Meet Bernadine Baptiste | North Georgia Baker & Cake Decorator

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

Hi Bernadine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Hi Voyage ATL! So I’ve been baking since I was 12 years old, and it’s always been a fun hobby of mine. I’d always watch baking shows on Food Network and my interest was peaked. When COVID hit, being at home gave me more time practice and hone in on my skills! By 2021 with a push from my family, I started my business in New York. I was also nearing the end of high school and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so being able to work while feeding my creative side is such a blessing. My family ended up moving to Dawsonville Georgia during my senior year, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to continue “Made By Bernadine” in a new town with new people. Thankfully, the people of the North Georgia area have been supportive of my business ever since I moved! Booking my cakes and treats for their birthdays, weddings, showers and other events. I love where I am now and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There’s a lot that keeps me busy professionally! As a small business owner, I’m the baker, decorator, marketing director, order – taker, shopper, cleaner, planner and manager of all things Made By Bernadine. That gives me lots to do! In this day and age, it’s so crucial to be tech savvy since it’s a huge part of attracting paying clients. My favorite part about my business is the baking & decorating, but also sharing my work online and seeing the reactions from my clients really makes my day. I enjoy participating in markets throughout the year, where I’m able to sell my products and meet new potential clients face to face. Beyond that, I ship a variety of my baked goods- jumbo cookies, classic cookies and cake jars- which keeps me plenty busy, too! I truly love that aspect of my business because it allows me to share my desserts with people who don’t live near me. Baking, labeling, and packaging shipping orders is so special in its own right- and knowing that people from all over America have the opportunity to try my products is nothing short of incredible!

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.
If my friend was visiting the North Georgia area I’d definitely want to check out Amicalola park; the views are beautiful and it’s the best for hiking! My favorite place to stop for lunch would have to be Firehouse Subs or Zaxby’s, and I absolutely love grabbing boba from Kung Fu Tea! If we were looking to get some shopping done, the outlet mall would be the place to go; and of course stopping at Culver’s for some frozen custard is a must! During the trip I’d also want to go up towards Dahlonega, the prettiest town in Georgia in my option. Dahlonega square is just beautiful with lots of fun places to eat and shop. If it was in town, we’d have to stop by the annual Cumming Fair for all the rides, food and fun! It would also be a great time to check out the Cumming City Center Market, the perfect place to support fellow small business owners.

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?
My shoutout goes to my family! Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. They are the reason I get to thrive in my creativity, and they always push me to be my best.

Website: https://www.madebybernadine.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebybernadine/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madebybernadine?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/made-by-bernadine Order Treats to be shipped to your door! US & Canada: https://www.madebybernadine.com/shop