let us sweeten your event!
FAQ's
I've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions. Please read these before placing an order!
What kind of cakes do you do?
~Got What It Cakes is a custom cakery, that offers wedding cakes, multi-tiered groom's cakes, carved/3D groom's cakes, gender reveal cakes, and/or wedding cupcakes. The smallest, tiered cake we offer is a 6 & 8 inch round, and it feeds up to 35 people. Carved/3D cakes are cakes that do not come from traditionally shaped pans, and that need to be shaped free hand through carving, stacking, etc. They vary in size and serving, and are completely customized. We do not do sheet cakes, single tier, small cakes, cookies, cupcake cakes, cookie cakes, etc. The goal is for the cake you order to be remembered for years to come, and for your guests to talk about long after the wedding/rehearsal dinner is over! There are no "typical," "simple," or "basic" cakes at GWIC! Plenty of places offer those kinds of cakes, and we are happy they do! Head over to the Pricing page for details on prices!
If you only do wedding related cakes, why do you also do gender reveal cakes?!
~I'm obsessed with babies! Seriously, I just love the idea of being a small part of someone finding out the news of girl or boy. I'm done having babies, so I look for any chance to help someone announce their big news!
How early should I place an order?
~Here's the deal...I am a one woman show, and I have a limit as to how many orders I can take in a weekend. Because of this, I tend to get booked months in advance. And in popular wedding months, like May and June, I may be booked a year in advance. So I tell everyone, as soon as you know the weekend of your event, you need to let me know! You don't need to know the theme, number of guests, etc. You just need to pay a non-refundable deposit and you'll be on the books. The deposit amount is 50% of whatever the minimum price will be, based on approximate guest count. We can figure out the details as we get closer to the date! Now, in saying all of this, it never hurts to ask if I'm available, even if it's "last minute." But promise me you won't get mad at me if I say "sorry, I'm booked already."
What's the best way to reach you?
~I prefer email. My email is mandie@gotwhatitcakes.com. I have two little ones, and it never fails that the second I answer my phone, they need me...right that second! Plus, I can email you back at 2am, but I don't think you'd like me to call you back at that hour. Also, I often like to send sketches, or email pictures of cakes, so we'll have to communicate that way eventually anyways. I do like to have details in black and white, so that we are perfectly clear as to what the cake is to look like, taste like, etc.
Do you cover your cakes with fondant?
~Most of our cakes are covered in buttercream, and that's what's preferred. I can get my buttercream as smooth, if not smoother, than fondant, and most people prefer the taste of buttercream. Fondant cakes are also $1/serving more than buttercream covered cakes. However, if a cake needs to be red, black, or brown, it typically needs to be covered in fondant. If it isn't, the colored buttercream will stain teeth, and it may not have as smooth of a look as I'd like my work to have. Do keep in mind, the fondant that I use is high quality fondant that tastes great! It is not the cheap, pratically inedible stuff that is sold at craft stores that novices put on their cakes.
Can I buy one cupcake?
~I operate out of a legal, licensed, and inspected home-based cakery. Because of this, I do not have the retail space that accommodates having display cases full of ready-to-go treats. And because it's my home, I don't have the ability to have drop-ins all day long, unfortunately. One day, I will be in a space in which you can buy a cupcake at any time of the day! I'm just not there yet. I do offer a monthly cupcake sampler, where I offer a 6 pack of cupcakes for $15. Follow me on facebook, and you won't miss the announcements of when they're offered!
Do you work around allergies?
~I do have the ability to work around allergies. Let me know if you have a need, and I'll do my best to accommodate. I've done tiered cakes, with one tier being gluten-free, so that guests with celiac could still enjoy the cake. Or I can always do a traditional cake, and then make a cupcake/jumbo cupcake for someone with an allergy. Unfortunately, I cannot work around dairy and/or egg allergies right now.
How far do you deliver?
~I deliver wherever I need to go, with a cost of $15 for every 10 miles. I have delivered as far as Fayetteville, Columbia, and Charleston.
What do I need to bring to my consultation?
~I ask that the bride bring whatever is needed to aid in the design process. For example, invitation, ribbon, swatch of fabric, inspiration pictures, cake topper, etc. I also need you to bring some sort of payment if you'd like to book the date. I accept checks, cash, and credit cards.
Can I come watch you work?
~Although I completely "get" why it seems like it would be fun to watch me work, I promise it's really just sheer craziness, and is best left behind closed doors. I am thinking about offering cake classes sometime soon, so be on the lookout!
Are you hiring?
~I am always looking for the right person to come into the GWIC family, but I haven't found the perfect fit yet. I encourage everyone, who thinks they want to work for me/in a bakery, to practice their skills. Make fondant and gumpaste figures, make cakes and take pics, and compile a portfolio. I am happy to look at portfolios, and I'm even happy to have someone come in and show me some of their work. But I won't just take your word for it. It seems like everyone *loves* doing cakes right now...I'm waiting for someone to show me how much they *love* to practice!
How did you learn to do cakes?
