Meet Ashley Gossett | The Cake Artist

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

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

1. Passion for Entertaining: My love for entertaining family gatherings sparked the initial interest in baking and creating desserts. This passion served as a foundational motivation.

2. Desire for Improvement: I recognized my desire to enhance my baking skills. The intention to impress my family encouraged me to practice and refine my techniques.

3. Positive Feedback Loop: The enthusiastic reactions from my family acted as positive reinforcement. Their enjoyment and encouragement motivated me to continue honing my craft.

4. Word-of-Mouth Growth: As my skills improved, my family began referring new people to my desserts. This organic growth from satisfied customers indicated a demand for my creations and encouraged me to consider turning my passion into a business.

5. Spontaneity: There was an element of spontaneity in my decision. Rather than a detailed business plan, my journey started with a simple love for baking and entertaining, evolving naturally into a business idea as opportunities arose.

Overall, my journey reflects a beautiful blend of passion, practice, and community support, transforming a personal hobby into a business venture driven by positive experiences and word-of-mouth encouragement.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My approach to creating art through baking is refreshing and deeply personalized. By allowing my clients to share their inspiration, I embrace a collaborative spirit that not only reflects my creativity but also honors their unique visions. I have an appreciation for color and non-traditional designs, this distinguishes me in a field where many adhere to conventional aesthetics.

I think my strong commitment to customer service speaks volumes about my values and philosophy as a business owner. Treating others with respect and taking responsibility for any mistakes demonstrate a sincere desire to build lasting relationships with my clients. I feel this mindset fosters loyalty and trust, which are essential in a competitive market.

Acquiring my Pastry Chef Certification from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is a remarkable achievement that highlights my dedication to my craft. The pride I take in my education and the joy I experienced while learning are evident, showcasing my genuine passion for baking.

I’ve faced numerous challenges along my entrepreneurial journey, from mastering decorating techniques to navigating the complexities of running a business. The lessons learned regarding finances and marketing are invaluable. I think it’s insightful to hear about the pitfalls I’ve encountered, such as investing in memberships and advertising that did not yield results. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to conduct thorough research before making financial commitments serves as a vital warning.

Lastly, my desire for the world to recognize Ashton Marie Cakes, LLC, and the talent I offer reflects my determination and ambition. By emphasizing the importance of connection, I want show that I believe in the value of what I create and is eager to share it with others.

My story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the ongoing pursuit of balance in the world of entrepreneurship. It’s I hope to inspire others to see how I’ve turned challenges into learning experiences, and hope my passion for my craft will undoubtedly resonate with many.

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.
Day 1: Welcome and Adventure
Morning: Arrival and get settled.
Afternoon: Head to Andretti for some thrilling go-kart racing and arcade games. Enjoy some friendly competition and try out all the attractions.
Evening: Dine at Mr. Getty’s Pizza. Indulge in their delicious pizza and relax after an exciting day.

Day 2: Immersive Fun
Morning: Enjoy brunch at a local café or diner to fuel up for the day.
Afternoon: Visit Immersive Gamebox for a unique interactive gaming experience. It’s a fun way to dive into virtual worlds together.
Evening: Treat ourselves to dinner at Kaiyo in Mansfield. The ambiance and Asian cuisine will make for a memorable meal.

Day 3: Exploring Local Flavors
Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast at a local spot, enjoying some coffee and pastries.
Afternoon: Visit a local park or nature reserve for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
Evening: Head to Veracruz Mexican Restaurant in Midlothian, TX for a lively dinner filled with vibrant flavors and perhaps some drinks.

Day 4: Cultural Exploration
Morning: Take a day trip to explore nearby attractions, museums, or historical sites that celebrate the local culture.
Afternoon: Enjoy a lunch at a local food truck or casual eatery, immersing yourselves in the local cuisine.
Evening: Wind down at a local brewery or craft cocktail bar to taste some local drinks.

Day 5: Shopping and More Dining
Morning: Spend the day shopping at local boutiques, markets, or a shopping mall.
Afternoon: Grab lunch at another favorite eatery or café we both can enjoy.
Evening: Try out a new restaurant I’ve been wanting to go to for dinner, looking for options that offer a fusion of flavors.

Day 6: Relaxation and Entertainment
Morning: Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and maybe a spa day—think massages or pampering sessions to recharge.
Afternoon: Check out local entertainment options like a comedy show, live music, or a movie theater.
Evening: Have a fun dinner at a lively venue where we can share laughter and stories.

Day 7: Farewell Celebrations
Morning: Have a leisurely brunch, reminiscing about the week and all the fun times shared.
Afternoon: Take a final stroll through scenic spots or do any last-minute shopping.
Evening: Wrap up the trip with a special dinner at a favorite spot or a new restaurant we both wanted to try, enjoying the last moments of our adventure together.

Throughout the week, prioritize experiences that resonate with both our interests while encouraging exploration of new culinary delights and activities. This itinerary will surely create lasting memories and strengthen the bond of friendship through a week of excitement and fun!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to recognize Anyatta Nicole Ward, the owner of Sinsational Cakes, for her significant impact on my journey. In dedicating this shoutout to her I want highlight the importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth.

Her willingness to provide me with an opportunity to work in a commercial bakery setting not only advanced my baking skills but also imparted valuable insights into business and decorating techniques. She played a crucial role in my development, pushing me to realize my potential while instilling in me the efficiency needed in my craft.

My appreciation for her guidance, along with the time spent learning under her mentorship, showcases the valuable relationships formed within the culinary community. This acknowledgment not only honors her contributions to my success but also emphasizes the importance of having supportive figures in one’s journey. A heartfelt shoutout like this not only strengthens your bond but can also inspire others to seek mentorship and recognize those who help shape their paths.

Website: https://www.ashtonmariecakes.com

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