We recently had the chance to connect with ESMERALDA GARCIA and have shared our conversation below.
Hi ESMERALDA, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely!
If I were a customer I would lean towards a business like Buttercream Houston because the quality of our product speaks for itself. Customers come to us to get something timeless and something classy. More importantly, we’ve streamlined the ordering process so all of our dessert menu options are available for purchase online.
In real life- I’m a very busy person, I’m a mom, I’m planning a wedding and I run my own business, so I don’t have time to really figure out how to design a pinterest board or create a theme for my personal events. My clients are just that, busy people who want something pretty, but don’t have time to worry about all the little pieces that go into a dessert table or wedding cake.
Hiring someone like Buttercream Houston takes the guess work out of it all, prices are transparent, macarons can be easily customized and dessert tables are pre- selected to take the guess work out and leave the client with a classy and well executed showstopper.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone! My name is Esmeralda and I own Buttercream Houston. We specialize in Customized Macarons, Wedding Cakes and most recently- Dessert Tables!
We’ve graduated from a Cottage Home Bakery that solely offered birthday cakes to a Production Kitchen in Downtown Houston executing the Sweets Table for your most magical day! We’re a small team of 4, who focus on Timeless and Classic aesthetics. All of our desserts come from tried and true recipes. The goal is for couples to wow their guests on their wedding day with delicious desserts but also to be able to look back on their wedding album, see their “first bite” photos and reminisce on what a smooth and sweet process picking out their cake was for them!
We’re working on expanding our team now that we have a larger production space. We hope to attract more wedding clients because we finally have the capability, not to mention fridge space, to do multiple events on the same day! WOO-HOO!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to think that it was selfish to “want it all”. I completely disagree now.
I’ve learned that if you wish for something, if you really want it, you can work your hardest until it comes true. So if that’s proven, then why stop there? Wish for it, work for it and eventually it’ll come.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Alot of people don’t know that I’ve been “baking cakes” for almost 13 years. I started baking cakes at home, for fun and my mom was so proud of me she would give my name to all of her friends and coworkers to try to get me more business. Back then, I would take on any request and would get burnt out fast! I had no method, no structure because I was learning new recipes for every client, afraid to deny them of their wants and lose their business altogether. I was so burned out working nights and weekends, pulling all nighters to get the orders done and not seeing a profit. I almost quit the game!
It wasn’t until I hired a Small Business Coach that things started looking up. They helped me align my wants, my vision for Buttercream Houston and my home- life into a profitable business.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie that my industry tells itself (and this is a hot take) is “Charge your worth”.
Not to say, you aren’t worth what your charging. I’ve spent years figuring out what I want to make, how much time I want to work and how much money my business needs to survive and grow. However, I have learned through trial and error, that my worth and realistic comparable pricing are two different things.
I would love to charge $10 for a single macaron, but if I’d like to continue seeing customers buy from me, the first thing I need to dissect is the competitors and why they charge what they charge. You’re still buying the same ingredients as others in your field, you’re still spending the same amount of time on your product, so the goal isn’t to cheat your client out of every penny because you market yourself as “luxury”.
Yes, charge what you need to, to make a profit. Pay yourself for your time, your employees and reinvest in your business, but don’t be greedy because there are alot of other business that will do it for less. Be fair and prove to your client that your worth a little more than the next guy.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
As cheesy as it sounds, I feel most at peace when I’m baking macarons. When I clock into the kitchen workspace, put my headphones in and just fold my silky meringue into my macaron flour, I swear I lose track of time. Watching the batter flow and piping the macarons is easily the best form of therapy for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buttercreamhouston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercreamhouston
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buttercreamhouston
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC56pma0n21x-B60NgdyLxZA
- Other: tiktok: @buttercreamhtx
Image Credits
Samantha Webb Photography
Pedro Escobar Photo
Swish and Click photography
Eric & Jenn Photography
