Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Frey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all started in March of 2022, my now husband and I lived in a small town in South Central Florida-Sebring, to be exact. He worked full time as a Tow Truck Driver and I did not work at the time. Money was tight-really, really tight. So I decided to bake a cake and give it away to see how it would be reviewed. (Mind you, I have NEVER “professionally” made a cake, I am 100% self taught-tons of YouTube and TikTok videos).
I was gifted a cake decorating kit the Christmas prior, so it was perfect. I made the cake, did the give away, and was met with such positive feedback! That’s when I came up with my business name “Dough Darling”, researched Cottage Bakery Laws for hours, and created my Facebook Business Account. Once established the orders started rolling in, I was met with so much love and support. I was a part of many birthdays, anniversaries, my first wedding, even a funeral catering.
In March of 2023 we decided to move to Tennessee. We needed a fresh start after a long battle with unfortunate events. We chose Murfreesboro, TN of all places. I was extremely nervous to restart my business from the ground up-for the second time.
Little did I know where this move would actually take my business.
I “re-opened” in September of 2023 in Middle Tennessee. Just from my first post in a Murfreesboro Facebook Page I gained multiple orders, followers, and friends! Since that day I have been steadily booked, shown tremendous amounts of support, love, and positivity. I am currently partnered with 3 gorgeous wedding venues as their chosen baker. My clientele is nothing shy of incredible. I have made tons of local baker friends, and the overall support of my business is just surreal.
Growing up, it was hard. I was surrounded by abuse, poverty, and so many examples of who/what I didn’t want to be. I decided I wanted a better life for myself and I went for it. Starting my business with no support, no financial assistance, no true experience, and being self taught was never easy. But I can not express how much my little business means to me, and it truly was life changing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I will never claim that it has been easy, but definitely worth it. Many sleepless nights staying up to finish orders, because I hate saying “no”. I’ve actually cried over cake-more times than I care to admit.
I’ve started my business in 2 different states, that was extremely nerve racking. Luckily, each time was met with insane amounts of support and encouragement.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the proud owner of a home based bakery. I strive to be as versatile as possible. I offer over 50 cake flavors, many filling options, dietary accommodations such as gluten free, vegan, and dairy free.
I am known for exceptional customer service, very reasonable prices, guaranteed delicious desserts(no one likes a dry cake), I also offer great pricing on Wedding Packages, Party Bundles, and Dessert Tables with a delightful assortment of desserts to choose from.
I am most proud of the overall success of my business. Starting with zero knowledge or experience, being completely self taught, just having a vision and going for it. I look back on my skill improvement from when I started to now, it speaks for itself!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people assume that I have prior experience in baking/cake decorating from prior employment. Which is not the case, it has been a ton of trial and error, practicing, and tons of YouTube and TikTok tutorials. While I have previously worked in grocery store bakeries, it has been since starting my business and taking my personal experience to the job.
Pricing:
- Cupcakes start at $30/Dozen
- Cakes start at $60(6”)
- Wedding Packages start at $150
- Dessert Tables start at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://doughdarling.godaddysites.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doughdarlingcakes?igsh=OW0zZXV5NTJrYnpq&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ay8XMeVw2/?mibextid=wwXIfr