~I am completely self taught. I proudly say that I learned everything by watching cake shows, watching youtube videos, and on cake sites, such as cakecentral.com. I did free cakes for family and friends for two years before launching my business. In that time, I perfected recipes, practiced my skills, compiled a portfolio, and learned A TON!
Should I start a cake business?
~No...save yourself! Just kidding! Seriously though, it's a TON of work! When I was doing free cakes, it was really fun. I got to do pretty much whatever design I wanted, and because I couldn't accept any money (I wasn't legal then), I didn't have the pressure of getting it perfect (even though I, of course, HAD to have it look perfect). I also didn't have any of the stresses that go along with being a business owner! Now, I have to be an accountant, a photographer, an editor, a web designer, an advertising rep, a salesperson, a baker, a decorator, a dishcleaner, an inventory and supply keeper, an ingredient and material shopper, a delivery girl, and the list goes on and on. I also handle all consultations, sketches, emails, and networking/charity events. There are a lot of hats that I wear, but none more important than being a full-time mommy to two little girls! Simply put, it's all sorts of crazy on a daily basis. I've never worked so hard in my life, but I've also never felt such reward in my professional life! I love being a part of people's most special days. I love giving back through cake. I love paying it forward with my gift. I love knowing that I built this business on my back, and that it's booming! I love meeting the coolest people, and doing amazing things that I know wouldn't have been presented to me, without this business. I've also been able to stay home with my children, every day of their lives. For that, I'm beyond grateful.
You mention that you're "legal," what does that mean?
~When a business is providing food to the public, there are many rules to follow, especially if the kitchen is home-based. People think that anyone can bake and sell from the home, but that's not true...not even close. In fact, only about 40% of the states allow baking from home. Luckily, North Carolina is one of those states! In order to be allowed to legally collect a penny for my goods, I had to get licensed and inspected. I also got insured, formed an LLC, and got a tax ID number. This way, I am completely legal, and 100% covered. This also means, that you can order from me with the utmost confidence. You know that my kitchen is clean, that there are no pets in the home, and there is no smoking in the home. You know that my ingredients and supplies are kept in the proper storage conditions, and at a food-safe temperature. I take food safety very seriously, and you can be sure that your cake is as fresh, and properly prepared, as any store front, commercial bakery. If you plan on ordering goods from a home-based baker, make sure you ask if they are licensed. This is not to "bust" people; this is to watch out for yourself. Most reception halls will only allow licensed bakers/caterers to provide goods at their site. So double check before you pay a deposit, and then wind up without a cake on your day because the vendor isn't legally allowed to bring it on site.
~Got What It Cakes is a custom cakery, that offers wedding cakes, multi-tiered groom's cakes, carved/3D groom's cakes, gender reveal cakes, and/or wedding cupcakes. The smallest, tiered cake we offer is a 6 & 8 inch round, and it feeds up to 35 people. Carved/3D cakes are cakes that do not come from traditionally shaped pans, and that need to be shaped free hand through carving, stacking, etc. They vary in size and serving, and are completely customized. We do not do sheet cakes, single tier, small cakes, cookies, cupcake cakes, cookie cakes, etc. The goal is for the cake you order to be remembered for years to come, and for your guests to talk about long after the wedding/rehearsal dinner is over! There are no "typical," "simple," or "basic" cakes at GWIC! Plenty of places offer those kinds of cakes, and we are happy they do! Head over to the Pricing page for details on prices!
If you only do wedding related cakes, why do you also do gender reveal cakes?!
~I'm obsessed with babies! Seriously, I just love the idea of being a small part of someone finding out the news of girl or boy. I'm done having babies, so I look for any chance to help someone announce their big news!
How early should I place an order?
~Here's the deal...I am a one woman show, and I have a limit as to how many orders I can take in a weekend. Because of this, I tend to get booked months in advance. And in popular wedding months, like May and June, I may be booked a year in advance. So I tell everyone, as soon as you know the weekend of your event, you need to let me know! You don't need to know the theme, number of guests, etc. You just need to pay a non-refundable deposit and you'll be on the books. The deposit amount is 50% of whatever the minimum price will be, based on approximate guest count. We can figure out the details as we get closer to the date! Now, in saying all of this, it never hurts to ask if I'm available, even if it's "last minute." But promise me you won't get mad at me if I say "sorry, I'm booked already."
What's the best way to reach you?
~I prefer email. My email is mandie@gotwhatitcakes.com. I have two little ones, and it never fails that the second I answer my phone, they need me...right that second! Plus, I can email you back at 2am, but I don't think you'd like me to call you back at that hour. Also, I often like to send sketches, or email pictures of cakes, so we'll have to communicate that way eventually anyways. I do like to have details in black and white, so that we are perfectly clear as to what the cake is to look like, taste like, etc.
Do you cover your cakes with fondant?
