Meet Shawnn Casagrande | Baker, Creator and Entrepreneur

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

Hi Shawnn, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in Fresno, CA and was raised by my mother, as a single parent we struggled, we were definitely in poverty and sometimes without a place to live. My mom always showed her strength in everything she did and I looked up to her for that and it made me strive for better for myself and my daughter and want to be successful in anything I do. I am the person I am today from those hard times. I am humble and appreciative, I think it gives me a feeling of “home” and comfort and I hope it comes through in my baked goods because it really comes from my heart.Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business was kind of a fluke.. one day I just thought to myself “how can I make more money doing something I love” and here we are. I literally got up one day and started posting and making and posting and reaching out to businesses and collaborating and it has just grown from there. I’ve definitely have had weeks go by with no sales and you get down on yourself, but you have to get back up and keep going and know that whatever you put your mind to you can do and it’s very true. I came from absolutely nothing and have a lot of rough times in life, but you can change your future, you just have to work for it. My brand and my story is me. It’s my heart, it’s where I’ve came from and where I’m going. It’s from my heart to your home. If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I moved to Texas in the beginning of this Pandemic so I haven’t been able to adventure as much as I’d like, but I do know one of my favorite places to go is South Fork Food and Brew located in Georgetown. I love the outdoor space and food vendor trucks, lights at night and live music 🎶 I love the outdoors and a fan of car and truck shows, I love just taking a drive and seeing country, nights at home cooking with country music on, I’m a simple person.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 mom of course! She baked my whole entire life for every single occasion and when I was a child I would be embarrassed about it lol, but I now know how it feels to give someone something that you hand made and see that smile on their face! My Business name is dedicated to my grandfather who passed when I was young. My memories with him were the best, and watching him race and do derby in his circle 81 numbered race car was one of the greatest. And thus my company name is Circle 81 Bakery. I also want to dedicate my newfound mentors, friendships and growth to GRRAWNS (Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin Women’s Networking Social) Group. This group of women small business owners are absolutely amazing and are all about helping one another grow and gain the confidence to get out there and be successful.

Website: www.circle81bakery.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/circle81rusticdesignandbakery

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/circle81rusticdesignsandbakery