In the realm of Internet friendships, the one I forged with Bombshell Bake Shop’s KT Jackson is the truest and bluest. For years KT has watched me turn a little blog into whatever the heck Bake and Destroy is nowadays and I’ve been watching her turn her homegrown baking business into a fully-fledged dessert dynamo. A little over a year ago we turned our Interweb friendship into a real-life friendship when she came for a visit, dropping off a box of treats so yumz even Tony had nothing but praise to give.
And really, what’s not to love about a soft and sparkly cookie named after Tina Fey’s 30 Rock character Liz Lemon, or a Hawaiian Punch-flavored vegan Twinkie? (Vinkies!) KT and I have been planning this post since the day we met “in real life” but a little thing called “having a baby” held things up a bit on KT’s end. Not to worry, though, because she’s back in action with some great advice for those of you thinking about trading in your business casual for an apron. Plus, she’s offering a Bombshell Bake Shop t-shirt and a package of a dozen assorted sweets to one lucky winner! Stay tuned for entry details at the end of this post!
Have you always been a baker? How and when did you start baking?
In a word, no, but I have always loved food. When I started a diary in elementary school the only thing I ever wrote about was food – what I had for every meal and snack was carefully explained. No matter how many times I ate mac & cheese I felt it necessary to make detailed notes of its texture, appearance, and taste. I was a weird little kid.
I have always loved baking but never considered myself a baker. My husband, Sam, bought me a refurbished stand mixer awhile back from the Kitchenaid Experience Center in Greenville, OH (that place is my mecca.) I was so happy I cried. I guess you could consider that the real beginning.
They're so cute it's kinda gross.
When did you first realize you could start selling what you baked?
I think I started selling to figure out whether I was ready start selling. In June 2008, we set-up a booth at a local street fair. Friends and family had been great critics but strangers willing to fork over cash after a sample were the real test. We got a ton of constructive feedback that day. It was enough to know I wanted to push the business farther.
Why vegan baked goods?
I dig the surprise factor when I tell people the buttery cookie they just ate has no butter or the moist cupcakes they love have no eggs. Most of our customers are not vegan and I like that, I much prefer to sneak attack people with vegan goodies rather than make it obvious. I know there are lots of people who want to know my opinions about veganism or animal rights but when it comes down to it, I like vegan baking better and I am damn good at it. I make it my mission to veganize as many recipes as I can, I will have it “regular” first then try to match it as close as I can vegan-style!
Do you have help, or are you a one-woman show?
My husband Sam is the tater to my tot. Bombshell would not exist without him. He takes care of all the stuff I hate doing, which is pretty much everything besides baking! We have some great friends who lend a hand when things get crazy and an intern (Kate) who we do not take advantage of nearly enough!
What made you decide to turn your favorite pastime into a real business? Did you get too busy baking to do other things?
I tried my best to care about the security of a stable paycheck, health care, and all the stuff that comes with a 9-5 but at the end of the day that is not what makes me happy. I watched my mom start and grow her own business and I want the same for myself. When I found out the funding for my position was being cut in 2009 I decided to take it as a sign to try something new. My pastime became more of a real business when Sam lost his job too. Then we found out we were pregnant!! That was when we decided to turn my Bombshell dream into a family venture.
The Bombshell cupcake
What’s involved in making the transition?
Balls. 😉 Starting a business is scary! I was 7 years into the social services field and in the middle of a master’s degree in counseling when I realized I would rather be in the kitchen. I then switched my degree and took some business classes. But most of the knowledge I acquired has been from my parents and asking questions of everyone I meet in the field. I guess the biggest thing involved in making the transition is the willingness to make mistakes and actually learn from them. Success is great but personally I learn more from my failures.
Tell us about your line of goodies. What are your best sellers?
We make everything from scratch in small batches, using as many organic ingredients as we can. Ever since we started making Vinkies they have been our best sellers; apparently there is something irresistible about those little icing filled logs. People also love our Liz Lemon and Saturday Night Lime cookies, but I often wonder if they sell so well just because of their names!
Where can people buy Bombshell goods?
