Meet Amy Hobb | Baker

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

Hi Amy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The connection I make with people has become an important part of my brand and I think a big reason for my success. I didn’t realize how making cakes could impact my customer’s lives, but when I create a child’s birthday cake year after year, I get to become a small part of their big moments and make those moments a little sweeter. And those big moments become bigger as kids grow up and graduate, get married, travel the world, have kids of their own, say goodbye to loved ones. Family is really important to me and having customers see me as part of their familes, gives my business heart which I think is why I have been able to grow and have success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think my creativity and sense of community sets me a part from others. I grew up in a large close-knit family so I always had someone to turn to and still do today, this sense of community has shaped how I run my business in a big way. From how I interact with my customers to the partnerships created, being a community-based business is really important to me and has helped customers feel connected to my business. I am most excited about expanding my business and opening up a storefront in downtown Keokuk later this fall. With this move, I will be able to hire employees, host events and classes for the community, and expand our community partnerships.

I got to where I am today by focusing on my professional goals and always challenging myself. I love a good challenge whether it’s trying out new techniques, taking on a big order, or stepping out of my comfort zone for an event, I want to continue to change and grow to help my business succeed. Growth always comes with challenges and I have definitely had a few, but keeping my focus on the bigger picture and having an amazing support system there to remind me how far I’ve come has helped my overcome these challenges and become a better person and business.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that I never thought that this is where my story would take me. My entrepreneur story did not start when I was young. I never considered that I would start a business. I didn’t spend my childhood baking in the kitchen, I really didn’t bake at all until my early adulthood. But between a few chance encounters and a lot of hardwork, I consider myself one of the lucky ones who has a job that I love going to everyday.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first place I would take them is a walk through Keokuk’s downtown to stop at our local shops to check out what Keokuk has to offer. We have some incredible people who make up our business district and visitors always leave feeling like family when they meet our small town business owners. First, we would grab a coffee at the Lost Canvas to enjoy then make our way into the different shops to meet a few of our business owners and do some shopping. I would take them to the Keokuk-Hamilton Dam Museum to learn about the history and do a virtual-reality tour of the Dam and Powerhous.

Keokuk has some incredible history dating back to the Civil War so I would take them driving through our historic district. Always a must is checking out the Lock and Dam #19 on the Mississippi River and watch the barges coming through. Lunch is their choice whether grabbing a famous Dody Burger at Harrington’s, Build-a-Pita at Rascals where you have to say a quick hi to the owners Mick and Connie, make a stop at Smokin J’s BBQ food truck, or we can take a quick drive across the river into Illinois for a stop at El Camino Real in Hamilton.

Then, hoping its wintertime, we take a drive through Rand Park to see the lights of the City of Christmas, or if they want to feel like a true local, you gotta make at least 2 trips through to make sure you didn’t miss any displays.

Website: Www.blueumbrellabakery.com

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Image Credits
Doug Ewing Photo