A client who embodies the phrase "sharing is caring."
Audrey Ernst is an entrepreneur focused on the sweet things in life. Her passion for baking and sharing are what inspired her business, Audrey鈥檚 Baked Creations LLC, and since starting in 2019 she has grown a very authentic and successful brand. We got the chance to hear more about Audrey鈥檚 experiences as an entrepreneur, the lessons she鈥檚 learned along the way, and how LaunchNET鈥檚 microgrants helped boost her confidence.
5 Things You Need to Know 91吃瓜网 Audrey:
- Made custom cake pops for LaunchNET鈥檚 10 year anniversary event (editor's note: the lemon flavor was chef鈥檚 kiss)
- Has festive holiday treats available on
- Is currently in her junior year as an Entrepreneurship major
- Has goals of taking Audrey鈥檚 Baked Goods on the road
- A very giving, focused individual that puts care into everything she does and has a customer first approach with all her business endeavors
How would you describe yourself in three words?
I鈥檇 say positive, outgoing, and motivated.
Can you share some background on how your entrepreneurial journey started and where you are now?
Well growing up I was unsure of what I wanted to do. I realized I enjoyed making and sharing food with others, it was my way to show people how much I cared about them, and I wanted to continue doing that. Summer of 2019 is when I started up Audrey鈥檚 Baked Creations and at the time it was something I just did for friends and family. Once I got to college I started considering more of the business side of things and decided to pursue that, majoring in entrepreneurship.
The past couple summers I鈥檝e really been able to grow this into something more. I鈥檝e connected with a lot of people, even done custom orders for big events, and been part of several vendor shows 鈥� which was huge for business and LaunchNET actually helped with those through the microgrant.
That's great to hear! Could you expand on how the microgrant helped?
For sure. The microgrant was huge for the business, and for me, it made me feel more professional and like a legitimate business. I was able to purchase company shirts, a display case, and marketing items for the display; all of which really added to the professionalism of my setup and made me feel more confident talking to customers.
What are your future goals with this venture?
I really want to branch off and start a separate business that is mobile, like a food truck, that features my baked creations. This option would be convenient for the customer since I could go to them, but it also gives me a chance to scope out different areas where I may eventually want to have a storefront.
What is your proudest career moment?
I think setting up at events are my proudest moments. It鈥檚 just so cool to have that moment of realization that this is my job. I get to interact with people, see them enjoy my creations, and connect with others part of the small business community. I鈥檓 really proud to be part of that.
Is there anything you would do differently? If so, what?
Maybe taking things seriously earlier on, I didn鈥檛 really start focusing on the business until college. But I do believe everything that has happened up to this point has been a learning opportunity.
What鈥檚 the most valuable thing you learned along your journey?
I鈥檇 say just to believe in yourself. I鈥檝e learned so much with this being my first venture and I know all of that will help me in the future.
What advice would you give to students pursuing an idea?
To go for it and take advantage of every opportunity the university offers. There鈥檚 so many people out there willing to give advice and share resources鈥f you take that initial leap, others will be there to help support you.
How would you describe the entrepreneurial mindset?
I think the entrepreneurial mindset is all about pushing through. There will be hard moments, things you don鈥檛 understand, and things that won鈥檛 work out鈥ut as long as you鈥檙e trying your best and putting your best foot forward, you can be successful. Success looks different for everyone and you can be successful in your own right.
What's something that makes you happy?
This organization on campus that I鈥檓 part of, called CHAARG. We are a group of women that prioritize our mental health and wellness together. We meet on a weekly basis and it鈥檚 been one of the best parts of my college experience. It鈥檚 a really supportive group that I鈥檝e made a lot of friends through and this year I鈥檓 an ambassador.
Do you have a tagline for your life?
Life isn鈥檛 a race. I take things one day at a time and focus on not comparing myself to others.
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?
You know, I really take pride in being a woman and a woman entrepreneur, so I鈥檇 be a lioness. They鈥檙e leaders of the pack and I identify with that.
Thank you, Audrey, for sitting down with us! You have so much energy and positivity surrounding your business and we鈥檙e so looking forward to your future plans. Hoping to have an Audrey鈥檚 Baked Creations mobile unit at our future events.