We are working towards having a shop on our website until then people buy our treats at any one of the wholesale locations listed on the website. To place private orders folks call or e-mail. We ship everything too, except the cupcakes.
Tell me about your packaging – you have some of the most professional packaging I’ve seen. Who does your design work?
Why thank you! There was a lot of trial and error to get the right packages and labels. We package and seal everything ourselves. Investing in a heat sealer was one of our best business moves. As for the design work, we have some friends (Frank and Steve of Run Rocket Run) who did all it all and the website. Sam then used their theme to make our labels, stickers, and other promo items.
The Liz Lemon, yall.
Baking is pretty cut-throat these days – how do you differentiate your business from other local bake shops?
Locally there are a lot of “mainstream” bakeries and we are anything but, so that definitely helps; along with being a vegan bake shop. Even though we mostly wholesale we try to be at a pile of events so we can meet people who buy our treats on a regular basis. We seriously love our customers. I am not just saying that either, sure I need to make money to pay our electric bill, but we absolutely could not have more awesome customers and we are super grateful for them. Also, our name helps, people very much dig it.
Let’s be honest, most people don’t get rich being bakers. Good ingredients are expensive, packaging is expensive – how do you come out ahead?
The chief financial bombshell aka Sam aka the hubbie thankfully is really good with all the number mumbo jumbo. He calculates costs down to the penny which is quite helpful when starting a business, especially a baking business. I am pretty sure he knows how much every grain of sugar costs…and he calls me OCD!
Any plans for a retail location in the near future?
Retail frightens me! I pride myself in being a generally pleasant person with a pretty decent attitude. I think retail would turn me into a beast. We do plan to have bigger and better space in the very near future but I think at least for now we will stick with being web-based and wholesale. The best part of my mom having her own business was that she always had time for me. Retail would be too constraining for the type of mama I want to be to Oliver.
Man cannot live on Vinkies alone – where are your favorite places to eat and snack in your hood?
This is such a loaded question, I love food! The short list of my favorites: Tank’s– My Way Grilled Cheese, Meadowlark– Fried Green Tomato sandwich, Pasha’s– hummus, Thacker’s Donuts– all of them, Siam Pad Thai- summer rolls and sweet potato sushi.
This is a Vinkie. You love it.
Do you have a particular baking jam?
This is where I tell you my dirty little secret…I flipping love Motown! The Marvelettes, Gladys Knight, The Four Tops, The Supremes, The Contours, Stevie Wonder, and the list goes on and on. Seriously, I cannot get enough Motown, especially when I bake, I absolutely love it! When I am feeling a little disco feverish I listen to Boogie Shoes by KC and the Sunshine band!
How do you develop your products? What inspires new flavors and new creations?
Mostly by happy accident, the other night I was drinking a Shirley Temple when I realized it would make an awesome Vinkie flavor. Then other times, I think of a name for something before I make the treat. I love Liz Lemon from 30 Rock so I made a cookie to fit the name.
Any advice for other gals looking to bake their way out of a cubical?
Grab your junk and do it! From the baking perspective: play around with weird flavors or ideas to come up with something eye catching and delicious. People like chocolate chip cookies but they can get those anywhere, get recognized for something new or re-vamped. Business perspective: Cookies and accounting are very different. Take some basic business classes, you won’t regret it. There are small business development centers everywhere that have free or super cheap classes, take advantage of them.
How has being a mama changed operations?
I’d like to say I am the queen of multi-tasking and everything runs super smooth but I would be hardcore lying. Time is precious beyond words now. I had this vision of wearing him around the kitchen with nothing really different except he was on the outside. This sometimes happens but mostly I was very wrong! Oliver has some health issues which changed my daily priorities and my sense of what needs to be accomplished every day. Although, the business supports us it definitely comes second to him. Thank goodness Sam has stepped up to take on a lot of what I used to do. Single moms are my new heroes, I don’t have a damn clue how they do it!
Are you stoked for the day Oliver can hold a whisk? Free labor! (Well, free minus the million dollars you spend raising him.)
I am absolutely stoked, that boy needs to earn his keep! He spends so much time in the kitchen already I actually asked the pediatrician if flour dust could harm his little lungs!
…and now for the giveaway!
