Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Botluk.
Hi Heather, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I created Sugared Edge Bakery in 2011. Baking is something I’ve always loved, I grew up baking with my family. Baking has been a constant passion of mine, and that’s something so comforting in an ever-changing world. Growing up, I loved art, drawing, and painting. As an adult with my small business, I’m able to combine all of my art at the same time. My favorite thing to work on is hand-painted cakes! I tend to the more spooky side when it comes to the hand-painted items and that is so much fun for me.
A large part of my customers have dietary restrictions that makeup about 90% of my orders. Being an allergy-friendly bakery has been its own adventure.
After I had my son, I was diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses, some I wouldn’t fully find out until more recently. Chronic illnesses can absolutely change your diet. For me, it started with being allergic to wheat and adjusting to a gluten-free lifestyle. It can be really difficult to find beautiful and delicious desserts in the world when you have dietary restrictions. So part of my goal with my bakery is to have AMAZING products that embrace food restrictions. I love a challenge and if I can make someone smile on their Wedding day, Birthday, or Tuesday… all because they got to eat something delicious and beautiful… well then it’s all worth it!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This road of baking has been full of its own twists, turns, and traffic jams! Navigating your own business when you are mostly the only person in your company is a challenge, and adding on conditions like allergies and dysautonomia… well that takes things to another level! I am an owner, advertiser, designer, baker, packager, supplier, decorator… I am Sugared Edge. Some days are hard, and you have to learn a lot along the way. Sometimes things don’t work out like I plan, setbacks supplies out of stock, but you have to look at it as opportunities to learn. The Pandemic has been a huge learning experience so far. I am extremely high risk along with some of my family. We have had to change a lot with the business during this time. Most of our customer contact is done online, pick up and delivery orders are done no contact for now. Being with the public at events and markets is something I miss, and hopefully we can do that again soon. I have supportive family and friends that absolutely help when they can. Whether it’s building boxes or delivering for me when I can’t drive, I am super happy to have them, it helps make this road a lot smoother.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in cake art and food allergies! Gluten Free that don’t TASTE gluten-free is my passion. I am really proud of my flour mix because when baking with it, it tastes like delicious, moist cakes and desserts. One of my biggest sellers from day one is my Cookie Dough Filled Cakes. That is a vanilla cake with chocolate chips, filled with an edible cookie dough! Such a phenomenal crowd pleaser. I believe that having products, even with dietary adjustments, that taste great and look great is what sets me apart from the pack.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Family, Friends, Baking groups all deserve credit! When I need a pep talk, a pair of hands, a delivery, friends and family are a huge help. When I try out a new technique and have issues, I have a baking group that is so helpful at advice. Gotta surround yourself with positive influence for sure!
Contact Info:
- Email: sugarededgebakes@gmail.com
- Website: https://sugarededgebakes.wixsite.com/cake
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sugared_edge_bakes
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/sugarededgebakery
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sugared-edge-bakery-phoenix
- Other: https://linktr.ee/sugarededge
