing women lift each other up and offer help because we all genuinely want to see us all succeed provides unique opportunities that you may not find in other fields. Meeting like-minded, strong women have actually been the source of many opportunities that have allowed me to grow my business. My kitchen where I rent, writing my business plan, and gaining financial support have all been from the network of women business owners that have pointed me in the right direction when I’m feeling lost. While it can still be tough at times, this inspirational network of women is what keeps you going.
Pricing:
- Custom Cakes starting at $35
- Cookies $2.15
- Brownies $2.50
- Poptarts $4
- Cake slices $3.75
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lavenderbee.com
- Phone: 774-249-3023
- Email: lavenderbeebakingco@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavenderbeebakingco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LavenderBeeBakingCompany/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LBBakingCo
Image Credit:
Kelsey Munger
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