Hayward Hens Homestead & Bakery

10/25/2026

MY WEDDING CAKES ARE SO IRRESISTIBLE, APPARENTLY SOME GUESTS CAN’T KEEP THEIR HANDS OFF THEM!

Y’all, when I tell you I want my wedding cakes to leave your guests speechless, I mean it. But apparently, I need to clarify that I don’t mean literally reaching out and touching the cake!

Yesterday’s wedding was one for the books, and while things got a little chaotic behind the scenes, it reminded me exactly WHY I offer more than just a beautiful cake.

When you hire Hayward Hens Bakery for your wedding, you’re investing in more than buttercream, sugar, and a pretty centerpiece. You’re hiring someone who knows how to pivot like the Apostle Paul when the unexpected happens.

Let’s talk about these pictures.

This is just SOME of what I pack in my wedding emergency kit. And no, I’m not moving into the venue. Although, judging by the amount of equipment I bring, you’d certainly think so!

Along with extra buttercream and piping bags, I bring an assortment of piping tips, spatulas, fondant smoothers, cake knives, serving utensils, scissors (which EVERYONE seems to borrow), a sewing kit, matches, and even a pen for signing the marriage license. Because you’d be surprised how many people remember the rings but forget a PEN! And yes, there’s candy tucked away in there, too.

As someone who has lived with diabetes for over 25 years, I know how easy it is to get so busy taking care of everyone else that you forget to stop and eat. I’ve also witnessed a bridesmaid pass out from low blood sugar before a ceremony. So, I keep a little something handy for those moments.

And those Tootsie Rolls? Well, they serve another purpose, too. They’re a sweet little reminder of my Mammy, who taught me so much about cooking, baking, hospitality, and loving people through food. She’s no longer here with me, but in little ways like this, I still carry her wherever I go.

Now, about yesterday’s wedding cake…

I created a beautiful tiered ‘dummy’ cake with a specially incorporated REAL gluten-free cake slice for the bride and groom, allowing them to enjoy their traditional cake-cutting ceremony while serving their guests delicious, more budget-conscious Vanilla Bean sheet cake.

It’s a wonderful option for couples who want that breathtaking wedding cake without the expense of serving an elaborate tiered cake to every guest. And, it has the same Lambeth-style piping as the tiered cake. The cake is still super moist having been made fresh yesterday morning with eggs from my flock.

Well, apparently the cake was SO convincing that some curious guests began walking around it, investigating the secret slice, and then decided to TOUCH IT.

Yes. Touch. The. Wedding. Cake.

They damaged my carefully piped buttercream and left cake crumbs where they didn’t belong.

Bless their hearts.

Fortunately, I was still at the venue with my trusty emergency kit and was able to make repairs before the bride and groom’s cake-cutting ceremony.

Was it as pristine as when I originally delivered it? Unfortunately, no. And as an artist who pours her heart into every detail, that was disappointing.

But that’s also why I recommend professional delivery and on-site service for weddings and other important celebrations.

I’m not just delivering your cake and disappearing. Yes, that does happen—I heard that a baker placed a cake into the hands of a wedding coordinator and a box of flowers and just left without setting up the cake and dressing her up! Ma’am. That is not the coordinator’s job.

When booked for those additional services, I can remain on-site to oversee the cake, handle unexpected repairs, cut and serve your guests, and even lend a helping hand to your caterer or wedding planner. Yes—I have lots of experience in feeding over 120 people at once.

Because sometimes the most valuable thing a vendor brings to your wedding isn’t something you can photograph.

It’s experience, preparedness, flexibility, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed.

And speaking of wonderful vendors, I want to give a special shout-out to Waddell’s Catering!

Yesterday was busy, but their staff worked together beautifully. No egos. No attitudes. No “that’s not my job.” Just people working side by side to make someone’s special day wonderful.

There was one older woman on their team whose name I unfortunately didn’t catch, but she absolutely stole my heart.

Before the ceremony, she was going around offering us little snacks. A few grapes here. A slice of pepperoni there. A piece of cheddar. She was practically a walking charcuterie board!

