Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubrey Beckman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m the owner, baker and designer behind Heritage & Co. – Dessert and Design. My passion for food began at a young age when I was constantly in the kitchen wanting to create a cake for the next family member’s birthday, treats to take to school or just for fun. Through high school, I worked at a cupcake shop as one of their head bakers, I would go to class all day, drive to the bakery and make all the buttercream and bake off the cupcakes for the following day, somedays when I had a lot of baking to do my boyfriend (now husband) would help wash the dishes so we could spend time together, little did he know what his future would look like. I later moved to San Diego to pursue my culinary degrees at The Art Institute of San Diego, California. Heritage & Co. was founded on who and what built me, my family, our traditions and our story. Each person’s story, even within one family is so different and the most unique part about that is what brings us all together, and for me, a lot of that has involved food or been at a table surrounded by food.
So much of who we are and what we do is about where we come from, our heritage.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would never tell anyone choosing this journey has been easy, knowing what I wanted to do, this, that choice was easy-yes I’m literally living out my life long dream, but the road to get here wasn’t always easy. I chose to graduate high school early, moved halfway across the country to be in San Diego and attend culinary school at 17, I worked through school while taking classes beyond what they consider a full-time student, I guess I was just never easy on myself and always had my eyes on a greater goal. After working in the industry for several years, I always knew I wanted my own company, after networking and working on cakes for hours after working a full day I finally decided to take the leap- as many people know being a business owner is never “easy” but so rewarding. These industries, both the wedding and the food industry are not for the faint of heart. Between the long hours, demands and competition it can be hard some days, although I just have to remind myself there is enough for everyone and honestly building a community of friends, “friendors” you can lean on is a lifesaver!
Heritage & Co. – Dessert and Design – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Heritage & Co. began because I grew up in a family where no meal was complete without dessert and we gathered around the table for every meal- shared about our day and shared countless stories, laughs and dreams. One of the main reasons Heritage & Co. exists today is because I believe every day of life is worth celebrating and I LOVE playing a role in all your occasions- BIG or small – young or old! Although, a majority of my business is based on wedding cakes and dessert bars. I think one of the most special things about weddings is that it is truly about YOU as a couple and the best and most fun way I know how to do that is by custom designing a cake unique to you and your day. I often pull inspiration through patterns in invitations and fabric, colors, designs, lacework on the brides dress, etc. to create a design that is unique and reflective of the couples day. All of our recipes are made from scratch with no artificial flavors, preservatives or stabilizers, fresh fruit, and pure butter. It is so important to me that whatever I make is something I’d be willing to serve to my own family- which is also why I use very little food coloring through my work unless it is necessary to achieve the overall look. Florals play a huge role in my cake designs because it is a great way to incorporate color and elements used throughout the day and I think florals and food play well together and I just love playing with flowers! I get so much joy in seeing people’s faces when they see their cake design come to life and how happy people are when they are eating dessert, I mean please tell me how you could be unhappy in that situation. We hope that you too are able to find a place to share our food, your laughter, joy and of course never leave on an empty stomach.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is defined by achieving my own personal goals, for me I set so many goals mentally for myself, from a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a Pastry Chef when I “grew up” and I just literally never gave up on that dream. Success is always striving to be at that next level or watching my cake I dreamt up with a couple by incorporating their desired flavors, design elements and ideas form on a piece of paper to real-life on their wedding day. I can’t say I set goals and success to paper all the time, I try to mentally know where I want to be, although as with life it never goes exactly as planned and I’m always my worst critic, I think success can be reached by literally following your dreams, beliefs and desires and for me, that’s achieved by sharing that joy with others, it doesn’t have to be awarded and medals its those smiles that are the sweetest, no pun intended.
Pricing:
- Wedding cakes start at $6.50/serving and vary based on degree of decoration and customization
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heritagedesserts.com
- Email: contact@heritagedesserts.com
- Instagram: heritagedesserts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heritagedessert/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heritage-and-co-dessert-and-design-san-diego
Image Credit:
Kristyn Hogan Photography, Justice Photography, True Photography
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