Meet Ryn Scull | Baker & Social Worker

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

Hi Ryn, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was on the hunt for joy in my daily life. I was working in a social work setting and feeling pretty burned out from the profession and knew I needed to step away for a while. My friends always complimented my baking when I’d bring desserts to get togethers so I thought I’d try my hand at selling my baked goods online. Hand pies were first on the list as they are fun to make and are super nostalgic. I started my business at the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement and wanted to officially kick off my business venture with a fundraiser to raise money for Austin Justice Coalition & as a way to show my community where I stand.

What should our readers know about your business?
Scull House Sweets was born during the summer of Covid as a passion project to offset the the heaviness of my then full time job. I started an instagram account and wasn’t sure if I’d get to 100 followers. Scull House Sweets quickly grew and the friendships and community I’ve built from this platform really warm my heart. Scull House SHS loves pastry, especially hand pies and we have a sweet spot for cookies, big, thick and perfectly balanced cookies. Scull House Sweets desserts strive to be lightly sweet and deeply satisfying. I was able to become a full time baker in January 2021, only 8 months into owning the cottage bakery. I’m proud of all the skills I’ve learned as a small business owner such as: accounting, marketing, building a social media presence, keeping up with inventory, and becoming a logistics extraordinaire. Starting a small business was far from easy. It came with a lot of growing pains. I’ve learned how to shift perspective and flow in new ways. I lean on other seasoned small business owners for help and to gain knowledge and in turn I help newer small businesses navigate the start of owning their own small businesses. In my full time social work job, I provided emotional support and a safe space for patients to be themselves. In my baking career, I’m offering my community a chance to experience nostalgia and take them back to a happier time when all you had to worry about was if you should have a second piece of pie.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Breakfast spots: Bird Bird Biscuit for the Lovely Day, Palomino Coffee for lattes and Andy K’s donuts, Staywhile Coffee from the Little Gay Shop Lunch spots: Home Slice for a turkey sub
Dinner: Loro, Patrizi’s,
Happy Hours: Hank’s, Salty Sow, Launderette, Contigo
Brewery Scene: Meanwhile, Holdout Brewing, Oddwood, Southern Heights, Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches
Art: Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin at The Blanton Museum, The Visional Arts Center at UT Austin
If its Volleyball season, I’d take my bestie to Gregory Gym for a game.
Barton Springs
Hamilton Pool
Zilker Park for a picnic
Mueller Farmer’s Market on Sunday

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Alex Scull is my biggest champion and friend. He helps with heavy lifting, logistics, moral & emotional support. He works a full time job and still finds time to let me bounce ideas off of him. Allie Launius, owner of @stampworthygoods has been tremendously supportive and helpful in providing advice and guidance as my business grows. Allie has been a friend since the very beginning of Scull House Sweets.

Website: https://scullhousesweets.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scull_house_sweets/

Image Credits
Cassandra Klepac