Profile: Our Gathering Co.
Our Gathering Co. was launched with the idea of celebrating the joy in exceeding life– with great baked goods on the table, you can’t help but gather with your loved ones!
Photo courtesy of Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson is a baker at heart, and a social butterfly by nature–perhaps you’ve met her already at her many pop ups around the city! Quickly gaining fame locally for her excellent cakes, Nicole sat down with us to chat about growing her business, nurturing her passion and connecting with the community:
Photos by Courtney Wiebe
When did you get started baking, and how did it transform from a hobby into your business?
I grew up in a family of excellent cooks on both sides of the family; it's just in my bones. The first time I consciously thought about baking was when I made a cake for myself and took the rest to work. A co-worker liked it and asked me to make her a chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream and a red velvet cake with cream cheese buttercream for Thanksgiving. I remember having a cup of coffee the day after Thanksgiving and thinking about how much I enjoyed baking for her family.
A few moments later, my co-worker called and said her family had finished both cakes and that they were sad there wasn't any left. I felt overwhelmed but joyful that I made something that left a lasting effect. Then, I realized that I wanted to explore baking for myself. I wanted to see what I could do and started to teach myself about baking, flavors, and trying recipes.
It was some time after that when Our Gathering started, but Thanksgiving was the start of all things dessert for me and OG.
Do you have any advice for bakers looking to expand? What were some of the biggest challenges you've faced?
Whew, that is a great question. Patience. Allow yourself the time and space to learn and grow. Over the years, I have learned to be okay with messing up, wasting ingredients, and failing recipes. It is those seemingly 'failures" that teach you the most; what works and what doesn't. Those are the things you remember and help to build your skills.
I remember learning that I could do absolutely anything if I tried when I was studying abroad. One day, I had the strongest taste for brownies. I hadn't seen any I could buy so I was going to make some. I did not have an oven, only a two-eyed burner. I carried my determined and happy-go-lucky self to the store and purchased ingredients that 'looked' like what I wanted (because I couldn't read the labels). Went back to the dorm, whipped up the batter, oiled a pan, covered the pan with foil, then low and slow, cooked the brownies on the burner. Shockingly, I didn't burn the brownies and they were good. I shared the brownies with friends and sat in awe of what I had done.
The point of the story is, you are incredible and you can do that thing that seems impossible. So, if you're on the fence about starting, dip your toe in the water and try it out. You will surprise yourself with your strength and ability to forge ahead.
Ha, that was maybe the best advice I could have given myself today. :)
You create some of the most unique cakes in the city-- where do you get your flavor ideas, and inspiration for decorating?
I love when a customer comes to me with a flavor they have tasted or thought might be good together. So I research and then figure out how to make it work for what I do.
Creating new combinations is fun because I see it as a personal challenge. So often, I am unsure where it will take me, but I know we'll end up somewhere delicious!
Instagram really has become a wonderful place for me to see what bakeries around the world are doing. So many gorgeous cakes are being eaten and I love to see creative genius and their art. It inspires me to create as well!
Your business isn't limited to baking– we've seen your beautiful sweet and savory spreads at the Nelle! Is catering in the cards?
Ha! I love cooking as much as I love baking. I try to keep the spreads to a minimum, but catering is coming soon. *wink*
What would you say fueled your growth in the past year?
Lovely question. As things began to open up over the past year, I spread my wings as the social butterfly I am. I was spending time in public at events, hosting and participating in pop-up events. But, more importantly, I have the most incredible people who support me. My friends, family, and clients have been so lovely in giving out my information to people looking for dessert and sharing my work. I cannot thank them enough for believing in me and being the best friends in the world. Some days, knowing that these people want the best for me is how I keep going.
Have to ask- what's your favorite treat to bake?
Eek, tough one. My favorite is the one I can't eat (silly sweet potato allergy, strange, I know), Browned Butter Sweet Potato Pie. While it is only available during the holiday season, it's a delightfully satisfying dessert to bake. The custard is rich and creamy, made with roasted sweet potatoes, butter browned to a nutty aroma, heavy whipping cream, a touch of sweetness, and finished with the warmest spices. The smell is heavenly and puts a smile on my face every time it comes out of the oven.
This year, I did add a little razzle-dazzle in the form of meringue! I top the pie with meringue and then take a torch to the meringue for that marshmallow effect. It has been a game-changer!
You can follow Nicole at @ourgathering on Instagram, and place your baked goods orders here.
