Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Gutierrez
Hi Gina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Cakes by Gina opened its door in 2003 as a small cupcake store. We expanded and have been in the same location for 22 years. As the business grew, we moved from small cakes to wedding cakes. When we started we did trendy wedding cakes and small groom’s cake. As time went by and Food Network started showing cake expert doing incredible standing and 3D cakes, we also moved with the trend. Gina has an architectural degree from the University of Houston, so going to Home Depot for pipes and things to make a cake stand up was easy. We now move with the trends. Cakes by Gina is one of the most used bakeries in the Houston area for wedding cakes. The years of experience and the customer services puts us at the top of the list for wedding cake choices. We also do corporate events and special occasions. If you dream it and you want it.. we make it.
Our specialty is buttercream iced cakes, but we also work with fondant and decorate our cakes with different edible items that are in used right now for cake decors. Our bakery is located in an area that is accessible from any where in the city. We have a full staff for baking, filling our cakes, decorating and delivery. We pride that we still work with our recipes and everything is done in house. Yes, we bake our cakes fresh daily, we make our own fillings and we make our icing daily with butter.
We offer consultations for our cakes with our trained cake experts, and we also offer the convenience to buy online.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Having a business for 23 years is not easy. We have seen it all. When we started we did not know we will grow to be this big. The every day at first were hard. As an owner, not only you have to do the basics, but also do the business part, customer service, the baking and decoration and anything that comes your way. Trying to do it all and grow is time consuming. At all keeping the quality of or product and providing excellent customer service. Training the staff and keeping staff with the knowledge of the skills needed to produce quality cakes is important.
As artist and bakers we usually try to stay on the side that is easy. The making of the cakes, making sure the customer is happy and the orders get done, but to do it as a business, there is the accounting, the legal requirements and all the good stuff. As business owners we sometimes forget about that.
Today with technology we find ourselves many times or constantly thinking outside the box. Yes, today people buy cake online without having to taste them. We have to every day have a presence online and on social media to continue to grow. Trends come and go faster than before and there are many options to offer for weddings and cakes.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Cakes by Gina is a family owned business. It has been in the same l0cation for 23 years. We specialize in wedding cakes all over the Houston area.
What sets us apart from other bakeries is the quality of product we offer. Our cakes are freshly made the week of your event. They are specifically made for you with fresh ingredients.
We are known for our 3D groom’s cake and our big and tall wedding cakes, but we also make small cakes for special occasions.
We are able to work with any customer, and strive to create the best tasting cake for your occasion.
Right now we offer wedding cakes, groom’s cake, special occasions, cookies and a Cake cart which is the new item on the menu. We are the first in Houston to offer a Cake cart experience at your event. Where we offer the service during the reception of slices of cakes with any toppings for your guest to enjoy.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
After 23 years we are seeing a lot of trends come in an out fast. A huge presence on Social media is important so your customers see your everyday, your trends, your services.
Online purchases are big. The face to face consultations are changing. Keeping up with busy schedules, money matters, new recipes and new decorating trends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopcakesbygina.com
- Instagram: @cakesbyginahou
- Facebook: @cakesbyginahou
