Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Berger Robinett.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am 33 years old and can vividly remember baking cookies as a child with my mom while standing on a kitchen chair trying to reach the countertops. My mom always said, “No matter what, always double the amount of vanilla extract in any recipe.” Well, today I am creating my very own recipes! I have been baking for personal enjoyment for many years.
In 2015, I started creating healthy recipes to support my very active lifestyle. I wanted treats that would fuel my triathlon training, satisfy my sweet tooth, and make me feel good. Over time, I started baking indulgent items that I would share with family and friends. I had become the “dessert girl” at every party!
When Covid-19 hit our South Florida community, I was forced to work from home. I am an elementary school teacher by day, so I wasn’t used to sitting around at home. I quickly turned to baking as a comfort and a way to spread joy throughout my neighborhood. After a few weeks of stuffing my neighbor’s bellies, the cost of buying baking ingredients was adding up and my husband casually mentioned the idea of selling my baked goods.
Over the next few days, a few other friends suggested starting a side business and I found myself getting very excited about the thought of making money doing one of my favorite hobbies. Next thing I knew, I was creating a social media account under the name “Berger’s Buns Bakery” and within a few days had received several order requests from strangers. Word got around quickly, and soon I was receiving orders from people all throughout South Florida.
I quickly developed a menu of items, and a website, and managed to figure out the legalities of operating a business within my personal home. Three years later, Berger’s Buns Bakery has gone through many changes and upgrades. I still am the sole baker/owner, functioning out of my home under Florida Cottage Law. I occasionally can be found at pop-up markets throughout South Florida selling my sweet treats, but the majority of my business is on custom orders.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Running a business surely has had its ups and downs. I am learning every day! Time management is my biggest challenge. I am an elementary school teacher by day and a baker by night. I need to balance how many orders I can comfortably create within the given time constraints.
Owning and operating a business is a new venture for me. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education and a Master’s degree in Reading Education. Business management, finances, and marketing are out of my comfort zone. Fortunately, there are many resources available. The hardest part? Not eating everything I bake before it gets into the hands of the customers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My baked goods are 100% customized to my client’s desires! Flavors, designs, and dietary needs are all taken into consideration when planning a client’s order. My top priority is to deliver a product that not only looks appealing but also tastes amazing. I do not use fondant or modeling chocolate, only edible and tasty ingredients!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One surprising fact about me is that I’m originally from Buffalo, New York. I moved to South Florida in 2011 and love the hot weather.
Contact Info:
- Website: bergersbunsbakery.com
- Instagram: @bergers_buns_bakery
- Facebook: @BergersBunsBakery