But it wasn’t just the food. It was the way she mothered every one of us.

She said something that really stuck with me:

“You have to take care of yourself so you can take care of others.”

Whew. That one hit home.

Because that’s exactly the kind of servant’s heart I strive to bring to every event.

I’m not just there representing my business. I’m also there as a follower of Christ, and I believe serving others with kindness, humility, and grace is part of my calling.

Which brings me back to our curious cake-touching guest.

I’m extending a little grace, saying a little prayer, and hoping the Lord blesses them with better impulse control at the next wedding reception.

Although, I must admit, this brought back some memories of when my husband and I were dating—learning that my father-in-law had a history of SIDE-SWIPING CAKES.

Yes, folks. Apparently, no buttercream was safe around that man! He had serious impulse control issues and the apple doesn’t fall far from that tree either…

I was so nervous about him getting into my own wedding cake’s chocolate fudge buttercream that I actually appointed my Aunt KitKat as the official wedding cake security guard while we were having our photographs taken!

I’m not kidding.

Some brides worry about rain on their wedding day. I worried about my father-in-law assaulting the buttercream.

He’s no longer with us, but I couldn’t help laughing yesterday, remembering that story. Apparently, wedding cake security has been a concern in my family for years!

So, what’s the takeaway from all of this?

If you’re planning a wedding, please understand that your cake is more than dessert. It’s a centerpiece, a work of edible art, and part of the memories you’ll treasure for years.

And when you choose your cake artist, consider what happens AFTER that cake leaves the bakery.

Will your baker deliver it safely? Can they repair something if the unexpected happens? Do they know how to properly cut and serve it? Can they work alongside your other vendors? And most importantly, can they keep their composure when someone decides your wedding cake is an interactive exhibit?

Because I can tell you from experience, things don’t always go according to plan.

You aren’t just paying for my baking skills. You’re investing in my experience, my preparedness, my problem-solving skills, and my commitment to making your celebration as beautiful and stress-free as possible.

And if your wedding cake is so stunning that guests feel compelled to reach out and touch it?

Well, I’ll take that as a compliment to my artistry.

But PLEASE, for the love of all things buttercream…

LOOK WITH YOUR EYES, NOT YOUR HANDS!

Now booking wedding cakes and special events at Hayward Hens Bakery in Senoia, Georgia.

From elaborate tiered masterpieces to beautiful faux wedding cakes paired with delicious sheet cakes, I’d love to help you create something truly unforgettable.

Xoxo,

Chef Birdie

Hayward Hens Bakery
Baking You Happy One Bite At A Time.

10/24/2026

A Little Weekend Reality Check From Chef Birdie…

It’s been a BUSY weekend, and it ain’t even close to being over! 🥴

I dream of the day when someone isn’t sending me a personal Facebook friend request or sliding into my DMs at the eleventh hour, desperately asking me to rescue a cake or cookie order because another baker they chose over me dropped the ball.

I suppose I should be flattered, but it hits a little differently when I wasn’t your first choice.

You didn’t see the value in what I offered. You chose the “cheaper” option, didn’t plan for a backup, and now you’re hoping I can somehow rearrange my already-booked schedule to save the day.

And here’s what prompted this little heart-to-heart…

Imagine receiving a message after 7 p.m. asking you to make a birthday cake for someone’s precious 80-year-old momma because their original baker cancelled over food coloring that didn’t arrive from Amazon. The party isn’t until Sunday.

HONEY. They sell food coloring at grocery stores, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby!

It may not be my preferred brand, but sometimes you have to get resourceful! Understanding basic color theory and knowing how to mix red and yellow to achieve a shade of orange are fundamental skills. If you’re accepting someone’s hard-earned money for custom work, you need the knowledge, preparation, and INTEGRITY to deliver what you’ve promised.

I even offered to share some of my own food coloring with the original baker so she could fulfill her commitment! They still haven’t reached out…

And here’s the part that matters most…

I genuinely wish I could help everyone, but doing so would mean disappointing the clients who trusted me enough to book in advance.

