Hidden Gems: Meet Olivia Gargett of OG’s Bakery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Gargett. 

Hi Olivia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I found a passion for baking when I was 12 years old. I was obsessed with the show Cake Boss and decided to bake one day. My dad graciously let me destroy his kitchen just to make a cake. Something sparked in me, so I kept baking. I would make cakes for family birthdays, holidays, and any parties I could. A few years later, I expanded to making cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, and cookies. Word of mouth was my biggest tool, and my mom’s friends started placing real orders with me. Before I knew it, I was 14 and started my own business. I sold to family and friends all through high school. I narrowed down my niche and now provide cake pops and cookies for any events, big or small. I came to Michigan State University to be part of their entrepreneurship program. Within that, I have received funding, mentorship, interns, and many friends to help grow my company. Today, I bake when I can while in school and work full-time in the summer. I offer custom orders and also sell in farmers’ markets. When I graduate in 2024, I plan to continue my venture. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some struggles I’ve faced along the way are balancing my business with school. In high school, I would come home, do homework, bake, and sleep. In college, I had to figure out where to bake since I wasn’t in Grand Rapids. Thankfully, my program built a kitchen for students in the program. I have also struggled being an older founder. I bake and run the company all on my own. Stress and exhaustion oftentimes take over. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
OG’s Bakery is a business that sells cake pops and cookies for events big or small. Our mission is to spread sweetness one cake pop and cookie at a time. We specialize in custom cake pops and cookies. We offer endless design options like colors, themes, logos, names, etc. I am known for my cake pops. I sell them by the hundreds in the summer! In my town, many people come to me to bake for their children’s graduation parties. What sets me apart from others is my customization and, most importantly, my passion. Another thing we offer are custom cake pop-stand rentals. I have built these beautiful wood stands my customers can rent so they can display their treats in a fun way. I care so deeply about creating treats that fulfill customer needs. Brand-wise, I am most proud of how professional and creative I have made OG’s Bakery. I would like people to know what when they comet to OG’s, we will make their vision come to life. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Thankfully there weren’t many large lessons I had to face during covid. One main thing I did learn is that people always need desserts! Since I was baking outside of my home (under the cottage food law), I was fulfilling orders during the entire pandemic. I did have to face inflation rates for my ingredients. That taught me a lot about financials for a small business, and that’s it’s ok to raise prices with the economy. 

Pricing:

• Cake pops $36+ dozen
• Cookies $45+ dozen
• Cake Pop Stand Rentals $25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ogsbakery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogs_bakery/?next=%2F
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ogsbakery