We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Wascher Lisa Gravlin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela Wascher, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We (Angela and Lisa) had dreams of starting our own independent businesses, but after working together professionally for 3 years and becoming close friends, realized we could start a successful business together. We were both faced with major career changes, and took the opportunity to create City Bake Shop. Our individual skill sets compliment each others strengths and weaknesses in a way that benefits the growing venture.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When we started City Bake Shop, the motivation was to bring happiness and joy to those who enjoy our goods. We take pride in having many repeat customers, and love that we are now a staple in many family celebrations and traditions. We aspire to be the local dependable bakery that many families come to for their birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. We met and worked together professionally before starting this business, bringing over 20+ years of experience to our company. We have been faced with many challenges and stressful situations, resulting in better problem solving and organization that we can bring to our own kitchen. We want customers to see how much we love and enjoy making unique products, and come back for how delicious they are.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We tend to hang around the local markets and gathering places around Traverse City. We have many amazing Famers Markets in the area including The Farmers Market at the Grand Traverse Commons in the winters, and The Interlochen Farmers Market in the summers. One of our favorite local breweries is The Workshop Brewing Company, its a great spot to grab some friends and play a board game or trivia. A favorite restaurant of our would be Blue Tractor, the fried green beans are a must have. We have amazing hiking trails and swimming areas all over the area, including the amazing Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While we have incredible support from our families, we especially owe our growing success to each other. We have the benefit of complimenting one another in most aspects of the business, while also continuing to challenge the other to take risks that ultimately add personal and professional growth.

Website: www.citybakeshop.com

Instagram: CityBakeShopLLC

Facebook: www.facebook.com/citybakeshopllc

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