Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Hermes.
Frost Me started as a small batch bakery specializing in cupcakes and special orders. Created from an idea of providing products to our customers that are honest, made with our hands from scratch, and created with integrity, Frost Me began to grow.
Audrey Hermes started teaching herself the art of pastry while studying Fine Arts and Nutrition at the University of Utah. Although performance art was the University focus, Audrey found that the love of culinary arts was equally as fulfilling. After graduating from the U of U with a BFA and a minor in nutrition, Audrey set off to find a career. A little lost, and scared of the “real world” Audrey turned to baking for comfort and familiarity. Many orders came and went out of the little loft apartment until one day a vision for a business plan was born.
After meeting her now life partner and business partner, Jon Parker, the two of them moved to beautiful San Diego and started Frost Me Gourmet.
Frost Me started renting commercial space from the one and only “JUDY THE BEAUTY” owner and extraordinaire of The Big Kitchen in South Park. Judy was the business owner who supported the underdogs, who stood up for women’s’ rights, women ran businesses, and a believer of dreams. She is one of the reasons Frost Me is here today.
After years of serving tables in the Gaslamp to make ends meet while slowly growing Frost Me, they were asked to appear on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. After two different seasons, and competitions, Frost Me took the championship for the Breeder’s Cup episode. Finally! Audrey and Jon were able to open their first storefront location in Seaport Village. Although they had dreamed of a full-size bakery and café, the space was not large enough for the plan and they decided to start small with a cupcake only bakery.
With their sights always on little Italy, Frost Me started building their very first full-service bakery and opened it’s doors in spring 2018.
Today Frost Me is a staple bakery and coffee house to little Italy and the new Piazza Della Famiglia and is honored to win recognition for San Diego’s Magazine’s Best gluten free menu 2019. Frost Me Café and Bakery serves breakfast, lunch, and house-made pastries and desserts. Frost Me caters many weddings and events and is a proud bakery of countless weddings throughout the year. You can grab a cup of Ritual coffee roasters, or a glass of bubbles depending on your mood, and enjoy the heart of Little Italy!
Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, it has not been easy building Frost Me to what it is today. Definitely perseverance, determination, and a clear goal helped me build our company. My advice would be to ask for help. For so many years, I had a “I can do it myself” attitude, and I have found that surrounding yourself with like-minded people, who support you and your goals is the best way to move forward and get things done. Having help from family, friends, employees and those who became friends has helped me focus on company growth, and also myself. In return, it is the healthiest thing you can do for your company.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Frost Me Cafe and Bakery – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Like most small business owners I wear many hats for the company. My main focus is the daily operations and growth of the bakery. We specialize in many areas such as catering, weddings, etc. but what I am most proud of is our two bakery locations. At our cafes, we get to proudly show the products we create and spend time with our community and customers. Our dedication to detail and quality is what I am most proud of, and what sets us apart from others. Our team has a clear understanding that we will never cut corners, from the kitchen to the customer service.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Absolutely!
I was raised by two amazing parents who really get all the credit for what I have today. As children, my parents taught my brother and I so much, but most importantly honesty, hard work, and compassion. Those three values have played such a huge role in running a business and creating a culture within our staff and valued customers. They have always been my biggest supporters, and I will be forever grateful for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.frostme.com
- Phone: 619-381-1312
- Email: audrey@frostme.com
- Instagram: @frostmegourmet
- Facebook: facebook.com/frostmegourmet
Image Credit:
@purasoulphoto, @hellosaulniers, @sammynoelle, @thoughtsby_brandi, @brogenjessup and @lunaphoto
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