Rachel’s Dessert Bar: Baking Turned Business

Rachel Stewart, founder of Rachel’s Dessert Bar in Knoxville, has transformed her love for baking into a thriving business. A junior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business majoring in marketing with a minor in entrepreneurship, Stewart is blending her business knowledge with her passion for sweet creations. Her journey began at Whimsy Cookie Company, where she learned the fundamentals of baking and decorating under the mentorship of her former boss. Inspired by her former employer, Stewart realized she wanted to create something of her own, building what is now Rachel’s Dessert Bar, a business known for its handcrafted treats and unique flavors.

From Humble Beginnings to a Growing Business

When starting her business, Stewart experimented with recipes and began selling desserts locally, determined to perfect her craft. One of her most memorable moments from beginning her business happened at her neighborhood pool, where she set up to sell cookies but was struggling to attract customers. An older woman stopped by to chat and purchased a cookie, noticing Stewart’s hard work and passion. Later that day, the woman returned and bought the entire inventory, encouraging her to never give up on her dreams. “Every time I consider giving up or feeling defeated, I remember that moment,” Stewart says. That interaction became a defining experience, reminding her why she started and motivating her to continue building her business.

What started as a small neighborhood pop-up has since grown into a steady business with multiple orders each week and appearances at markets across Knoxville. Stewart has also expanded her offerings beyond sales by hosting cookie decorating classes, specifically around the holidays. These workshops not only introduce others to the art of cookie decorating but also serve as a way to share her love of baking with the community. “I want to show people that decorating can be a fun and relaxing activity — maybe even something that sparks a passion, just as it did for me,” she says.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Support

Turning a passion into a business is no small feat, and Stewart has faced her fair share of challenges along the way. Balancing school, work and running a business has required careful time management, but she has learned to navigate these responsibilities while keeping her business moving forward. Marketing has also been a learning curve — getting her name out there in a crowded market has been one of her biggest hurdles. “For a business like mine, word of mouth is the most powerful tool,” Stewart explains. “Encouraging customers to love the experience so much that they tell their friends, and family is sometimes more challenging than traditional marketing strategies, but it’s also the most rewarding.”

Despite these challenges, Stewart remains dedicated to growing Rachel’s Dessert Bar. She credits Haslam’s Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation as a key resource in her entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable mentorship and guidance. She also acknowledges the unwavering encouragement of her parents, saying, “I could not do this without them.”

From learning the art of baking to running a full-fledged business, Stewart’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and dedication. As she continues to expand Rachel’s Dessert Bar, she hopes to inspire other young entrepreneurs to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles.

About the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, housed in Haslam, is the front door to entrepreneurship at UT, connecting entrepreneurs and innovators at every stage with the resources, networks and expertise needed to solve real challenges. By cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset across campus, connecting entrepreneurs with resources and mentorship they need to grow and collaborating with the UT and regional ecosystem, the Anderson Center is developing an entrepreneurial culture where Volunteers are empowered to identify unmet needs and take bold action to create value through new ventures.

Contact:

Morgan Lounds, marketing and events coordinator. mlounds@vols.utk.edu

Contact

Leah Powell

Senior Editor

lpowel20@utk.edu

Haslam College of Business - Rachel’s Dessert Bar: Baking Turned Business