Blog #3

 Before we started our internship at the bakery, my group and I thought that the only component to it was baking. However, in just this past week, we have learned that it is so much more than just baking. There are a lot of small but important steps that are required to be successful in the bakery. For instance, creating the decorations and overall aesthetic for each baked good is just as important as baking. On top of working the cash register, this last week we have spent a lot of time making the crafts and cake toppers. We have learned how to make bows, and flags for different occasions, as well as graduation decor for the cakes. It was surprising to be in the background and learn that much of the décor on these cakes are handmade. For example, when I order a cake I do not realize each aspect and decoration is handmade by employees. However, realizing that each part is made by someone helps me understand why the décor is an additional price. Therefore, while these small crafts can be tedious and time-consuming, we have learned that they are quite profitable. For example, simply creating a bow, a flag, and a message card for the cake can increase its value of it by $10. As our mentor told us, we are trying to create a store that not only sells bundt cake but that also sells retail. We also sell cards and many different gifts that are out to be purchased with a cake. The manager even taught us about certain incentives that the bakery uses to encourage customers to return. For instance, we use these punch cards and when the customer had bought a certain amount of cakes; they would be able to get one for free.



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