March 12, 2020

Meet Ruby Williams of Ruby’s Rockin’ Sweet Shop in East Valley

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Williams.

Ruby, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a 13 years old baker. At the end of 2nd grade, I wasn’t doing very well in math or reading. My mom decided to homeschool me to figure out what was wrong. I went through a lot of testing and we figured out I have dyslexia. Instead of making me sit there and read, read, and read, she took me into the kitchen and taught me how to bake. How did that help me? Whelp, I had to read the recipes to know what to do next! My mom was sneaky! I thought we were just spending time together, but really I was learning how to learn! My math skills got much better too from all the doubling of recipes. In 5th grade, I was back up to grade level, so I went back to school. But instead of struggling, I had confidence. Now I’m 13 and I’m in 8th grade. I get almost all A’s and I love school. Last year my mom noticed that I was pretty good at baking and asked me if I wanted to start a business. So we sat down and thought of a name, and I told her how I wanted everything to look. Today, I sell my sweets at GRINDTIME Coffee, The Power Ranch markets, the Made With Love market, and online. I’m even baking in a commercial kitchen called Chef’s Shared Kitchen! I can’t even believe it!! I know this is what I want to do! It’s hard work, but I love it!

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?
I was literally starting from scratch. I had no idea what people would like or how many things I should bake. I felt a little overwhelmed, but then my mom just told me to bake whatever I like to eat. So that’s what I did. Learning how much to bake for each event was tough. But you really can’t know unless you just do it. Even when I would make way too much, I would just try to see the positive in it. I would take the extra over to my favorite assisted living place and donate the extra, or I would make plates and give them to neighbors. It’s all a big learning experience. I’ve learned that even if I mess up on 100 macarons, it’s ok. Whatever mistake it was, I won’t ever make it again! I love spending time with my mom, so she helps me a lot when I’m feeling like I have a lot to do. Sometimes I have a gazillion orders, but I still have homework, choir, school, and my friends, so she’s helped me make things more organized. She’s really good at that. The business part and spreadsheets are also hard for me to understand, but my mom sits with me and teaches me how to do the business side of baking. To be a real baker, you can’t just bake well, you have to know how much everything costs. But I’m learning about every part of how to run my business.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ruby’s Rockin’ Sweet Shop – what should we know?
Ruby’s Rockin’ Sweet Shop is a bakery that specializes in macarons, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and lots more! We’re most known for our macarons and twisted cinnamon buns. We also make gluten-friendly and vegan sweets! When people come up to my booth at a market, I love to hear them say how much they loved what they bought. Then when they find out that I make everything from scratch and that it’s my business, it’s really fun to watch people’s faces! What sets me apart from other bakeries is not just my age. I really feel like I’m creating beautiful sweets that taste amazing. I’m so grateful for all of the community support that I’ve gotten. It makes my heart super happy.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The most important part of my success is that even though I have dyslexia, it’s never stopped me from reaching my goals. If I’m struggling with something, I just keep going, and I don’t give up. I try to keep my head up and I try to keep a positive attitude. Anything that’s worth it is going to be hard. Someday my goal is to have a brick and mortar bakery where people can come, eat, hang out, and feel loved.

Contact Info:

Address: Power Ranch Farmer’s Market Wednesdays from 5-8pm.
Made With Love Market Saturday, April 4th. GRINDTIME Coffee Saturday, March 21st.
Website: www.RubysRockinSweetShop.com
Phone: 480-266-5015
Email: info@rubysrockinsweetshop.com
Instagram: @rubysrockinsweetshop
Facebook: @rubysrockinsweetshopaz

Image Credit:
Celestial Williams

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