We had the good fortune of connecting with Clare Weech and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Clare, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I used to work in medicine, and I thought I would for the rest of my life. But I found as I kept progressing toward bigger goals in that field that I didn’t have any fire within me to achieve them. So I stayed still. But then the pandemic came along, work got really hard, I saw my industry getting abused, I had a baby, and everything that I was doing just to make a buck was not at all worth it. So I quit. But I found myself looking for something to do/build/somewhere to grow. One day, I tried a few cupcakes from a new trendy place that everyone was obsessed with. They were expensive. And disappointing. I knew I could do better! The rest is history.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I got my start by accident! I knew I wanted to start a home bakery to help support my little family, but I wasn’t sure where I would be living by the end of the year or how long it would take me to get my recipes perfect enough to sell. However, I started developing immediately in my hometown of St. David, AZ. I got to work trying new recipes and new flavors, so I took plates of cupcakes to my neighbors, friends, and fellow church-goers so that I wouldn’t have to eat them all myself. And while I didn’t feel I had absolutely mastered everything, they were a hit! In just a few short months, I started getting tons of orders and feedback, I was working on changing and perfecting everything, and I came up with most of the current flavor options I offer now. Shortly after I started getting my first orders, one of my favorite businesses changed the way they made their sugar cookies. So I had to start making those, just to satisfy my own cravings! I took some cookie samples to a small business owner back home who loved them and started selling them in her shop. People went crazy for those, and we still sell cookies there!
What I love about the products I make is that they pack a punch. I don’t skimp when it comes to flavor. I pride myself on having good taste, and being able to share something that I think is of quality is really what keeps my fire burning. I also love the beauty of desserts. They can be elegant, fun, bright, and overall pleasing to look at. I love creating something that people want to sink their teeth into, and then keep wanting more!
Flavor development is one of my favorite parts of what I do. I love having unique flavor combinations to really set me apart. While I do make regular sugar cookies, or chocolate cupcakes, I also have signature flavors that are extremely fun and very popular, as well as other crave-able flavor combos that one doesn’t often find elsewhere. I’m constantly workshopping my menu and finding new ways to put smiles on faces!
I love good food and it troubles me to see it in short supply, so I love what I do. Being able to provide someone with something yummy to improve their day or even their week is what it’s all about for me!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being from a small town with little to do, I usually bring friends to my favorite outdoors spots. Stargazing in St. David, AZ is unmatched. However, I also love the Gaslight Theatre in Tucson. They have great food and desserts, and their shows are so fun!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, my husband, Spencer. He has supported every wild dream/idea/project I’ve ever had! He works extremely hard to support me and help me grow. Secondly, but equally, my mom, Tammy. She has kept Weechcraft Eats alive in southern Arizona while I have had to grow my business elsewhere while my husband attends law school. She fills orders, collaborates with me on new flavors, researches and tests new recipes, and she has gone back to school recently for programming and is working on our database. She’s employee of the month, every month!
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