What started out as a passion for baking has turned into a business that has seen one mother triple her income.
Lynda Nguyen, 26, started Desserts with Lynda with her sister Lisa, 21, almost by accident.
‘Cooking and baking was something we did almost everyday after work, so we decided to create an Instagram page to share photos of food and desserts we had created,’ Lynda told FEMAIL.
‘From there, we gained a high following on Instagram and prospective customers started messaging us to see if we could make desserts for their events.’
Lynda Nguyen (right), 26, started Desserts with Lynda with her sister Lisa (left), 21, almost by accident
In May 2015 the sisters decided to start recipe tasting and a couple of months later they announced that they would be taking orders.
‘We couldn’t believe that people were actually ordering from us. We were booked out for the next three months and within eight months I quit my full time job as an early childhood educator,’ Lynda said.
As demand continues to increase, in two days they made $20,000 worth of dessert cup sales, which translated to making 5,000 miniature desserts.
Lisa explained that the idea of selling dessert cups came about when they had to cook for a family event.
‘Cooking and baking was something we did almost everyday after work, so we decided to create an Instagram page to share photos of food and desserts we had created,’ Lynda told FEMAIL
In May 2015 the sisters decided to start recipe tasting before they would take any orders and a couple of months later they announced that we would be taking orders
‘We wanted to make something that looked different but at the same time had a punch of flavour,’ she said.
‘We started brainstorming on what we could do to elevate the cupcakes that we usually made and were thinking as cupcakes are in liners why can’t we put dessert in cups!’.
Their family loved them so the sisters took a photo of the little treats and posted it on Instagram.
Their followers at the time asked if they were taking any orders and from then on, the rest is history.
As demand continues to increase, in two days they have made $20,000 worth of dessert cup sales, which translated to making 5,000 miniature desserts
Because business is booming Lynda has been able to quit her full time job so that she can focus on the desserts full time, but this hasn’t come without difficulty.
‘Recently I’ve experienced the biggest blessing in my life, welcoming my son into the world,’ she said.
‘Although he has brought so much happiness in my life, it has been hard managing a business with a new born. My son was just two weeks old when I had to go back to work.’
Lisa still has a full time job but in the evenings and on the weekend she helps Lynda with administration.
As well as dessert cups they make decadent cakes that usually take three days to make.
Lisa explained that the idea of selling dessert cups came about when they had to cook for a family event
Because business is booming Lynda has been able to quit her full time job so that she can focus on the desserts full time, but this hasn’t come without difficulty
This involves one day of baking then icing the cakes and topping them with treats the next morning.
The signature dessert is deconstructed cakes topped with lots of delicious toppings, such as fruit, cake crumb, nuts, popcorn and chocolate.
‘Our cakes range from $90 (feeding 10) to $400 or more (feeding 90 or more). Our desserts range from $4.50 to $6 each,’ Lynda said.
‘The most desserts cups we’ve made is almost 5,000 in two days and each weekend we make over 1,000 cups, 12 cakes and also do food catering.’
As well as dessert cups they make decadent cakes that usually take three days to make
Lisa still has a full time job but in the evenings and on the weekend she helps Lynda with administration
‘The most desserts cups we’ve made is almost 5,000 in two days and each weekend we make over 1,000 cups, 12 cakes and also do food catering,’ Lynda said
Social media and word of mouth has helped with the success of their business and they both said they have to thank their customers for talking about it with family and friends.
’50 per cent of our customers have been referred to us by a friend, it’s just incredibly humbling seeing the same faces for the last three years,’ Lynda explained.
‘We’ve catered for their engagement, kitchen tea, wedding, baby shower and baby’s first birthday.
‘It’s like they’ve been through the journey with us and watched our business grow from our garage to our industrial warehouse and it’s such an honour to be a part of special milestones in their lives.’
Social media and word of mouth has helped with the success of their business and they both said they have to thank their customers for talking about it with family and friends
’50 per cent of our customers have been referred to us by a friend, it’s just incredibly humbling seeing the same faces for the last three years,’ Lynda explained
Being able to understand when individuals are more likely to be on the social media platform has also been a key factor of their success.
‘Coming from a 9am to 5pm job I’m always likely to be on my phone from 7 to 8am commuting to work and then again at 6 to 8pm commuting back home,’ she said.
‘Lynda and I always made sure we would at least post two photos or videos during those peak times so our posts would reach a higher audience.’
Five months ago the duo also started their new food catering line specialising in Vietnamese cuisine.
Lynda also offers a catering service that specialises in Vietnamese food
In the next few years they aim to be recogised as one of the leading catering companies in Sydney.
One of the reasons Lynda created the catering line is to bring more understanding to Vietnamese cuisine.
‘When speaking to customers, I realised not a lot people know about Vietnamese food,’ she said.
‘I am so proud of my heritage and the variety of dishes we have and I want to share this with the world.
‘That’s why I’ve created a menu that will suit all tastebuds and can be shared at special occasions.’