Sweet Crumbs
Meet Vera Engelbertink (34), the driving force behind Zoete Kruimels, Bakery & Cake Studio in the beautiful Oldenzaal, Twente. Vera lives with her boyfriend and two cats and in her spare time she likes to read books, often with one of the cats on her lap. Sports is a passion she discovered two years ago. The bakery work made her take good care of her body, because it is your greatest asset. Vera also loves to travel and discover new places, and wherever she goes, she always looks for the most beautiful bakeries, patisseries and coffee shops.
"It's great to discover new places and visit the best bakeries," says Vera. "It inspires me a lot."
The beginning of a bakery
In 2019, Vera decided to make her dream come true and open her own business after a period of making cakes to order from home. Although she did not have a pastry education, the hospitality industry always appealed to her. When the building where she is now located came her way, that was the sign to go for it.
“It was a leap into the unknown,” says Vera. “But I felt like this was the right step.”
The art of baking
Vera gets a lot of satisfaction from creating moments of happiness for others with her baking. Whether it is a child who comes to pick up his or her unicorn cake or a bridal couple for whom she makes a special cake, it is all worth it. However, having your own business is hard work, with long days and challenges such as rising raw material and personnel costs, especially when she started during the corona pandemic.
"It gives me so much satisfaction to make people happy with my creations," Vera says enthusiastically. "But it is also hard work and constantly adapting to new circumstances."
Learning and growing
Although Vera has no formal training in pastry, she has followed many online courses, such as those from Don't Tell Charles and The Bakery Institute in Zaandam. Zoete Kruimels is also a training company and regularly has interns from the bakery training of the ROC van Twente.
"I learn a lot from the interns and they learn from me," says Vera. "It's an interaction that makes the work even more fun."
The best side of entrepreneurship
For Vera, the freedom to shape her own business is one of the best aspects of entrepreneurship. She enjoys the creative process, but also realizes that running a bakery involves much more than just decorating cakes.
“It’s great to bring your vision to life and build a team that shares the same passion,” Vera explains. “But you also have to be ready to roll up your sleeves and do all the other work that comes with it.”
Challenges in the bakery trade
One of the biggest challenges for Vera is the rising costs of raw materials and personnel. Also outsourcing work is a learning process. Vera emphasizes the importance of trusting your colleagues and giving them the freedom to learn and grow.
“We bakers are often perfectionists,” laughs Vera. “But it is essential to delegate work to grow your business.”
Tips for aspiring bakers
For bakers considering starting their own business, Vera advises to first gain experience by shadowing in a bakery. She emphasizes the importance of having a realistic idea of the long hours and hard work that the profession entails.
"Be prepared for long hours and a lot of investment," Vera warns. "But stick to your vision and you'll be fine."
Trends in the baking world
Vera is enthusiastic about the current trends in viennoiserie and the vintage 'lambeth' style. She loves to use palette knives to create abstract and romantic cakes with buttercream flowers and textures. She also loves working with fresh flowers, because it immediately finishes a cake.
“I love the creativity and craft in these styles,” says Vera. “It makes each cake unique.”
The role of Instagram
Instagram has been an important platform for Vera since the start of Zoete Kruimels. It offers a stage to show her work and connect with her community. In addition, she uses Instagram to connect with other bakers worldwide, which provides valuable experiences and knowledge exchange.
“Instagram is not just a showcase, but also a place for valuable connections,” says Vera.
Inspiration and examples
Vera has great admiration for bakers such as:
These talented people inspire her with their creativity and craftsmanship.
“There are so many talented bakers around the world,” Vera says. “They continue to inspire me.”
Importance of packaging
Packaging is crucial for Vera's bakery. It not only provides a professional look, but also makes the job easier. Practical and sturdy packaging is essential, especially for tall cakes and delicate decorations. The recognizable style and logo stickers of Zoete Kruimels provide a uniform look.
"Good packaging can make life so much easier," Vera emphasizes. "It ensures efficiency and professionalism."
Packaging Tips
Vera recommends using cake risers if a cake box is not quite high enough. Her favorite packaging is the round mini sweet box , which is perfect for gifts during the holidays. Zoete Kruimels makes sure that all packaging is the same color and finished with recognizable stickers.
"The round mini sweet box is always a hit," says Vera. "It really makes the cake a gift."
Dreams for the future
Vera has big plans for the future of Zoete Kruimels. She recently added a part of the business to the kitchen as a workspace and is excited to furnish it optimally. She is also working on expanding the Kruimels Collection of cakes and launching a new menu in the bakery.
“There are so many things I’m looking forward to,” Vera says enthusiastically. “I can’t wait to see how we can continue to grow and develop.”
Conclusion
Vera Engelbertink of Zoete Kruimels is an inspiration for bakers and entrepreneurs. Her passion for baking, creativity and perseverance make her an example for many. Whether you are a starting baker or have been in the business for years, Vera's story offers valuable insights and inspiration.
"Keep holding on to your vision and keep moving," Vera advises. "Then you will succeed."
For more information about Vera and her delicious creations, visit the website of Zoete Kruimels: www.zoete-kruimels.nl . Also follow her on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and beautiful baking creations: Instagram and Facebook .