Profit margins for bakeries are very slim, even with consistent business. During the summer months where business slows down, bakeries really feel the hurt.
Bakeries in Lynchburg expect business to slow down during the summer because college students are home for break. But this summer, things have been different.
Tarsha Joyner is the owner of Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats in Downtown Lynchburg. She said that business this summer has been uncharacteristically slow and says they’re struggling to day-to-day.
“You can’t find ingredients on the regular," Joyner said. "Sometimes you can’t find sugar and we have to travel to another city to find it. Cream cheese is one of those things that is always gone.”
She says things have gotten so bad that there’s only one way for her to stay open.
“I’ve just gotten a job to help pay bills," Joyner said. "So, I will still work here in the mornings to get things done before I go to my other job, and then I’ll work that job, and then I’ll come back here in the evenings to make sure that everything is okay for the next day.”
She’s not alone in that struggle. Shawn and Robin Litz own Kissed Cupcake in Forest. A lot of their business comes from custom baking.
“We’re just not seeing the orders like we used to see on the custom side, which is probably 50-60% of our business," Litz said.
Like Joyner, they’re having trouble finding all the supplies they need -- and at a price they can afford.
Glenda Hinkley is the owner of Chesnut Hill Bakery and she says they are just getting by.
“How we look at it is, are we making, are we able to buy what we need, making enough sales, pay our bills, and our staff. So far, all of that is happening," Hinkley said. "It’s a little tighter maybe.”
All three companies stressed the importance of supporting local businesses.
“I know I’m not a Walmart, I know I’m not a Kroger.," Litz said. "We can’t offer the prices for a cupcake that they do. But you know, it’s handmade, it’s custom-made, and it’s made with love.”
All three bakeries have a wide array of custom products to choose from so give them a try. They need your support, now more than ever.