Conversations with Mari Baker

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Mari Baker.

Hi Mari, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Hi, my name is Mari Baker, I’m a mother of 2 boys Berto 20 & Devon 15 been with my husband Brock for 17 years and married 10 years in April. I started cakes only because my oldest son wanted a very specific dinosaur cake, but no one could make it. So I did my best, next thing my husband told me he thought I could pull it off with just a little bit of baking I’ve done in the past.

I knew and I told him no way could I make that cake lol but he gave me an extra little push and I made it. I thought it was bad but it was a hit a friend of my son who was at his birthday party really wanted me to make his birthday football cake. So I gave it a try and was a hit as well. After that his sister wanted me to make her daughter a mermaid cake and it just snowballed from there.

I created a page and didn’t think it would go anywhere but I started to get customers and repeats and now it’s been 7 years and I’ve had so many awesome customers and friends come out of this. I now love to bake, volunteer at my kids’ schools over the years at Pro Football Camp at sporting events and all my kids’s sports. I enjoy spending my time helping people. I run a group of over 700 Woman and it’s all to help and lift eachother, I’ve been on Fox Loving living local news many times & have won 3 world wide cake design competitions. I do have 3 other businesses all on Facebook one is a luxury picnic YB Luxury Picnics.

I just started my photography YB Creative Photography, I’ve had a few sessions and have some upcoming football teams booked and I also have a brand new page for event and wedding planning (I just planned my sister’s wedding, my brother-in-law and his wife). Planned everything from showers to ceremony and reception. So I decided I loved planning and loved marrying my brother-in-law I decided to make it a business thing as well.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
At first, it was very smooth then as you start to get known for your work you get those who place fake orders and then tell all their friends to leave fake reviews. I went from 5 stars to 1 star in a matter of seconds I almost gave up but once again my husband had my back along with so many followers I had at the time. I was told not to give up to push through because my work spoke for itself.

So I did not give up I pushed and pushed back and got even bigger abs better it gave me a drive, I didn’t know I had in me. Now I am 7 years in and never back down from anything or anyone and I’m actually proud of the fact I never gave up like I normally would. But now my business is very successful and all because I had a hidden talent my husband helped me see I had and I’m so grateful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do a little of everything, I bake cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, candy, lollipops, dipped treats, custom boxes, and custom designs. I specialize in fondant creations, and I love the crisp look it has I am a bit OCD. So even if I see a cake better than the picture I was sent it makes me feel really good but it’s the pictures, messages, and reviews of my customers that really make’s smile and proud odd my work.

I’m most proud of myself for allowing this art to reflect on my designs. I love to get to know the person the cake is for so I know just how to personalize it specifically to that person’s favorite colors, flavors, and looks. I think the thing that sets me apart is I’m not afraid to tackle any kind I’d design I know I have all the proper tools.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I work with people in any way I can from orders to delivery to setups and servings if needed. People can collaborate with me or support me by speaking with me or placing an order.

Thank you & Supporters

Thank you to my husband Brock Baker for believing and investing and helping me when I need extra hands. And a huge thank you to my biggest investor and huge supporter my Mom Maria Ruiz without my family I wouldn’t be where I’m at now. Thank you!

 

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.YBCakeDesigns.Com
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/ybcakedesigns
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ybcakedesigns?_t=8kSPSo4NUrO&_r=1

 

 

 

Image Credits
Brock Baker and Maria Dalina