Meet Stefanie Haas | Home Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stefanie Haas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stefanie, how do you think about risk?
I’m definitely a risk taker. I believe that life is too short to not risk something every once in a while. I listen to my feelings and follow what I feel is right. Sometimes it’s scary and takes me a bit to actually take the leap, but with starting my business it was something I just decided to do. I’ve been making the family birthday cakes for years, and after making a unicorn cake for one of my niece’s birthday parties I received such praise that I figured “Why not”. When taking risks, I’m a huge fan of the Pros/Cons list. I typically do it in my head fairly quickly but if it needs more research, then I’ll use a spreadsheet. With starting a home bakery, the Cons were pretty minimal so it seemed like a no-brainer. If I’m faced with a choice that gets me out of my comfort zone, then it’s not going to feel good at first but that’s only because I’m growing. Growing doesn’t usually feel good, that’s why they’re called growing pains. And most people don’t like pain; our bodies are literally designed to avoid it. But if I don’t doing something because it’s uncomfortable than that’s letting fear win. And I hate losing. This is why I try to make sure I don’t let fear stop me from anything. We only have one life on this Earth. Even if I fail by the world’s standards, I’ll see be a success because I followed my heart and did something I love.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
It’s hard to decide if I’m under business or artist/creative. I run an all-natural home bakery called Basic Batter. Basic Batter is an all-natural bakery based in Garland, TX. We focus on only using the basics to make tasty and custom treats for everyone, without the use of artificial colors, sugars, and flavors. Because of this, we offer lots of options, including dairy free, gluten free and sugar free treats. No matter what your needs may be, Basic Batter will make something just for you! And because your pup deserves a treat too, we also make all-natural dog treats. I started my business in January of 2020. I was filled with excitement and hope. And then the pandemic hit. All my hopes came crashing down. It was super hard and really discouraging. I thought it was over before it really even began. A few orders came in but my business didn’t really start until May when I joined a local farmers market. When I started at the farmers market, I didn’t even have a product to sell. After brainstorming, I decided on cookies. Just your traditional, yummy cookies. But since we were in the middle of running out of toilet paper, butter, milk and eggs, I didn’t really know how to make them. That’s when I started researching other baking methods. I realized that milk and eggs were not the only way to make delicious treats. So now all my cakes (except icing, unless requested) and cookies are completely vegan. No one seemed to notice the change and I never had to stop production. This has really shaped and helped Basic Batter form an identity. It’s awesome to watch!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First we would go to my kitchen, so I could make her some yummy desserts. Then I would take her out to the Garland Farmers Market at Firewheel and show her around. It has some of the best food in town and definitely the best people! My favorite ice cream place is Creamistry near Addison. For a drink and cool vibe, we’d go to The Library at the Warwick Hotel. We could sit there for a while and chat while getting a good drink.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well, this is hard. I have so many people that have helped me become the person I am today. From family and friends to people I’ve met along the way. It’s really hard to name everyone. It starts with my mom, who learned from my dad’s mom how to bake. My mom would always let me stay in the kitchen and watch or help where I could. As a got older, I learned even more from my mother-in-law who was a hobby baker. My husband has been my biggest supporter. He’s always there pushing me to be a better human being. With him by my side, I feel like I can accomplish anything. My sister is my best friend, cheerleader and business advisor. I honestly can’t picture my life without these two people. When I started my business, I went to a local farmers market, Garland Farmers Market at Firewheel. It was just a little market with about 5 vendors and I had no idea what I doing. But the vendors and community there are so encouraging. This is really where my business grew. And the market has grown too! We now have almost 70 vendors signed up for this year. I’m truly blessed with being surrounded be amazing people.

Website: www.basicbatter.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/basicbatter

Facebook: www.facebook.com/basicbatter

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/basic-batter-garland

Other: www.pinterest.com/basicbatter

Image Credits
Michael Haas