Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Munoz.
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?
At the beginning of 2017, my son was almost 2 years old, and I decided I wanted to make his birthday cake from scratch. I had always wanted to attempt making a cake but never had, and there was no better excuse than a birthday celebration! The cake wasn’t anything to write home about, but during that process, something in me caught a spark; I found a love for not only baking, but creating and designing cake! Since then, I’ve poured over other “cakers” and learned as much as I could. I practiced, and practiced, and practiced some more, until enough people around me who benefited from my many practice cakes encouraged me to start offering cakes for events. In September 2021, Frosted by Ash was born. I’ve loved creating personalized cakes for all events, big or small, and truly find joy in the process of cake decorating.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While I would say the journey has been great so far, it has not been easy or free from challenges. Starting a business is new to me and not having a clear formula for all the different elements, is tough! I don’t think any journey is completely smooth. I am introverted by nature, so putting myself out there, in front of the world, makes me uncomfortable. Failure, and the fear of it, make me uncomfortable; not being or doing enough makes me uncomfortable. I have chosen to embrace the uncomfortable because I am trying my best. It has taken a lot of mental check-ins to make sure I feel joy when I create my cakes, and not lose myself in the comparison, the mistakes, or the pressure to be and do everything. I remind myself constantly to be content with who I am and where I’m at along this journey. There have been some cakes that didn’t turn out exactly how I wanted, but I’ve learned to allow myself grace, let go and look forward. And the cakes that turned out just how I imagined made me jump for joy and celebrate what I do. That feeling makes it all worth it, and keeps me coming back for more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I started Frosted by Ash officially in 2021. I began learning the ins and outs of cake decorating in 2017, and got to the point where I felt confident in my flavor, style, and overall product that I decided to offer cakes for anyone interested! I specialize in customized American buttercream cakes, but I also offer cupcakes, sheet cakes, and cake pops. I have done everything from weddings, styled shoots, and concerts, to birthdays and smash cakes. I limit the amount of orders I take each month/week as I am a solo operator and do this as part-time enjoyment. My full-time job is being a wife and mother to an amazing husband and three beautiful kids in a busy stage of life! Limiting the orders I take on allows me to ensure the product I give is the best it can be. I am proud of my brand and for helping people discover that cake can be more than “just cake”! It truly can be for ANY event, and can be elevated in so many ways. Adding textures, like a crunchy filling, makes all the difference in the overall dessert. At the end of the day, your cake can be exactly what you want it to be, in design and flavor, and I help your cake dreams come true.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The community in Utah has been overall so supportive. Attending bridal fairs, participating in styled shoots, and getting my name out to other vendors I meet have been important. I have my website, with all of my information, for anyone interested. An inquiry submission is available on the website or on Instagram/DM. I love participating in styled shoots. I find the most creative freedom in doing those and love seeing visions come to life! I am also a vendor on Zola.com. Reach out and let me be apart of your special day in making memories with a delicious dessert.
Pricing:
- Wedding cakes starting at $4/slice
- Event/non-tiered cakes starting at $55
- Cupcakes starting at $30/dozen
- Cake Pops starting at $24/dozen
- Anniversary or Smash cakes starting at $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.frostedbyash.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/frosted.by.ash
- Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-cakes-desserts/frosted-by-ash
Image Credits
juliamatherphoto (fall themed cake pic, burnt orange)
haleythomas.photography (purple hand painted cake pic)
frostedbyash