Take little Nash, for example. At just THREE years old, he specifically told his momma he wanted Chef Birdie to make his dye-free BatWheels birthday cake and cakecicles for his fourth birthday like I did for his third birthday last year. His family booked more than TWO MONTHS ago!

Even a toddler knew who his first choice was and made sure Momma planned accordingly!

And Chef Birdie is NOT about to disappoint that little boy. Nor am I going to disappoint my bride today, my baby shower client tomorrow, or my corporate client on Monday.

Their celebrations and commitments matter just as much as yours.

Please understand that experienced custom bakers and cake artists often book weeks or months in advance. You’re not simply paying for ingredients. You’re investing in experience, craftsmanship, preparation, reliability, and peace of mind.

The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value, especially when it costs you your peace of mind.

And please, for the love of sweet baby Jesus, stop waiting until the day before your celebration to post in local Facebook groups asking who can create an elaborate custom cake!

That’s your opportunity to make the talented cake decorators at Publix, Kroger, or Walmart’s bakery departments VERY happy! There’s absolutely no shame in purchasing a grocery-store cake when you’re short on time.

I respect genuine emergencies, and when my schedule allows, I’m happy to help. But I cannot sacrifice the commitments I’ve already made to rescue someone else’s lack of preparation.

For all custom orders, please contact me through my Hayward Hens Homestead & Bakery business page or website, not my personal Facebook account.

I am in the business of baking people happy, not disappointing the people who trusted me enough to plan ahead.

And on that note, Chef Birdie has cakes to finish!

Baking You Happy One Bite At A Time!
Xoxo

10/23/2026

One week left to enter the FREE Charlie Brown Decorated Cookie Set & $10 Starbucks Gift Card

10/23/2026

GOOD GRIEF, CHARLIE BROWN! THERE’S ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT!

The Great Pumpkin is coming, and one lucky Hayward Hens customer is going to have a VERY sweet Halloween!

You have ONE WEEK LEFT to enter for your chance to win our Charlie Brown & The Great Pumpkin Cookie Collection, along with a $10 Starbucks Peanuts Special Edition Gift Card!

TOTAL GIVEAWAY VALUE: $135!

And before anyone asks… YES, those are my REAL cookies pictured! Not AI-generated images, not stock photography, and not somebody else’s work. The cookies you see are the actual cookies our lucky winner will receive! They are safely boxed and covering a spot in the bakery freezer right now…

This handcrafted Peanuts-inspired collection features two of my gourmet cookie flavors:

* Madagascar Vanilla Bean — my signature classic made with imported organic Vanilla Bean Pods
* Strawberry Cheesecake — one of my most highly sought-after flavors!

And what you do with your winnings is entirely up to you! Share them with your family, friends, or coworkers… OR lock yourself in the closet and eat every last cookie in peace. No judgment here! Even Snoopy knows some treats are just too good to share!

HOW TO ENTER THE PUMPKIN PATCH: This giveaway is open to ANYONE who has ever placed an order with Hayward Hens Bakery!

And YES, that includes my CORPORATE CLIENTS, too! Whether you’ve ordered a birthday cake, wedding cake, gourmet decorated cookies, or placed an order on behalf of your company for corporate events, employee appreciation, or client gifts, you’re included!

Simply leave an honest recommendation/review of your experience on our Facebook business page!

Not sure how to leave a review? Even Charlie Brown could figure this one out!

1. Visit the Hayward Hens Homestead & Bakery Facebook business page.
2. Look for the Reviews or Recommendations section. You may need to tap More to find it.
3. When Facebook asks, “Do you recommend this business?”, select your honest answer.
4. Share a few words about your experience, whether it was a custom cake, decorated cookies, a corporate order, or another sweet creation.
5. Make sure your recommendation is set to Public and tap Post!

Facebook’s layout may vary depending on your device.

ALREADY LEFT ME A REVIEW? GOOD GRIEF, YOU’RE ALREADY INCLUDED! If you took the time to leave a Facebook business review BEFORE this giveaway launched, don’t worry! Your support hasn’t gone unnoticed, and you’re included in the drawing, too! No need to leave another one.

