By VICKI BROWN
Ashley Tuten recently came in sixth out of approximately 8,000 competitors in Facebook’s Greatest Baker contest, the world’s largest online baking competition.
Tuten was working for a $10,000 grand prize and a feature article in “Bake From Scratch” Magazine.
“I came in sixth place in my group, and although I didn’t win, I am proud of myself. It was my very first major competition. I honestly didn’t think I would make it as far as I did,” said Tuten, who said she was hoping to win the contest, but is still happy with the results. “Once I saw how amazing the competition was, I will definitely be doing it again,” she said.
Tuten said she is a shy and rather reserved, but she pushed herself to compete.
“I couldn’t be more proud of myself than I am already,” she said. “This competition was completely out of my comfort zone, but I did it, and who wouldn’t be proud of coming in sixth for their first major competition. There is always next year though, as well as other competitions in the future,” she said.
Tuten began baking as a child and always dreamed of owning her own bakery. “Baking is a love and passion of mine and also a way of showing love and spreading joy,” she said. “I am proud to be a second- generation baker who is raising the third generation of bakers. This is a legacy I am building and working towards,” said Tuten.
With that goal in mind, she has started her business, Cats Gourmet Creations. This is an online bakery business based out of Colleton County that has been steadily growing.
“When I started out, I had absolutely no idea that the bakery would take off as fast as it has. I am very excited to see how we will grow and what the future holds,” she added.
Tuten is the sole baker and decorator of everything that Cats Gourmet Creations carries.
Behind the scenes, family and friends help with boxing, displays and labels.
Tuten’s daughters, who are 10 and 12, are learning the business from the ground up. The girls help with creative designs, flavor profiles, and marketing ideas. They are also great at sales.
Cats Gourmet Creations’ cupcakes are a definite top seller. She has flavors such as banana pudding, blue berry lemon, cinnamon pecan crunch and Boston cream.
“Every cupcake that goes out of my kitchen has to not only taste amazing but look beautiful as well. I would also have to say my other most popular item is my sugar cookie sandwich. It’s a soft, moist sugar cookie that is filled with a soft fluffy buttercream and decorated for any occasion,” said Tuten.
As of now, Cats Gourmet Creations can be found on Facebook. She takes orders there, and all of her information is available as well as a menu and pictures of her desserts.
“Eventually, I plan on having a store front and will hopefully expand to a dessert food truck,” she said.
Tuten said she has big plans, but meanwhile, she is keeping busy with her online business. “I was raised by a single mom who has had two businesses of her own. My mom is probably the strongest woman I know, and she raised me to be just as strong or stronger with a great work ethic,” said Tuten. “I love what I do, I love the craft and the creating; sometimes, it’s hard to call it ‘work’. I want my girls to have something when they grow up, so I’m not only creating my own legacy, but I am paving the way for them as well.”
