Life and Work with Rachel Ziehnert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Ziehnert.

Hi Rachel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Yes! I started making cakes two years ago, soon after I sold my retail business to stay home with my two kids (age 3 and 1 at the time). Three months after my transition to being at home, I woke up one day with the idea that I should start making cakes to “someday” sell them. I bought a $20 cake decorating kit from Amazon, watched hundreds of YouTube videos and tried dozens of recipes, all while enjoying my days with my little ones. I took every opportunity I could to make cake and share it with people so I could practice and gain feedback. I found I REALLY REALLY LOVED CAKING!

After a lot of trial and error, I perfected my favorite recipes (which are all gluten-free, by the way!) and gained confidence with my techniques. Then the Covid pandemic hit and I quit caking for a number of reasons. Plus, we had another baby in 2020 and also moved across town to a new house, so there just wasn’t bandwidth to bake and create. In the spring of 2021, when pandemic restrictions started lifting, the baby was sleeping well, and we were settled in our new home, I decided to pick up caking again and took the leap to start selling my goods. To my delight, it took off better than I ever imagined! I love being able to set my own limits, meet new people, try new things, and do it all while staying home with my kids. I’m excited for what the future holds for my little business!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest challenge is finding a way to cake (and all the things that come with running a cake business) while also enjoying my kids and giving them the care and attention they need. It’s definitely a struggle to balance it all and make sure our family thrives first. I often run my caking errands with the kids in tow or mix up buttercream while they’re eating breakfast, and answer emails and texts while they watch a show. But I usually bake and decorate during their rest time or after they’re in bed. It’s a juggling act that I’m constantly working to improve so I can soak up this precious time with them!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known for making beautiful and classy GLUTEN-FREE buttercream cakes. Everything I make is gluten-free, but my goal is that no one will ever know the difference! I’ve been gluten-free for 10 years now, so I know the disappointment of not being able to enjoy yummy treats at celebrations. I’ve worked hard to find and refine amazing gluten-free cake recipes so that EVERYONE can enjoy my cakes at a party. I repeatedly hear how surprised people are to learn the cake is gluten-free—they wouldn’t have ever guessed if they hadn’t been told. And yet, the gluten-free guests also got to enjoy the cake! That is what makes me the most proud!

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I follow dozens of cake artists and creators on Instagram. They’ve been my biggest inspiration!

Contact Info:

• Email: rachel@sweetestthingco.com
• Website: www.sweetestthingco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesweetestthing.cakes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSweetestThing.cakes