Meet Kathryn Cruz | Head Baker, Founder & CEO

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

Hi Kathryn, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

Taking risks is the very core of who I am. It is a risk itself to write this in and of itself, immortalizing a part of who I am in this very moment of time. Perhaps, in the future, I might regret this raw honesty about my past and my inclination towards taking risks throughout my life. Yet, this is just another risk that I am willing to take. To be a risk taker, it requires self-trust. Even though I have doubted myself many times in the past, I believe in myself more than I admit. I have faith in my ability to navigate the consequences that come with risks, and I know there is personal growth that happens with each risk taken.

There is an inherent thrill that accompanies risk, a sense of adventure, that my curiosity craves, a bold nod to courage; which is what led me to Spain at 17 years old. Before I left for Spain, I thought I knew much more Spanish than I did, and what a humbling experience that was! Initially communicating with the people that I lived with and navigating my surroundings was a challenge.However, I decided that at the risk of embarrassment, I would need to step out of my comfort zone and simply try my best. When my time in Spain came to an end, I was able to speak fluently and it was all because I took the risk of making mistakes.

My twenties were full of taking risks, many of them ill-advised . But with each risk, I had faith in my ability to adapt, think creatively, and be resourceful. The chances I took in my early twenties shaped who I am and resulted in someone who isn’t afraid of a challenge and someone who isn’t afraid of making mistakes. The lesson being, to learn from your mistakes and to try and do better the next time.

Towards the end of my twenties, I took the risk of meeting a man in person who I had only known virtually for less than 24 hours . We met at a restaurant in downtown Marietta and this man turned out to be amazing. Spoiler alert: He’s now my husband! . This led me to finding an immense love, a best friend, and my partner for life. . He took a chance on me, loved me, and he patiently held my hand as I became the woman I am today. Along the way he has stood by me while I have transformed into a wife, a mother, and then encouraged me to take a risk at starting Bomb Babes.

Bomb Babes: I never considered any other name for my business.Its edginess and audacity appealed to me. Naming my business Bomb Babes was a risk, but I knew it would be memorable. It reflects our unique products, and stands out in the established baking/pastry arts industry. Introducing innovation in a saturated market is risky, and could lead to misunderstanding your brand’s message and subsequent failure. But, like Candace Nelson, the founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, I chose to pioneer a new concept. We transformed cake pops giving them a new identity and focusing our entire brand around this idea. It was a massive risk, and I was willing to take it. Now, less than a year later, we’re growing towards more brand recognition, and a growing customer base.

In September 2023, I took another substantial risk by applying to participate in Dessert Wars with just one week to prepare. Despite my slim odds, I decided to take a chance. In my application I told them they needed Bomb Babes to participate because there was no one else quite like me. To my surprise they accepted. My solo run operation faced the daunting task of baking 1,000 desserts for dessert enthusiasts to taste and judge. In addition, we were also asked to bake six desserts for Food Network judges to taste at the event. Winners in both categories would be announced at the conclusion of the event. Bomb Babes competed against bakeries who have been well established for many years, ones that have multiple staff on hand, and bake from large commercial kitchens. Although we did not win trophies, titles, or cash prizes, we placed in the top 25 in both competition categories– a significant achievement for a budding business like mine.

Taking risks can be difficult; the outcomes are not always favorable. It might lead to embarrassment, heartbreak , or failure–Yet, the absence of the question “What if…?” makes it worthwhile. I am enthusiastic about the future of Bomb Babes and can’t wait for the adventures and risks ahead. May my story inspire you to take your own leap of faith.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Bomb Babes is a Gourmet Cake Bomb Bakery that is solo-operated based from home that specializes in a unique take on desserts. At this bakery we do not offer classic desserts, tiered cakes, or traditional pastries. Instead you will find your favorite desserts reimagined; where indulgence meets whimsical in a luxurious fusion combining gourmet truffles with the charm of cake pops; which we refer to them as Cake Bombs  Everything is baked from scratch using premium ingredients, dipped in real Belgian chocolate & made with love.

We are really excited about being unique in the baking/pastry arts industry by offering a new product to customers that can be enjoyed for generations. We have faced many challenges, but I would say the top challenge has been creating a brand voice. At times, I felt like I was conveying our message in a clear and understandable way, only for people to walk away confused and unsure of what it is exactly that we do. Nailing down our brand identity as a Gourmet Cake Bomb Bakery, has been pivotal to our success and to what the customer can expect from us.

We have learned patience, consistency, and repetition go a long way to ensuring brand identity and marketplace success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots in the city have changed throughout the years. I am a “Rare Atlanta Native”. Most people that live here are transplants from other cities, but I was born and raised here. I used to love the Buckhead scene, Little 5 Points, Inman Park, and will occasionally venture that ways from time to time, but lately I have been in love with our beautiful mountain cities. Driving up to Blue Ridge is a surprisingly quick trip, only an hour away from where I live. Along the way, I like to stop at a delicious coffee shop in Jasper called Red Bean Coffee, a locally owned business run by a husband and wife team. Next I would drive through the mountain areas stopping along the route at the scenic viewing areas. The mountain views in Georgia are absolutely breathtaking. Next I would make my way up to Ellijay and stop by Bavarian Chocolatier (yes, I would stop here despite being a chocolatier myself!) They have the cutest shop with all kinds of candies and chocolates. Then I would drive to Mercier Orchards for lunch in their spectacular cafe. They’re like a hidden gem of Georgia nestled inside the gift shop of an Apple Orchard, their food is outstanding, and definitely drool worthy. I would then drive to McCaysville, GA which is right on the border of Georgia & Tennessee where you can stand one foot in GA and the other in TN, making it a unique place to take visitors and make corny jokes about your location. I would then drive to Blue Hole on the Ocoee River, which is also a hidden gem technically located just over the border into TN. It is a beautiful drive, and a beautiful hike that can be easily navigated by jumping rock to rock in the river, or walked alongside on a paved trail. This site was where the Whitewater slalom events was held during the ’96 Olympics. Finally, I would head to Blue Ridge for dinner at one of their many amazing restaurants. It’s hard to pick just one place but the food, view, and vibes of The Black Sheep have never disappointed me before, so it would likely be there.

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?

The first person I want to give a shoutout to is my husband, Luis. He is the first person who believed in my ability to start my own business. He gives me great advice about leadership, guides me in making positive choices, and supports me while I navigate the early stages of entrepreneurship.

The second person I want to give a shoutout to is Chef Amanda Schonberg and her podcast Baking for Business. February 2023 was the first time I heard her podcast, and it was so uplifting and encouraging that I tuned in weekly to hear her words of wisdom and advice on running a home-based baking business. It has completely transformed my mentality towards running a business, has helped me overcome my imposter syndrome, and encouraged me to take a chance on myself by believing in myself and the business owner that I am capable of becoming.

Third, I would like to give a shoutout to Candace Nelson, the founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, whose innovative spirit has been a source of encouragement while I too am working towards creating innovative products in a saturated industry filled with baking professionals.

Fourth, I would love to thank all my friends from Canton Business Club & Woodstock Business Club for supporting my small business, referring me to their friends, and helping me establish my business.

Finally, I would like to thank my friends & my family for being behind the scenes, digging in the trenches with me when times get tough.

Website: www.bombbabeshc.com

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