As March marks International Women’s Month, we celebrate the female “Panadheroes” who continue to rise amidst the challenges of the pandemic. One of them is Chef Bam of Custom Cakes by Bam who showed resilience during the pandemic and is bouncing back in the new normal.

Chef Bam has consistently used Pilmico flour in crafting her pastries since starting her bakery business in 2007. She has become a loyal advocate of the brand because it allows her to deliver good quality cakes.

However, it became a difficult time for her business when the pandemic struck. With the lockdowns and strict regulations that were implemented, cake orders went down and fewer customers came by, plus, their online operations had not been optimized yet. Even though it was a time that filled her with fear and uncertainty, Chef Bam knew she needed to keep her business afloat especially when her team’s livelihood depended on it. And with the support of their customers and their love for the craft of baking, she was determined to carry on.

Business challenges aside, Chef Bam believes that Pilmico Flour’s dependability helped her pull through. “The availability of your [Pilmico Flour’s] products even during the most difficult times like the lockdowns made it easier for us to operate, even during times when raw materials were hard to come by. This was a big deal for us. Being able to continue production was essential in our success during the pandemic,” she said.

It was indeed a unique time for her business but Chef Bam was able to succeed by re-strategizing and adjusting their products and marketing approach. “We have made it our obligation to succeed even in the most difficult situations. This propelled us to constantly adjust our product offerings that will cater to our chosen demographic. The skill to adjust business operations and marketing plans drove us to cater to the needs of our market segment,” she explained.

Throughout many changes and adjustments they have had to do over the past two years, Custom Cakes by Bam has maintained high product standards using only quality ingredients.

“Our best-selling Salted Caramel Cakes are baked using Wooden Spoon Cake Flour. All are other custom cakes are also made with Wooden Spoon All-Purpose Flour. We have been successfully delivering good quality cakes because we invest in using good quality ingredients, equipment made by passionate bakers and cake artists. When the components are of good quality, the end result will always be great,” she shared.

From her small beginnings as a home baker to today, Chef Bam has continuously expanded her business to bring delightfully made cakes to more and more people. She has even taken Custom Cakes by Bam online to make products available on social media platforms, adding: “Our focus became availability to clients. We strengthened our customer service and order entry channels shifting to an easier online format. We also made sure that it is very easy for clients to choose existing products lines from channels they frequent be it on Facebook, Instagram, or through mobile portals.”

Pilmico Flour has been present throughout the journey as Chef Bam continues to rise above it all and reach for her dreams.

“Pilmico's support to our business has been great. Now that we have expanded our operations, one cannot help but emphasize that they have been supportive ever since we were small and home-based. Pilmico doesn't entirely look at the size of your business but rather the passion you have for baking They, in turn, supports you to make your cake dreams come true by offering products that cater to your line of business or demographic.”