This in home bakery has overcome struggles to become a successful bakery! Winning blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair and being booked six months out are common practices for Sweet Snax, LLC.
Where are you located? What does your family look like? Humans and not.
My home based bakery is located in Fort Dodge, Iowa. I’m so lucky to be able to work from home! I’ve been married to Chris Watnem for a little over 10 years & we have 2 children (Charlotte & Chandler). We also have a bunch of furry family members too!
Iowa State Cyclones or Iowa Hawkeyes? (Or favorite team?)
Sports aren’t my strong point and I’m not an Iowa native so I vote for whoever wins
How has your business evolved over time?
The leaps & bounds my bakery business has made over the course of 3 years has been incredible! I originally started out creating chocolate covered treats which eventually led into baking. Here we are now with an extensive menu in tow.
What made you decide to start this business?Â
I originally started this as a hobby during the pandemic. My kids and I created hot cocoa bombs for our neighbors, then so on. Before I knew it, people were asking me to create desserts for them so I hit the ground running and never looked back.
Why has this been a good fit for you?
I have always had a deep love & appreciation for all forms of art, including food. Throughout my journey I have been able to express my artistic side.
If you could choose one treat what would it be?
My famous white chocolate stiletto!
What have been some struggles with starting this business?
After establishing my bakery business, we made the move to Fort Dodge. While this presented a challenge by moving away from my customer base, it turned out to be extremely beneficial! My customer base grew quickly & I’m consistently booked 6 months out.
What has been the most rewarding part of your business?
Being able to give back to my community! I am able to show love the best way I know how- through food. I donate custom cakes for children currently in foster care. An organization called Icing Smiles connects me with local families with critically ill children and I get to donate cakes to them & their families.
Beach or mountain? Why?
Beach! I was born and raised in Arizona so I will always love mountains but the sound of waves at the beach will always be my weakness.
How do you do what you do with your business? How does it work?Â
My home has 2 kitchens so I am able to have my own dedicated space to create desserts without pets or kiddos in my space.
What hasn’t worked?
I’ve tried keeping desserts on hand at all times for last minute orders but unfortunately that ends up with a lot of waste. Instead I only take custom orders & occasionally have a pop up sale.
What else are you doing that is awesome?
I really love all the ways I am able to give back to my community. Whether it’s donating to a local community member’s cancer fundraiser or donating to my local charities- it’s been amazing to see the impact we can make! I also plan on competing in the professional division of the state fair again this year and hope to bring home more blue ribbons!
What have you learned now that you didn’t know before?
Patience. Loads and loads of patience. Piping floral creations takes time and patience.
Favorite thing to do in your free time?
Spend time with my family outside in the sun!
What piece of advice would you give to yourself when you started this business?
DO NOT GIVE UP! There will be hurdles and learning curves but you got this!
What is the next thing you are wanting to pursue?
I’m toying with the idea of a storefront.
Favorite thing to make for dinner?
Lasagna!
How do we find out more about you? Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Etsy. Give me all of the ways to see your business/products!
If you want to find out more about my other entrepreneur friends that we have interviewed on the Iowa Family Gardening Homestead please visit them HERE!
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