Meet Molly Gnodtke | Self-taught home baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Molly Gnodtke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Molly, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As my business was taking off, I booked up quickly and realized as a one-woman shop I could only take on so many orders while ensuring every cake received the time and attention it deserves. I also struggled with accepting orders last minute and as a result, it was hard to juggle family commitments with the demands of my business. It felt like I was working around the clock for fear of having to say “no” to a prospective customer.

Last summer, I came up with a business concept that helps delegate my time and prioritize that work/life balance. I started asking clients if they wanted to join my Cake Calendar. I then add them to my annual birthday calendar and a month before I reach out to confirm whether they are still interested.

This concept has been a valuable tool. First, it helps to save customers’ spot on my calendar and as a result, I am able to plan ahead and manage my schedule with ease. I am already booked for most of 2024, which allows me to plan for the year ahead. I know what months are busiest and when I can teach cupcake workshops or plan time away with my family. Customers love it because they can rely on the fact that their order is already on my schedule and they don’t have to remember to reach out. It’s a win win!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a stay-at-home mom of two young kids, I’ve been honored and fulfilled by my role in our family. However, I’ve always had a voice in the back of my head, asking what I wanted to do after my kids were both in school full time. The corporate work I did prior to starting our family wasn’t enticing and I wasn’t sure that schedule would be conducive to my current priorities. I wanted something flexible, exciting, creative and fulfilling while also aligning with our family’s needs. For eight years, that nagging question went unanswered – until I found caking.

What started as a simple birthday cake for my daughter in 2019 evolved into a passion for baking. I was fascinated by the practice of creating smooth edges, crisp white buttercream and, most importantly, creating cakes that taste as good as they look.

Last year, I opened an LLC to make it official and currently work out of my home under the Michigan Cottage Food Law as I continue making custom cakes for all occasions. Molly’s Custom Cakery is known for its hyper-realistic cakes, anti-gravity design and beautifully simple creations. All cake confections are made from scratch using family recipes or tried and true favorites that pass the “worth the calories” test. Never to skimp on taste, I use the best ingredients to ensure that each creation tastes as good as it looks.

I hope my story inspires other parents in a similar position to continue searching for their perfect fit. Let it be proof they can find something that fulfills them while syncing up with with their family’s needs. I never imagined I’d have my own business and that people would compensate me for making something for their special celebrations, but here I am, baking away and so grateful for this journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, can I just say how much I love living in Ann Arbor? It is such a special place. We moved here about eight years ago and I am still discovering new spots.

Our family is a big supporter of all things U of M, so when a friend comes to visit, we tend to take them to a sporting event. There is no bigger thrill than to catch a game at the Big House! And depending on the time of the year, we will usually hit up Top of the Park in the summer or the Arb for a nice walk in the fall. The Natural History Museum opened just a few years ago and is stunning. The planetarium hosts different shows which are always interesting and family friendly.

We are foodies so to catch a good meal out is always a treat. We love to take friends to Isalita for tacos and margaritas, or The Brown Jug for any Michigan sport enthusiast, and homemade ice cream from Blank Slate is always tasty.

Like I said, Ann Arbor is a special place. You get all the benefits of a small college town and world-renowned sports, art and history; it’s an easy place to entertain and I’m proud to call it home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My loyal customers deserve all the credit. When I first started making cakes, it was born out of a desire to perfect my skills and practice techniques. Every order became a test case for honing my skills from decorating to recipe testing. Initially, I had a hard time charging friends and considered this a hobby, but through their encouragement, I realized this could be a viable side hustle.

If not for the belief from family and friends, I would never have launched my own business. I genuinely appreciate every order, piece of feedback and share on social platforms. Nearly 95% of my customers are repeat buyers and I never take their loyalty
for granted. They drive me to keep going on this sweet journey.

Instagram: @mollyscustomcakery

Facebook: fb.me/mollyscustomcakery

Image Credits
Maxyne Leanne Photography