Conversations with Katie Lee from Daaa Bakery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Lee.

Hi Katie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Chicago, home of Daaa Bears. My love for baking started quite young. Every sleepover at my grandma’s, my cousins and I would make homemade cinnamon rolls. The best part of the process was who would get to punch the dough!

Throughout school, I would take every baking class offered and had some great role models along the way. The dream someday was to own my own restaurant. In college, I chose the Accounting career path thinking it will help me learn how to run a business someday.

Recently, a friend learned of my love of baking and I was asked to bake for birthday parties. Once people started trying my chocolate cake the word started spreading like wildfire. I figured now was the time to see if I could get this dream rolling.

I started with birthday parties, neighborhood bake sales, chief’s get-togethers, and holiday dessert packages. I am continuing to spread my network baking for weddings, corporate events, etc. I am so grateful for all my customers and everyone who continues to spread the word.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I learned that running a bakery was not just about baking! I have had to learn how:

• To become a photographer- because we all know people eat with their eyes.
• To be more involved in social media- success can only come if people know about you and your product.
• A purchaser- when baking for many you can’t just shop at the local grocery store. It’s been an art figuring out where to buy packaging and baking supplies in bulk.
• To become a decorator- I can bake you something absolutely out of this world delicious. But with Instagram and Pinterest people also have high design expectations

The only way people will learn about my delicious, crave-worthy desserts is if I can master all the items above.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am 100% a custom bakery. I bake cakes, cupcakes, cookies, bars, cookie cakes, cake pops, etc. I have my main menu of items but I love getting custom orders and will gladly take on any new challenge or request.

My specialty items that everyone comes back for seconds are:

• Chocolate cake- can be put together in many ways and they are all to die for
• Cookie cakes- not your average cookie cake. These are much thicker and softer than most
• Stuffed cookies- stuffed peanut butter cookies and stuffed oatmeal cookies are requested time and time again
• Bars- salted caramel bars and chocolate oatmeal bars will have you coming back for more

I have been told by many that they were not cake people and I have turned them into cake people! Don’t care for frosting? I will probably change your mind as I have already changed many minds! I have been told my chocolate cake is better than those served in high-end restaurants. Hearing all these words from clients makes me feel so proud and motivates me to continue pursuing this dream.

Any big plans?
Right now, I am just taking in every moment as I don’t know what the future will hold. I truly enjoy each and every order that I receive. Getting new orders and new customers make my day!

Every day, I continue to find what my niche is and will continue zeroing in on what is going to create a successful business for the future. I pray that I can continue doing what I love and pursuing my dream. I hope the word continues to spread and I can keep sharing my love for baking with Kansas City.

I cannot wait to see what the future holds!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @DaaaBakery
• Facebook: Daaa Bakery