Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Gutierrez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
We started Cakes by Gina out of a passionate weekend hobby from our house. We would make birthday cakes out of our home and as the Cakes by Gina name got more recognizable, we moved to weddings. We decided to do a Bridal Show, which was very successful and we started doing consultations out of our living room! We decided it was time to open a small shop which happens to be the location we are in still to this day. We have, of course, added to our space as time and production has allowed.
This year, we will have been in business 15 years. Like every small company, we have had our ups and downs. We experienced tremendous growth in 2009 but the business did not have a good foundation. Like any business owner in that situation, we had to take a step back. We slowed our growth to regain our footing and we restructured.
Today we are back on top of our game. We have a solid foundation with a great team backing our incredible product. We are very conscious and focused on customer service, executing a high-quality product, and offering the best customer experience in the industry.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Fifteen years of business hands you a lot of learning opportunities. First, we grew too fast and did not have the right people in place. Running a small, privately owned business requires you to handle all aspects of that business – marketing/branding, production, customer service, accounting, etc. If you are off the mark on just one, consequences can be devastating.
Going through a divorce is not easy when you have a business running at full throttle. The one thing that kept me going during that low period was knowing that our customers were counting on us. They are important! The customers are the reason we are here, doing what we do – day in, day out. The cakes that we make are not only pretty, but they are fresh and delicious, and our concept and service are impeccable. I couldn’t give up because of one setback. I wouldn’t let it determine the course of my life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cakes by Gina – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a privately owned, family-run custom cake bakery. We specialize in Wedding Cakes but do cakes for a plethora of occasions. While our buttercream is what made us a household name, we are currently most well-known for our 3D Cakes and Stadiums.
We are super proud of our growth, the team we have in place, and how our employees all work together as one cohesive unit. We get to create every day and bring smiles to people’s faces. We make a living making the impossible…possible!
Without a doubt, our tasting experience and customer service set us apart from others in our field. You will not find any other bakery in this area that does what we do. I am a hands-on owner and touch every cake and client. We are constantly striving to step outside our box and create something new and unique!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We want to reinvent the wedding cake industry through innovative purchase processes. We want to expand our brand and open different concept stores in the Houston, Galveston, Conroe and The Woodlands areas. We have many new product offerings that will expand our reach. This year specifically we are focusing a lot on our marketing and brand awareness through strategic partnerships and vendor connections both in print and social media. We have our eyes set on national branding!
Contact Info:
- Address: 14165 Bissonnet, Suite M
Houston, TX 77083 - Website: www.cakesbygina.com
- Phone: 281.495.9400
- Email: sales@cakesbyginahouston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakesbyginahou
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cakesbyginahou
Beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony and reception at Oak Tree Manor in Spring Texas
Image Credit:
The Mustard Seed Photography, MD Turner Photography, RH Photo Arts, Fabulous Beginnings, Kimberly Brooke Photographic, C Baron Photography
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