Meet Chef Taylor Rutledge | CEO/Owner Taylor-Made Kakes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chef Taylor Rutledge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chef Taylor, what do you attribute your success to?
For me the most important factor would have to be staying true to my vision. There is always constant pressure to do what’s trending or what others would deem as profitable. In my case I wanted to make delicious desserts that I enjoyed making and that my customers would continually crave. I have dreamed of owning a bakery for as long as I could remember and the fact that I finally have one is so surreal at times. From a very young age I had the drive and tenacity to pursue this and I feel like I owe it to my younger self to see it through.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own Taylor-Made Kakes(TMK) in Augusta Ga, where we specialize in cheesecake kakes, mini bunt cakes, and cheesecakes. One thing that sets us apart is that we serve two decadent desserts in one and in mouth-watering flavors. I also made the choice to sell mini bundts rather than traditionally cupcakes to help spice things up in the dessert realm of Augusta. I am truly most proud of the amazing support system and team that I have built at TMK, and am excited about the new networking opportunities that are coming up. Hurdles, hills, mountains, lows, Pandemic, anything you can name we have been through it. TMK has been through a lot in the short year we have been open. I opened smack dab in the middle of a pandemic. I had just quit my very stable job, I was entering into a brand new venture with the fearless faith. I did not qualify for any government small business assistance because I had not been open long enough so the only funds I had was from my sells. I ran into to issues like stores being sold out of cream cheese and butter….like every store SOLD OUT and those are my main ingredients. I had to travel across state lines just to survive the week. It was rough, I had many meltdowns as my friends can tell you but I kept persevering. There was a time when I really wanted to give up because I thought maybe I was not cut out for this business. Maybe the naysayers were right…WRONG! I had to pick myself up after my major pitfall and make a game plan for success. I learned a lot of what not to do and made adjustments to ensure that I did not make those same mistakes again.
I would like the world to know that I am just a small town girl who has big dreams and aspirations. I have worked hard to bring that dream to fruition and will work even harder to keep it alive. Not only for myself but for my staff as well because they have so much faith in me and my vison. They truly keep me going and again I am so thankful for each of them.

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?
Bestie is in town! If I am showing her my fav spots in Augusta I would have to start with food! We would eat at places such as Jackie M’s and Sons, Whisky bar kitchen, Hibachi Express, Metro diner, (of course TMK) just to name a few. For activities, we would go to Top golf, Augusta Candle company, maybe even rent the Jet-Skis on the Riverwalk. Other than that we would just ride around the city and talk and catch up.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a huge shoutout to my Executive Director Jenessy Williams. She has so much faith in me and my business that she quit her 9-5 to help me make make this business a success. She has been by my side through each up and the down of downs! Without her organization skills and words of encouragement day to day I would be pretty lost. I am truly grateful for her as my employee and even more as my friend! I would also like to shoutout my amazing team for their hard work.

Website: Taylor-madekakes.com

Instagram: taylor_madekakes

Facebook: Taylor-Made Kakes

Yelp: Taylor-Made Kakes

Youtube: Chef Taylor Rutledge

Image Credits
Neiko James of Chris Perfect Studios