From Cake Sales to Cake Classes; A Bakery's Pandemic Pivot

Change is the lifeblood of any business, and for a bakery that once thrived on selling beautifully crafted cakes, the COVID-19 lockdown brought an unexpected opportunity to rethink everything. When the world shut down, people didn’t just sit idle—they baked. Sourdough starters bubbled on countertops, banana bread became a universal comfort, and suddenly, it seemed like everyone was chasing their long-buried dream of mastering the art of baking. For our little bakery, this shift in the cultural wind wasn’t a threat—it was a call to action. We went from selling cakes to teaching others how to make them, both online and in-house, and it’s been a transformation worth celebrating.

The Spark of Change

Before the pandemic, our days were filled with the hum of mixers, the scent of vanilla, and the steady stream of customers picking up birthday cakes and wedding tiers. But when lockdowns hit, we noticed so many more bakers appeared.

Social media feeds overflowed with amateur bakers proudly showing off their beautiful (and sometimes lopsided) creations, asking for tips, and craving guidance. That’s when it clicked: why compete with a world of new bakers when we could empower them instead?

A New Recipe: Teaching Over Selling

We decided to pivot from being a traditional bakery to becoming a hub for baking education. The idea was simple—offer classes to teach people the skills we’d honed over years, from the perfect buttercream swirl to the secrets of a flaky croissant. We launched two streams: online classes for those stuck at home and in-house workshops. This change was more about meeting people where they were and giving them something meaningful to hold onto during these times. We started with the online Programs - filming one at a time, editing, and uploading step by step videos.

We teach everything from beginner cakes to advanced buttercream work. The early response was gratifying—people didn’t just want recipes; they wanted connection, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. Meanwhile, our in-house classes brought back the joy of hands-on learning. There’s something magical about decorating cakes side by side, laughing over mistakes, and celebrating perfectly designed cakes.

Why Change Worked

This wasn’t just a business decision—it's what we love to do. We've learned the universal truth: baking is more than food; it’s therapy, it’s passion, it’s a skill worth sharing. By shifting our focus, we tapped into that energy.

Our business is diversified—still making cakes, but adding more options for classes. And more importantly, we've already built a small community of wonderful individuals--fun, supportive, and willing to learn. A motto has been: We may begin as strangers, but we end as friends."

Class participants have graciously been spreading the word and keeping us relevant in a crowded market. The world has plenty of bakers; and we enjoy teaching.

Lessons from the Oven

For any business owner reading this, here’s the takeaway: don’t fear the pivot. When the ground shifts beneath you, look for the opportunity hiding in the chaos. Continue searching for the JOY in your work. For us, sharing our expertise has had great rewards.

COVID turned everyone into a baker. Now, whether it’s online or in our kitchen classroom, we’re no longer just a bakery—we’re a place for fun learning, one class at a time.

So, grab an apron. The world’s decorating cakes, and we’re here to teach you how.

-Ellan