Rising Stars: Meet Angela Wascher and Lisa Gravlin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Wascher and Lisa Gravlin.

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?
(Angela & Lisa) We have been best friends for about 10 years, after working briefly in the Pastry Department at a local Traverse City Resort. We shared a dream of one day having our own shops, and our aspirations seemed the line up perfectly. Along with the rest of the world, 2020 brought career changes for us both and a boost of confidence to dive into entrepreneurship. City Bake Shop was formed in October 2020 starting under Michigan’s Cottage Food Laws in our home kitchens, within our first 6 months our business grew and we were able to officially be licensed (MDARD) and rent a space in a local incubator kitchen. In the two years since, we are regular vendors at three local markets throughout the year and have purchased our own equipment, moving into a more permanent co-op kitchen. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Luckily, it’s been relatively smooth, thanks to initially working together and knowing each other’s work ethic, drive, and dedication. Having that foundation has helped develop trust on a professional level. Over the years of friendship, our respect and love for each other helps us to keep a healthy work-life balance. Going into this endeavor, we both had clear ideas of long-term business goals. With combined 20+ years in the hospitality industry, we have a clear understanding of how to navigate this venture. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We are focused on small-batch bakery items, primarily decorated sugar cookies, and scones. We take custom orders for weddings & engagements, birthdays, and baby showers. We love matching themes for events and bringing our customer’s visions to life. Our signature scones are very nontraditional and have become our best-selling item – specifically fresh blueberry lemon. We love seeing our repeat regular customers, who know to get to the markets early, as we tend to sell out before noon hits. We have formed relationships with many locals, becoming a consistent stop in their weekly routine. 

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We are extremely thankful to our friends and families, who show support towards all of our dreams and aspirations. We love the community we have become a part of and look forward to expanding into more markets and events. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.citybakeshop.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/citybakeshop
• Facebook: facebook.com/micitybakeshopllc
• Other: tiktok.com/@citybakeshop