KT and the Bombshell crew has generously offered a t-shirt and package of goodies to one of my lucky readers. For shipping and freshness reasons, this contest is open to continental US residents only, please.
To enter, do any or each of the following, and leave a comment below when you’ve completed the entry. Each comment will count as a separate entry. I’ll choose a random winner on 8/29/11.
- “Like” Bombshell Bake Shop on Facebook
- Check out the menu and comment about the treat you want the most
- Tweet about this giveaway! Either include @bakeanddestroy in your tweet, or link to your tweet in your comment below
- Bonus entry: Watch this video. I think you’ll like it. That’s all. 🙂
Good luck!
This contest has ended – congrats to Tara O!
It’s hard to pick which one sounds the best! I’m going to go with the French Toast Vinkies, because it is two things you can’t usually get as a vegan. I hope I win! Thanks!
I also watched the video. 🙂
I “like” Bombshell on FB! 😉
I watched the video!
I MUST know what their Rootbeer Float cupcake taste like before I die!!!
rootbeer float cupcake!
ok…video may have just made my day.. reminded me a little bit of the “amberlance guy” lol
i think the liz lemon cookie is probably at the top of my list, but i would also be into comparing her rootbeer float cupcake to mine.
that video also just made my work day a little better.
the Paddy O’Peppermint cupcake sounds swell
Um…..the French toast vinkie is pretty much all i can think about now….thanks a lot. I guess I should make dinner…
Root Beer Float cupcakes…mmmmm. I liked her on Facebook and loved the video. Thanks for the giveaway.
Liking this on Facebook now. That Twinkie sounds delectable.
I liked Bombshell Bake Shop on facebook.. yummmm
The Root Beer Float cupcake sounds sooooo good i want one! lol
Hands down, LIZ LEMON! I love lemon anything, especially cookies and they look like they contain poppy seeds. Poppy seed muffins were my favorite growing up, so why not a Liz Lemon cookie? EXACTLY!
Mmm, the Bombshell cupcake looks delicious, although the Liz Lemon is my favorite name! This was great a great post – I’m currently in the tech industry hoping to escape into the world of baking before too long.
And I retweeted @twinkiechan’s post to my followers.
I Like on Facebook
I’d Love to try the bunny pie cookie stackers. 🙂
Cool Video!
I retweeted the giveaway. 🙂
I must try the KALI Vinkie!!!
Aaaaaaaaaaaand I watched the video.I’m pretty sure that god himself was about to smite him:/
I “like[d]” Bombshell Bakery a long time ago. I just haven’t had a chance to try any of the delicioso looking goodies.
I am a chocaholic to the core, so I would have to say I wanna try the “choclatron” or the “choco vinkie.”
So, I watched the video. all I can say is, “WWJD?”
Tweeted on @gladgirl75
KT is what makes Dayton, Ohio a great place to live! Locals go straight to the Bombshell table at events and go out of their way to have coffee or lunch wherever Bombshell goods are sold! I have been to her kitchen for “extras” before and it’s like a little slice of heaven.
Dayton adopted “Sprinkle” from the day she posted her ultrasound. Such a great family. KT is the reason I’m a Bake & Destroy fan and I haven’t visited the shop yet, but you’re on my list! Trust me, I’m a cuppy-holic. I go straight to Magnolia from the airport every time I go to New York City. (and I’m hardcore about it…I only go to the original in Chelsea.)
Because of KT I have seen your amazing tee-shirts on many people in our city. (a nice conversation starter that often leads to friendship.)
CUPCAKES = FRIENDS!
<3
My faves:
rootbeer cuppy’s (their so cute with the little straw!)
CHOCOLATE VINKIES!!!!!!
and, Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiz Lemon!
Oops…..typo on the rootbeer cuppy entry…
meant to say “they’re so cute”. I really do
know English.
Saturday Night Limes, the thought of which is making my mouth water!
I love Bombshell Bakeshop! Oh, and I also love your blog! Hurray for vegans!
…and I watched the video as well 🙂 BONUS!
