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

Hi Malissa, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
When I opened my business, the single most important contribution for my success was deciding that my time had value to my children beyond measure. I knew in that single moment that in order for me to stay home and raise my boys, I had to succeed. There wasn’t an option to not become an incredible baker, and have my company name known. I strategically designed my schedule around being able to be the most present parent. That was the most important decision I ever made to this date.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
From a very young age I have always love art. Many of my art pieces would go to museums, art galleries, and even to Rodeo. At a very young age of 6 I was designing and drawing beautiful cakes. Little did I know many years later I would dive into that dream. I am self taught, never taking a class or lesson. Being self taught came so much trial and error. But my willingness to keep pushing allowed me to really perfect my craft. Along the way I have learned to give myself grace, not everything has to come naturally. It’s ok to mess something up, and restart. I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve gone to sleep upset with a cake, woken up the next morning and completely started over. I believe what sets me apart from others in my field is that I will not rest until I am happy with the finished masterpiece. I treat every couple like my family, they do not leave my doors without hundreds of giggles, a big hug, and just the warm fuzzy feeling of being treated like a human and not just some order number. I want my brand to be remembered as something that wasn’t just an order or something to check off their wedding to do list- but an experience they will remember for years to come. I love it when my past brides reach out and I get to make new creations for their big event- many of my couple comes back and I’m making their baby shower cakes, graduation cakes, even gender reveal cakes. And it’s beautiful to watch my couples grow! There is a loving person behind this business name!

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.
We can’t help but take our friends to some of those most “staple” things in Texas! Buccees is always on the top place to stop, you cannot go wrong with a little snack and shopping! Something fast and easy and we are grabbing Whataburger! But for our more relaxed and calm evenings we’d spend at Bori, nothing like having amazing Korean BBQ. You can never go wrong with some shopping in City Center- my number one stop is Sur la table (every bakers/kitchen essential). We also enjoy finding out what’s happening in our local sugarland town square- there’s always something festive on the weekends. Our family personally loves movies under the stars night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have met so many beautiful people along my decade of owning my company. My husband, for encouraging me every step I took. He is always willing and able to tag along of many of my wedding cake deliveries. My beautiful children for being some of the best critics I know, always saying how beautiful a cake is, or encouraging me to “go bigger”. To my amazing clients, past present, and even future. Their love, support, and compassion make me want to learn more and be better with my skill. I get to be apart of one of the biggest days of their life’s, and their willingness to entrust in me is such an honor. My family, and all of my friends! And the amazing wedding industry individuals who refer their couples to me!

Instagram: @simplytieredcakery

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/simplytieredcakery

Image Credits
@ Photo: @erinwiesephoto @juliean ddanielpv @scriptandharmony

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