Meet Ashley Penner of Overland Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Penner.

Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have been baking for friends and family for quite some time, but I slowly started turning my hobby into a business in 2019. I love watching all baking shows and always see the cute, layered cakes and think, “I want to do that!” I have an art degree and love to have a creative outlet (and if I can eat the result, that’s a huge bonus)! In August 2019, I went down the rabbit hole of YouTube tutorials, bought some supplies, and then made my first layered cake with a matching smash cake for my son’s 1st birthday. I posted it and almost immediately had people messaging me asking if I sold cakes. It snowballed from there! My business has grown based on word of mouth and recommendations! It has also grown because of the other amazing women in KC who run and operate their small businesses. The home baker community alone constantly amazes me—always referring to each other, sending business to each other, etc. It feels like a community rather than a competition, and I’m so blessed to be a part of that. And another local baker even got the opportunity to be an alternate for a Food Network show this past Fall. She asked me to join her, and if you had told me one year ago that I would get to experience something like that, I wouldn’t have believed you!

Before staying home full-time, I was a bone marrow transplant nurse for about 7 years! I always strive to grow my business but also have to give myself boundaries within that because I have two tiny humans who are home with me full time. Sweet ones has been a huge blessing to our family and have allowed me to have an outlet after becoming a stay-at-home mom. I do have a fun fact about my business name! I spent months trying to think of the perfect name. I wanted it to reflect what I offered while having a deeper meaning (even if I was the only one that knew the deeper meaning). I finally settled on Sweet Ones Baking co. The number “one” has a special meaning to me. My grandma and I were close and both born on January 1st. She always loved to bake and make the best chocolate meringue pie. I still use her handwritten recipe cards. She has been gone for a few years and didn’t get to meet my babies or see me run a business. I feel like she’s looking down on me because fast forward a bit, and my daughter was born on my mom’s birthday, July 1st! There’s nothing like sharing a birthday with your grandma, and I’m so glad I get to see the tradition of celebrating together live on!

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say it’s been smooth, with some bumps along the way! I struggle to wear the many hats of running my own business. I only want to be the baker/creator! I don’t always want to do the bookkeeping, invoicing, re-stocking, packaging, etc., but I am a one-woman show, and it must be done to keep things running smoothly! Staying organized is important because it keeps my customers happy! With all of the behind-the-scenes work I do, it sometimes means taking on fewer orders because of my limited time. Any time I spend on the business is time away from my kids, so I have had to learn to prioritize over the years! I am always learning how to balance being present and intentional as a mom while having the creative outlet of my business as something I can do for myself! Self-care is so important, especially after you become a mom!

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 make custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies for any event you can think of! Weddings, birthdays, bridal showers, corporate events, etc. Birthdays and baby showers are my most requested event themes. I also make treats to sell for holidays and teach the occasional cookie-decorating class! I am known for my custom-decorated sugar cookies and round buttercream cakes. I hear over and over that they taste as good as they look! There is no bigger compliment! I am most proud of being self-taught and figuring out how to run a business from the ground up. I am always learning new techniques, which takes much trial and error. I don’t fear failure because that is how you know. It helps you learn what to do better next time!

My background and college degrees are what set me apart. I have one degree in Art History and one in Nursing. God has allowed me to reconnect with my love of art through baking. My art degree background helps me create custom images and think outside the box with ideas! That Nurse side of me loves to make each customer feel special and well cared for. Put those together, and it’s a perfect recipe for a baking business. Another thing that sets me apart is that I was born and raised here in KC! I have a heart and passion for KC and love supporting all things local!

What matters most to you?
My family matters most to me when it comes to my personal life. What matters most to me regarding my business is my customers! I always want them to feel that I went above and beyond with their order because I wouldn’t have this business I’m blessed to call my own without them! I create each order as if it were for my own family! I learned in nursing: “people are always going to remember how you made them feel.” I have carried that philosophy over into my business, and it is one thing that keeps people coming back! To me, it’s not just a cake or cookies. It’s an opportunity to play a small role in making someone’s special day just a little more memorable!

Contact Info:

• Website: Sweetonesbakingco.com
• Instagram: @sweet_ones_baking_co
• Facebook: Facebook.com/sweetonesbakingco

Image Credits
Erica Allen Photography