Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Martin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Erin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
ECBG Cake Studio started very modestly in the kitchen of my parent’s house in Naperville, IL in 2011. Making cakes and pastries for friends and family slowly started growing into something much more after years or learning and growing. Once I graduated from culinary school and moved to Chicago, I began taking the steps to expand and legitimize my business. I started with baking in shared space kitchen locations with the goal to open my own permanent baking space in the next few years. My passion flourishes in working with people to create the perfect cake, cupcakes or cookies for their special celebration. I can’t wait to make a bigger impact on Chicago with custom items that celebrate life’s most precious moments.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to get here has been challenging but rewarding. Starting a business by yourself means you are doing it all from the baking, decorating and delivering to the sweeping, mopping and dishes. Not to mention the finances, advertising, marketing, networking, and taxes. 16 hour days are not rare. The truth is though, is that I’m NOT alone. I have had the support and help from SO many people in the community as well as from my expanding personal support system. I have learned to reach out to people who can help me well and am hoping to hire my first kitchen employee in the near future. I hired someone to help me with the increase of emails and inquiries I’ve received from my recent growth. It is all exciting stuff and I love putting in the hard work.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about ECBG Cake Studio – what should we know?
I think ECBG Cake Studio is still molding and forming and growing which is pretty exciting. Currently, we specialize in custom cakes and cookies for celebrations like birthdays, baby showers, and anniversaries. The other big component of ECBG Cake Studio is weddings. I provide complimentary wedding cake tastings for cakes and sweets tables and its really taking off. I love making wedding cakes and working with couples to create a cake that perfectly embodies their vibe and personalities. I want to provide them a service that is easy, delicious and exactly what they had envisioned for their dream desserts. I am most proud of my ability to make the couple feel taken care of and catered to. Every couple is different and is looking for a different dessert experience. I take pride in the customization of ECBG Cake Studio and being able to bring the unique touches to each item. Couples who inquire with ECBG can look forward to an effortless and delicious process where they feel heard and seen for the individuals they are. They can be assured that the owner will hand make and hand deliver the items and be confident everything will be in perfect condition. Excellent service and delicious items your party will swoon over are what sets us apart.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents have gotten me to where I am today. They supported me when I was baking in their kitchen and they support me now as the business is moving and growing. Sarah Macko, my assistant is INVALUABLE as she helps with scheduling, tastings, and orders via email. I have worked with Smack Dab Chicago for the past three years and they have provided me a shared kitchen space that ECBG called home. I am moving to The Edge of Sweetness within the month which is where ECBG will call home for the foreseeable future. I have had the help of GPG Professional Services, Physicians Record Company, and SO many more people or businesses in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: ecbgstudio.com
- Phone: 630-408-5385
- Email: info@ecbgstudio.com
- Instagram: @ecbg_studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ECBGstudio/
Image Credit:
Mariah D Photography, Emma Mullins Photography, Imagen Sevilla, Robyn Rachel Photography, Alicias Photography
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