Every recommendation means so much to this small, independently owned cottage bakery. Your words help other families and businesses discover the love, artistry, and countless hours that go into every custom creation.

The clock is ticking, the pumpkin patch is waiting, and somewhere out there is one very lucky Peanuts fan!

Don’t let this sweet opportunity fly away like Snoopy on his doghouse!

ONE WEEK LEFT! WHO’S READY FOR THE GREAT PUMPKIN?

Xoxo,

Chef Birdie

Hayward Hens Bakery

Baking You Happy One Bite At A Time!

10/22/2026

“Your cookies are expensive!”

I hear you! And I completely understand that I’m not going to be the cheapest cookie artist (or cake artist) in town. But there’s a reason my cookies (and cakes) are priced the way they are.

Because at Hayward Hens Bakery, you’re not just purchasing a cookie. You’re purchasing an EXPERIENCE!

Let’s talk about what goes into those little edible works of art!

INGREDIENTS MATTER! I use high-quality ingredients, including farm-fresh eggs from my own flock of chickens and ducks, real sweet cream butter, imported organic Madagascar vanilla, and very carefully developed recipes. And while many local bakers primarily offer traditional vanilla sugar cookies, I offer an entire menu of GOURMET flavors! Because why should a beautiful cookie taste ordinary?

LABELS MATTER, TOO! Every Hayward Hens cookie includes an ingredient label. Ingredient labeling is required by law, with very few exceptions, and it should be! These labels help customers identify potential allergens and make informed decisions about what they’re feeding themselves and their loved ones.

If you’re buying cookies locally from another cookie artist and they don’t include ingredient labels, the baker may not be disclosing possible allergen information. That could put you or your loved ones at risk. Labels are required for a reason! Transparency and food safety matter just as much as flavor and presentation.

COOKIE ART IS A WHOLE DIFFERENT BEAST! Decorating cookies isn’t the same as decorating cakes. Every design requires planning, precision, patience, and countless hours of practice. But here’s something I’ve always believed: A cookie can be absolutely GORGEOUS, but if it’s hard enough to break a tooth or tastes like cardboard, WHAT WAS THE POINT?!

I’ve spent years perfecting both my cookie recipes AND my royal icing because I believe your cookies should taste every bit as wonderful as they look! I’ve invested in my craft, continued developing my skills, and earned multiple awards along the way.

PRESENTATION MATTERS! Take a look at these photos. Same beautiful cookies, different packaging options!

Did you know that my cost for just ONE of those beautiful windowed cookie boxes is $3.49 when purchased in bulk?! That’s JUST the box! It doesn’t include the individual cellophane bags, ingredient labels, ribbons, or any of the other finishing touches. And, don’t get me started on the cost of cake boxes and cake drums!🫣

I offer packaging upgrades for cookie clients who want that extra bougie experience, whether it’s an elegant wedding favor, a corporate gift, or a beautifully presented thank-you. Those upgrades simply help cover the additional materials and labor.

Luxury presentation comes with real costs, and I believe in being transparent about them.

I KNOW DECORATED COOKIES ARE A LUXURY. I genuinely do my best to make my products accessible while maintaining the quality, craftsmanship, and ingredients that make them special. I won’t compromise those things just to compete on price.

And can we talk about my FAVORITE compliment? —“Oh, they’re TOO PRETTY TO EAT!” Every time someone says that, I imagine my grandmother smiling down from Heaven. She helped inspire the baker I’ve become, and I know she’d be tickled pink. —But y’all… PLEASE EAT THE COOKIE!! 🥴 I can always make more! And I certainly hope you’ll trust me to!

There’s a reason clients come back again and again. There’s a reason people have flown my cookies across the country or arranged couriers to transport them several states away for weddings and corporate events. There’s even a reason pregnant mamas with late-night cravings have shown up at my doorstep looking for cookies!

And there’s a reason these arthritic hands have lovingly made thousands upon thousands of cookies over my lifetime.

Because I don’t just want to make something beautiful for you. I want to make something you’ll REMEMBER.