Ok, well I already “LOVE” not “Like” Bombshell Bake Shop on FaceBook. I am absolutely DYING to try a rootbeer float cupcake, and by the way, I also watched the video. I seriously think I saw this guy on a NYC subway about 20 years ago! I hope I win! Bombshell Bake Shop absolutely rules Dayton, OH!
i “Like” Bombshell Bake Shop on Facebook.
i watched the video. 🙂
Definitely choclatron cupcakes, if I get to pick. Also definitely making robot noises with each bite.
That video was amazing, but I don’t think anyone should apologize for butt shots and/or shaking. EVER.
I would love to try the Chocolate Stout Vinkies. Chocolate Stout anything is delicious to me and they sound amazing.
Choclatron. Because I suspect it may involve both chocolate and robots, two of my favorite things.
Oh goodness. So much fun going on, here!
I like the looks of those Saturday Night Lime cookies. The Luscious Lemon cupcakes, too! I love me some citrus. 😀
I tweeted, too!
I love, LOVE, love Bombshell Bombshell Bake Shop…liked them on facebook!
My fave BSBS treat…so hard to pick! I love the bars, and always order the peanut butter bars, as well as the chocolate love bars. Right now, I’m wanting the dark chocolate hazelnut cookies!
Watched the video!
the integrator–because it just sounds so bad ass…no idea what it might be but i’d be game to try it. either that or the chocolate stout vinkies. those sound like trouble, but in a good way… 😉
LIKED them on Facehole. 🙂
My favorite menu item would be the Cookie Monster, because that’s what I am. Though I really would like to try a Vinkie, like really, really.
Watched the video, haha, what the? I love the people with their backs turned to him, snickering.
So stoked she’s based in Dayton, OH…my hometown! I will definitely have to pick up some goodies the next time I go home. I made sure to “like” Bombshell Bake Shop on FB, and I’m pretty sure I need the Rockin Red Velvet cupcake in my life ASAP!
I checked out the menu, and I would LOVE to try a chocolate stout vinkie!
I LOVE them. Sweetest family ever. I like them on fb!
I think heaven = a ginger grant cookie or a chocolate stout vinkie. YUM!
video? hysterical! muahahaha
My favorite item on the menu would have to be Choclatron Cupcake or the Rockin Red Velvet Cupcake.
~Danielle.
The Integrator or the Red Velvet Cupcake sound divine!! But honestly, this all sounds absolutely incredible.
Interesting post, thanks for sharing this. Always nice to read interviews about chefs and other celebs.
I “like” Bombshell Bake Shop on Facebook!
Favorite menu item: Paddy O’Peppermint Vinkies or Orange Crush cupcake or Root Beer Float cupcakes – so many amazing choices!
i’ve already liked bombshell. and ordered treats from there before! I love the Liz Lemon!
I would love to try the cranberry almond boss bars. They sound interesting. I’ve tried cookies and vinkies from Bombshell, both were delish 🙂
I have LIKED Bombshell on Facebook!
Weird video, better than some of the preaching I’ve heard in a church though.
I want the Liz Lemon cookie because it looks so delicious!the oatmeal cream dream,french toast vinkie,vanilla vinkie,lemon vinkie,Saturday Night Lime,are so delicious!
I love bombshell bakeshop and have ordered from there a few times! I am still a sucker for their choc chip cookies! A classic but absolutely amazing!
I ‘like’ bombshell bakeshop on facebook!
I liked bombshell! It’s so nice to be able to grab a treat and not have to feel left out because your vegan=)
I “like” bombshell on facebook! It’s so nice to be able to grab a treat and not have to feel left out because your vegan=)
The buckeye cookie is out of this world!
I happened upon bombshell and their goodies at the street fair in YS, it was like sex for the mouth 😉
I <3 Bombshell on FB, always have.
Also, I have always wanted to try Saturday Night Lime cookies, since I had the privledge of naming the cookie! 🙂
I liked Bombshell Bake Shop on FB, but now I am hungry.
French Toast Vinkies sound so yummy!
And I watched the video :]
I am obsessed with all things cupcake,with that said,I would love a box of Bombshell goodness containing 3 different flavors:rootbeer float,red velvet,and chocotron!I am thinking it will be a treat to myself on my bday this year…hmmmm cupcakes bring me happiness!!!!!
