Turning Passion into Flourishing Business

From Humble Beginnings to Community Staple

Michelle Ashley, the creative force behind Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes, began her journey in the most unexpected of places. “I started Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes as a side business when I got into recovery,” she explains, a time in her life which, while full of challenges, gave rise to a very sweet labor of love. “This wouldn’t be here without it.” Her journey from cake decorating classes to a flourishing business is a testament to resilience and passion.

After completing cake decorating courses, Michelle took her newfound skills to Fred Meyer, where she worked for six months. Although she spent more time on pastries than cakes, this experience proved invaluable. “I didn’t do as many cakes as I was hoping to, but it benefited me later,” she recalls. This pivotal moment led her to start her own business, initially operating out of a rented commercial kitchen and then her apartment.

Growth and Recognition

The business quickly outgrew her apartment, propelled by a loyal customer base and recognition, including winning the Best of the Mid-Valley award. “People started to notice, and our loyal following grew,” she says. In July 2018, Michelle opened her first shop. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she innovated by creating a drive-thru service, which turned out to be a massive success. “The line was wrapped all the way down to the state building,” she remembers. This success allowed her to expand to her current, larger location with a more accessible storefront.

A Dedicated Team

Michelle attributes much of her success to her dedicated team, especially her lead pastry chef, Emma, who has been with her almost from the start. Emma, who holds a baking and pastry certificate from Lane Community College, started working for Michelle a few months before graduating. “I’ve seen this place expand from a tucked-away suite to the prominent location it is now,” Emma says. As the business grew, Emma has gone from part-time to full-time, juggling multiple roles along the way.

Innovative Offerings and Community Focus

Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes has always been about more than just cakes. The bakery now focuses heavily on dietary-specific desserts, including gluten-free, keto, and vegan options. “We bake from scratch, and our offerings change seasonally based on customer feedback and preferences,” Michelle explains. Their innovative approach includes collaborating with local restaurants and retirement communities to offer high-end desserts tailored to specific dietary needs.

Their partnership with Odd Moe’s and Miller’s BBQ highlights their versatility. They’ve been on Odd Moe’s menu since May 2024, featuring a dedicated dessert. Their expansion into wholesale and collaborations with local eateries underscores the commitment to growth and community connection.

Educational and Engaging Classes

Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes also offers popular cake decorating and baking classes, providing a unique, hands-on experience for the community. “We try to do them monthly, with themes that are seasonally relatable,” Michelle explains. These classes, limited to small groups, allow participants to learn new skills and take home their creations, making them a hit among locals.

Community-Driven Success

The Keizer community has played a crucial role in the bakery’s success. “We’re community-driven, and the support from Keizer has made us strong,” Michelle emphasizes. During tough times, a simple shout-out on social media would bring the community out in force to support the bakery. “The Keizer community will come marching, lining up through my doors to hug us, love on us, and spend their dollars,” she says gratefully. The hashtag you see on social media, #keizershowsup, is accurate.

Looking Ahead

As Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes looks to the future, the focus remains on expanding their dietary-specific offerings and forging new collaborations. “We are looking at growing our wholesale side for our gluten-free, keto, and vegan products,” Michelle states. They also plan to continue reaching out to retirement communities and partnering with local realtors to include their desserts in new homeowner packages.

A Heartfelt Mission

Michelle’s journey from recovery to successful business owner is about more than baking – it’s about community, resilience, and innovation. Her commitment to quality, coupled with a genuine connection to her customers, has set Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes apart. “We have an entire pastry case dedicated to gluten-free treats, and while we offer both gluten and non-gluten options here at the shop, we take extensive measures to prevent cross-contamination,” she reassures, highlighting their dedication to customer safety and satisfaction.

For those looking to experience the delectable offerings of Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes, visiting their Facebook page to see ALL of the amazing dessert pictures, or their website, michelleashley.com, is the best way to get in touch. “Our community is the backbone of our success, and we look forward to continuing this sweet journey with them,” Michelle concludes, inviting everyone to join in the delicious experience that is Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes.

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