When you choose Hayward Hens, you’re supporting years of experience, original recipes, artistry, quality ingredients, proper ingredient labeling, and a whole lot of love baked into every single bite.

I’m not trying to be the cheapest baker in town. I’m striving to be the baker you remember long after the last crumb is gone.

And when you finally take that first bite? I hope you’ll understand why my clients keep coming back for more.

⸻

NOW, LET’S TALK ABOUT THESE GORGEOUS BLUE & WHITE COOKIES!

These custom-designed logo cookies were handcrafted especially for Grazing Besties , a fabulous local charcuterie company that knows a thing or two about beautiful presentation!

And let’s face it…what pairs better with a gorgeous charcuterie spread than a gourmet cookie?!

Beautiful branding deserves an equally beautiful cookie!

From the intricate blue-and-white details inspired by their logo to the coordinating satin ribbons and gift packaging, these cookies are a perfect example of how thoughtful presentation can elevate a simple sweet treat into a memorable gift.

And here’s the BEST PART!

You can meet Grazing Besties THIS SATURDAY, October 24th, at the Greater Wellness Fall Fest & Patient Appreciation Day!

WHERE: Greenville Street Park, Newnan, GA

WHEN: Saturday, October 24, beginning at 10 AM

Bring the whole family and enjoy a wonderful community celebration featuring:

* A micro farmers market
* Bounce house and face painting for the kiddos
* Coffee
* Live music
* Local healthcare providers
* And, of course, Grazing Besties!

Come out, enjoy the festivities, support our local small businesses, and show Grazing Besties some LOVE!

I’m grateful that Grazing Besties entrusted Hayward Hens Bakery with bringing their beautiful branding to life in cookie form.

After all, whether it’s a thoughtfully arranged charcuterie board or a handcrafted gourmet cookie, it’s those little details that make a BIG impression!

And to Grazing Besties, thank you for choosing another local small business to help make your event a little sweeter!

⸻
Xoxo,
Chef Birdie
Hayward Hens Bakery
Baking You Happy One Bite At A Time.

Beautiful enough to admire. Delicious enough to devour.

10/22/2026

Be sure to swing by Moreland Nutrition to grab one of my Pumpkin Cheesecake decorated cookies with PROTEIN baked in them. YES, a perfect balance of healthy (7g Protein per cookie) with sweetness.

⏰ IT’S 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE… AND WE’RE STILL MIXING! 🥤💚

That afternoon slump hitting hard? We’ve got just what you need!

Whether you’re heading home from work, picking up the kids, or just need a little pick-me-up, swing by Moreland Nutrition!

💚 Loaded Teas
🥤 Protein Shakes
✨ Your favorite afternoon boost!

🚗 We’re here until 6 PM!

📲 Running short on time? Text your order to 943-242-9030 and we’ll have it ready for pickup!

📍 Moreland Nutrition

Don’t let the day end with an empty cup! 💚

10/22/2026

Before I was ever a baker, I came from farmers.

I descend from generations of hardworking men and women who understood that farming was never simply about what the land could produce. It was about stewardship. It was about caring for the land God entrusted to us, tending to the animals that depended upon us, feeding our families, and sharing our blessings with our neighbors.

It was about community, compassion, and understanding that what we have is never ours alone to enjoy.

My Irish great-grandfather and Scottish great-grandmother lived these values, even through the hardships of the Great Depression. My beloved grandmother, whom I called Mammy, grew up witnessing their generosity firsthand, and she spent much of my childhood passing those stories and lessons along to me.

She told me how her father would share sweet potato slips with neighbors so they, too, could grow food for their families. When times were hard, neighbors leaned on neighbors. They shared what little they had, broke bread together, and made certain nobody faced their struggles entirely alone.

There wasn’t always enough to go around, but somehow, there was always something to share.

One story Mammy told me has stayed especially close to my heart. During the Depression, meat was scarce and expensive. Chickens weren’t simply backyard companions or a source of fresh eggs. Sometimes, they were the difference between having a nutritious meal and going without.

