Beverly’s Best Bakery Tour

We’ve got the sweetest feature on our business blog today! We’re giving you a tour of Beverly’s Best Bakery in Orange County, CA and interviewing the owner and head chef, Jennifer, for all the sweet deets. These yummy – and super cute – treats are made in an equally fancy place. You’ll want to pay a visit to the bakery take it all in, stay for the sugar rush, and order more for all your upcoming parties!

Name:  Jennifer Cella Williams

Company:  Beverly’s Best Bakery

Title:  Owner

City:  Two Orange County Locations – Fullerton and Yorba Linda

We love Beverly’s Best! How did it all start?

Beverly’s Best Bakery started as a small cake shop in Fullerton, CA many years ago.  I come from a family of entrepreneurs, and my mom followed her dream to own a bakery before it was the trendy thing to do.

Where did you start your career? Was baking a big part of your family growing up?

Baking (and cooking in general) has always been a HUGE part of my family.  My dad’s first job after moving to the states from Italy was in a bakery.  My mom had us in the kitchen all the time.  She made baking fun, and some of my best memories from growing up are of her, my sister and me scooping ingredients and tasting cake batter or cookie dough.

I always knew deep down that I would someday buy the bakery from my parents.  However, my formal education is actually in business.  I have a masters degree in marketing, and I used to work in corporate America. My business background has been just as beneficial as a bakery owner as knowing how to bake and decorate cakes.

Your bakery is the cutest! Tell us about the design. 

I’m obsessed with everything related to design, aesthetics and making things pretty.  This isn’t just for cakes and baked goods but everything from interiors to graphics to art and photography.

I prefer to be hands on when it comes to making something look the way I envision it, so when we set-out to open our Yorba Linda shop I decided to design the interior myself.  I love color and texture, old and new, plain mixed with patterns.  The goal was to incorporate all of these elements and give the space a “sweet” feel without being overdone.  I sourced the furniture, fabrics and fixtures from antique shops, local designers and a European lighting company.  There were also plenty of DIY projects, a few of which required numerous cans of gold glitter paint.  Seeing the finished bakery makes me happy everyday.

Ok, say we’re planning a bridal shower, what should we order?

For a bridal shower, I always suggest assorted desserts and pastries along with a small cake.  Cake should always make an appearance.  For the treats I think an assortment of cake pops, mini tarts and either French Macarons or traditional cookies is a great way to get a variety of options that can still be decorated to complement the theme of the party.

What is one of your favorite cakes you have ever created?

There have been many favorites over the years, but if I had to pick one it would probably be the cake for my baby shower with my daughter.  After having three boys, I never imagined I’d be so blessed to also have a little girl.  We had so much fun planning for her arrival, and the cake I designed was simple and stylish with a touch of French inspiration. I tend to get nostalgic about things and thinking about her cake always reminds me of that very special time.

What’s the biggest challenge of owning your own business?

Realizing with two locations that I can no longer do it all.  That is VERY hard for me.  Once upon a time, I used to be a crazy perfectionist, Type-A personality that wanted to do everything on my own no matter how long it took to get it right.  That’s just not possible anymore.  To be successful at work (and at home) I have to prioritize, delegate and be comfortable with letting things go.  That doesn’t mean throwing my hands up and accepting things as “good enough”.  It means that nowadays I focus on the tasks that are most important, and I entrust my talented staff and extended family members to handle some of the rest.

What’s your favorite part about your job?

The variety.  No two days are the same.  There are plenty of opportunities for me to be equal parts creative, analytical, organized and quick-on-my-feet. I really enjoy having a chance to wear many different hats.

Oh, and the fact that the cakes and desserts we create taste really, really good.  That’s a plus, too!

What I wanted to be when I grew up:  a doctor or an actress

What Gets You Going On a Monday Morning:  four kids demanding breakfast

If I could work with anyone, it would be:  My Nonna – she passed away several years ago, and I wish I could bake with her again

Favorite Quote:  “At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished…it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better.  It’s about what you’ve given back.”  – Denzel Washington