I love your Liz Lemon cookies, but I really want to try your dark chocolate hazelnut cookies and your french toast vinkies 🙂
Also, I watched the video too!
I “liked” them on Facebook (Keya Millionie)
I want to try the French Toast Vinkie
Lol that video
I tweeted about this giveaway:
http://twitter.com/#!/MissMorphine/status/107621756797325312
@MissMorphine
Anything that is called “Chocolatron” has to be awesome.
I liked BB on Facebook!
Also watched the video=)
I would take some French Toast Vinkies in a heartbeat!
Just watched the video as well, you go lady (and cute jacket)!!
I reallllllllllly want to tast the amazing DUo you have of Ginger Rogers Cupcake and the Singing Cowboy Cookie! Sounds like an amazing pair! Watched the video, LIKED you on FB and tweeted!
Your site and logo is way too FUN!
Have a great day and keep up the great work!!
Wow! Everything looks and sounds delish! I shouldn’t have looked while I am hungry, because now I am going to have to go scrounge up something which I guarantee won’t be as good!
I always like to see folks doing what they love and being successful while at it! Keep up the yummy work and expect an order from me soon!
I liked bombshell bake shop on Facebook – and in my life 🙂
Aaaaaaaand I really want the root beer float cupcake because I can imagine how creative and delicious it is
I’d love to try the chocolate and french toast vinkie!
I am a sucker for a good cookie so I have to try the singing cowboy cookie. I don’t know what it is but with that kind of name, I don’t see how it could be anything but delicious.
I have had a root beer float every night for the past two weeks and am on a bit of a kick lately so I’m not sure I could ever pass up a Root Beer Float Cupcake.
Oh and the video was great, you deserved a round of applause.
I liked Bombshell Bake Shop on FB
I watched the video.
As for the menu, I’d like to try it all! Top contenders are: Cookie Monster, Far out peanut butter cookies, darn good carrot cookies, red velvet cupcakes or bombshell cupcakes.
Also, Oliver is ADORABLE!!!
I liked Bombshell Bake Shop on FB, sent a tweet about it, and perused the menu. I’m really hungry now. Everything on the menu sounds yummers! If I had to pick just *one* I would pick the root beer float cupcakes. Runners up would be the Liz Lemon, Orange Crush, Buckeye Bombshell, Luscious Lemon, any of the Vinkies….
….and I just watched the video. I don’t miss riding the bus! LOL!
Liked Bombshell on facebook, promoted on Twitter. Nat, you know the best of the best! I am so excited to try everything at Bombshell Bakery, whether I win or not. I really want to try the Chocolate Stout Vinkies. They look superb.
Your video was great, I shared it on my facebook when I first saw it on your blog. Gotta love Chicago. Makes me homesick.
Just liked you on facebook!
Liked you on facebook (cheryl casperson)
I want the Integrator Stackers!!
Tweeted @cherylcasperson!
I really liked the video!! Thank you!
I’d Love to try the bunny pie cookie stackers.
Liked on fb, Liz Lemon, watched the video, thanks
Oh my goodness, I so need to have a root beer float cupcake. And as a HUGE 30 Rock fan, a Liz Lemon needs to be in my mouth.
http://twitter.com/#!/taraophotos
I so tweeted about you!
Lemon Vinkie. I’m not vegan, but I def. want to try these!!
liz lemon and chocolate stout …. YUM!
I liked Bombshell Bakery on facebook. Yay!
I liked them on FB.
Without really knowing what’s in it, I’d love to try the Ginger Rogers cupcake. Presumably it contains ginger, which is one of my favorite ingredients.
I tweeted about the giveaway (@evil_lina).
Oh, that video is priceless! Thanks for forcing me to watch it. I would have been sorry to miss it.
Okay. First off, thank the holy Jesus Christ you told that a-hole to shut the fuck up. Prayers really do come true. I didn’t realize it was you until midway through the video. So that was pretty awesome.
Liked it on facebook.
Bunny pie sounds like something cute and delicious. I would definitely eat that.
I like bombshell on FB! A marie hj saver
I totally want to try the vinkies!