Mammy had a favorite hen she dearly loved. But one day, her mother had to make the heartbreaking decision to dispatch that hen to feed their family. Mammy was devastated. She understood why her mother had done it, but she absolutely refused to eat her beloved pet.

Decades later, she could still recall that little hen and the heartbreak of losing her. Perhaps that’s why Mammy was so tickled when I began raising my own flock of chickens. She understood my affection for them in a way that only someone who had loved a chicken as a child could.

Even after Mammy moved into memory care, I would bring my Silkies and Satins to visit her. We’d sit together while she held and loved on those fluffy little birds, and for a little while, the years seemed to melt away. Those visits were about so much more than pet therapy…

They were a connection between generations…Between her childhood and mine…Between the farm she remembered and the little homestead I was building…And now, when I walk out to collect eggs each day, I often think about her.

You see, I don’t just have chickens. I know my chickens. I know their personalities, their habits, their little quirks, and even which hen laid which egg.

My flock includes what we affectionately call Rainbow Layers, hens that bless us with a beautiful assortment of naturally colored eggs.

Two of my Ameraucana hens, Blueberry and Minnie Moon, are especially precious to me because they are granddaughters of my very first Ameraucana hen. Three generations of blue egg layers. Three generations of a little piece of my farming story.

Both girls lay beautiful blue eggs, but I can tell them apart. Minnie Moon is the older girl, and she became a mama herself this past summer. Her eggs are larger, more elongated, and have the slightest hint of green.

Blueberry’s eggs are smaller and a softer pastel blue, much like the eggs her grandmother used to lay.

In the photograph, you’re looking at three days’ worth of Grade AA eggs from these two girls. To someone else, they might simply look like six pretty eggs. But, to me, they’re six little reminders of the generations I’ve cared for and the generations that came before me. And, that’s where my life as a farmer and my life as a baker come together.

Because the same hands that gather those eggs are the hands that create your wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and decorated cookies.

When you commission something from Hayward Hens Bakery, I want you to understand that I am intentional about every ingredient that goes into your pastries.

I care where my ingredients come from. I care about their quality. I care about the time, effort, and craftsmanship that go into creating something special for your family. And, when I use eggs from my own flock, I know exactly how those hens have been raised, what they’ve been fed, and the care they’ve received. I know because I’m the one caring for them.

My chickens, ducks, turkeys, and goats aren’t simply part of a picturesque country lifestyle. They’re living creatures entrusted to my care, and I take that responsibility seriously. I give them the very best I can, and in return, they bless me in more ways than I could ever count.

Some of those blessings find their way into my mixing bowls, my ovens, and ultimately onto your family’s tables.** And, the blessings don’t stop there.**

When you support my little bakery, you’re doing something much bigger than purchasing a cake or a couple dozen decorated cookies. Yes, you’re helping me keep a roof over my head and the lights on in my kitchen. You’re also helping me put feed in the troughs, fresh bedding in the coops, and provide veterinary care and safe shelter for the animals that depend upon me. But there’s another part of your support that you may never see.

Your purchases allow me to quietly give back to our community in ways I don’t advertise. Whether it’s helping a family through a difficult season, sharing food, or extending a little kindness when someone needs it most, I’m able to carry forward something my great-grandparents understood nearly a century ago…When God blesses your table, you make room for someone else at it and invite them to break bread with you.

I think about my great-grandfather sharing his sweet potato slips with neighbors during the Great Depression. I think about my great-grandmother stretching what little food she had to nourish her family. I think about Mammy holding one of my fluffy Silkies in her arms, smiling as though she were that little farm girl all over again. And, I realize that, in my own small way, I’m continuing what they started…The crops may be different…The recipes may be more elaborate…And, I suspect my great-grandmother would get quite a chuckle out of some of the extravagant cakes that come out of my kitchen! But, the heart behind it all hasn’t changed.

Care for what God has entrusted to you. Work hard as if you’re working for the Lord. Waste little. Share generously. Treat animals with kindness and respect. Feed people with love. Feed not only their bellies, but their souls as well. And, never forget where you came from.

I may be known for baking people happy one bite at a time, but underneath this baker’s apron beats the heart of a farmer.