~Most of our cakes are covered in buttercream, and that's what's preferred. I can get my buttercream as smooth, if not smoother, than fondant, and most people prefer the taste of buttercream. Fondant cakes are also $1/serving more than buttercream covered cakes. However, if a cake needs to be red, black, or brown, it typically needs to be covered in fondant. If it isn't, the colored buttercream will stain teeth, and it may not have as smooth of a look as I'd like my work to have. Do keep in mind, the fondant that I use is high quality fondant that tastes great! It is not the cheap, pratically inedible stuff that is sold at craft stores that novices put on their cakes.
Can I buy one cupcake?
~I operate out of a legal, licensed, and inspected home-based cakery. Because of this, I do not have the retail space that accommodates having display cases full of ready-to-go treats. And because it's my home, I don't have the ability to have drop-ins all day long, unfortunately. One day, I will be in a space in which you can buy a cupcake at any time of the day! I'm just not there yet. I do offer a monthly cupcake sampler, where I offer a 6 pack of cupcakes for $15. Follow me on facebook, and you won't miss the announcements of when they're offered!
Do you work around allergies?
~I do have the ability to work around allergies. Let me know if you have a need, and I'll do my best to accommodate. I've done tiered cakes, with one tier being gluten-free, so that guests with celiac could still enjoy the cake. Or I can always do a traditional cake, and then make a cupcake/jumbo cupcake for someone with an allergy. Unfortunately, I cannot work around dairy and/or egg allergies right now.
How far do you deliver?
~I deliver wherever I need to go, with a cost of $15 for every 10 miles. I have delivered as far as Fayetteville, Columbia, and Charleston.
What do I need to bring to my consultation?
~I ask that the bride bring whatever is needed to aid in the design process. For example, invitation, ribbon, swatch of fabric, inspiration pictures, cake topper, etc. I also need you to bring some sort of payment if you'd like to book the date. I accept checks, cash, and credit cards.
Can I come watch you work?
~Although I completely "get" why it seems like it would be fun to watch me work, I promise it's really just sheer craziness, and is best left behind closed doors. I am thinking about offering cake classes sometime soon, so be on the lookout!
Are you hiring?
~I am always looking for the right person to come into the GWIC family, but I haven't found the perfect fit yet. I encourage everyone, who thinks they want to work for me/in a bakery, to practice their skills. Make fondant and gumpaste figures, make cakes and take pics, and compile a portfolio. I am happy to look at portfolios, and I'm even happy to have someone come in and show me some of their work. But I won't just take your word for it. It seems like everyone *loves* doing cakes right now...I'm waiting for someone to show me how much they *love* to practice!
How did you learn to do cakes?
~I am completely self taught. I proudly say that I learned everything by watching cake shows, watching youtube videos, and on cake sites, such as cakecentral.com. I did free cakes for family and friends for two years before launching my business. In that time, I perfected recipes, practiced my skills, compiled a portfolio, and learned A TON!
Should I start a cake business?
~No...save yourself! Just kidding! Seriously though, it's a TON of work! When I was doing free cakes, it was really fun. I got to do pretty much whatever design I wanted, and because I couldn't accept any money (I wasn't legal then), I didn't have the pressure of getting it perfect (even though I, of course, HAD to have it look perfect). I also didn't have any of the stresses that go along with being a business owner! Now, I have to be an accountant, a photographer, an editor, a web designer, an advertising rep, a salesperson, a baker, a decorator, a dishcleaner, an inventory and supply keeper, an ingredient and material shopper, a delivery girl, and the list goes on and on. I also handle all consultations, sketches, emails, and networking/charity events. There are a lot of hats that I wear, but none more important than being a full-time mommy to two little girls! Simply put, it's all sorts of crazy on a daily basis. I've never worked so hard in my life, but I've also never felt such reward in my professional life! I love being a part of people's most special days. I love giving back through cake. I love paying it forward with my gift. I love knowing that I built this business on my back, and that it's booming! I love meeting the coolest people, and doing amazing things that I know wouldn't have been presented to me, without this business. I've also been able to stay home with my children, every day of their lives. For that, I'm beyond grateful.
You mention that you're "legal," what does that mean?
~When a business is providing food to the public, there are many rules to follow, especially if the kitchen is home-based. People think that anyone can bake and sell from the home, but that's not true...not even close. In fact, only about 40% of the states allow baking from home. Luckily, North Carolina is one of those states! In order to be allowed to legally collect a penny for my goods, I had to get licensed and inspected. I also got insured, formed an LLC, and got a tax ID number. This way, I am completely legal, and 100% covered. This also means, that you can order from me with the utmost confidence. You know that my kitchen is clean, that there are no pets in the home, and there is no smoking in the home. You know that my ingredients and supplies are kept in the proper storage conditions, and at a food-safe temperature. I take food safety very seriously, and you can be sure that your cake is as fresh, and properly prepared, as any store front, commercial bakery. If you plan on ordering goods from a home-based baker, make sure you ask if they are licensed. This is not to "bust" people; this is to watch out for yourself. Most reception halls will only allow licensed bakers/caterers to provide goods at their site. So double check before you pay a deposit, and then wind up without a cake on your day because the vendor isn't legally allowed to bring it on site.