To everyone who has ever ordered from my bakery, recommended me to a friend, shared my work, or supported this little homestead in any way, thank you. You are helping me preserve a family legacy, care for the animals I love, and continue a tradition of serving our community that began generations before I was born. And, somewhere, I like to imagine Mammy smiling, knowing that the little girl who listened so intently to her stories and collecting eggs on Uncle Harlie’s and Aunt Betty’s farm in Kentucky grew up to have a flock of her own. I hope she’d be proud.

From my great-grandparents’ farm, to Mammy’s stories, to my own little homestead here in Senoia, Georgia, it has all come full circle. And, every time I crack one of those beautiful colorful eggs into a mixing bowl, a little piece of that legacy lives on.

With a grateful heart,
Chef Birdie Xoxo
Hayward Hens Bakery
Baking You Happy One Bite At A Time.

10/21/2026

Another baker dropped the ball, and I stepped in to rescue a birthday celebration on ONE hour of sleep. 🥴 Was I already booked with corporate orders and a wedding? Absolutely! But I couldn’t stand the thought of someone being left without a birthday cake.

That brings me to something I’ve been wanting to address…

STOP CHOOSING YOUR BAKER BASED SOLELY ON WHO’S CHEAPEST!

Now, before anyone gets their buttercream in a twist, hear me out.

I completely understand having a budget. We ALL have budgets! But there’s a difference between being budget-conscious and simply price-shopping.

When your first message to a custom baker is “How much are your cakes?” or “How much are your cookies?” you’re skipping the MOST important question:

“ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR MY EVENT DATE?”

Sweetheart, I could quote you the most beautiful cake in Georgia, but if I’m already booked, that price doesn’t matter one bit! 🥴

CUSTOM BAKING IS NOT FAST FOOD! We aren’t pulling frozen cake layers from grocery-store freezers or scooping buttercream out of buckets. We’re planning, baking, preparing fillings, handcrafting decorations, and spending HOURS creating edible works of art.

You’re paying for experience, quality ingredients, artistic talent, professionalism, and RELIABILITY.

Cheap doesn’t automatically mean bad, and expensive doesn’t guarantee excellence. But choosing solely by price can become a costly gamble.

I’ve also learned firsthand that some local bakers may underbid me simply to secure your payment. They may be focused more on getting your money than on creating the experience, quality, and service you deserve. That doesn’t mean every lower-priced baker is unprofessional, but it does mean you should look beyond the price tag and ask what is included in the quote.

SO, WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK YOUR BAKER?

🎂 1. Are you available for my event date? Always start here!

🎂 2. Do you specialize in the design I’m requesting? Review their actual work and customer reviews.

🎂 3. How much advance notice do you require? Custom creations take time!

🎂 4. Can I share inspiration photos and my guest count? This helps determine design, size, and servings.

🎂 5. What can you create within my budget? NOW we’re talking! A professional can help you explore realistic options.

🎂 6. What are your booking and payment policies? At Hayward Hens Bakery, payment in full secures your order. No payment means no date reservation.

ONE MORE THING…

I’ve become the baker clients call when another baker cancels—and sometimes even the baker OTHER BAKERS call for help!

I’m grateful for that trust, but I cannot always be everyone’s emergency backup plan.

A reputable baker often has a busy production calendar. When I say I’m fully booked, it’s not because I don’t appreciate your business. It’s because I respect the clients who have already entrusted me with their celebrations.

Sometimes saying NO is part of being a responsible professional.

At Hayward Hens Bakery, I take pride in handcrafted cakes and decorated cookies made with quality ingredients, years of experience, and attention to detail that simply cannot be rushed.

Choose your baker for their craftsmanship, reputation, and reliability—not just their price tag.

Because the most important question isn’t “Who’s the cheapest?”

It’s “Who can I TRUST to get this right?”

I love Baking You Happy One Bite At A Time, but even Chef Birdie needs more than one hour of sleep to keep the magic happening! 🥴

Xoxo,
Chef Birdie
Hayward Hens Bakery
Baking You Happy One Bite At A Time.