Meet Natalie Wong, the passionate owner behind Always Yours Bakery Cafe, a bakery located in the heart of Oakland, specializing in unique Asian-inspired desserts. What started as a side hustle has blossomed into a beloved local business that celebrates flavors like white rabbit candy, black sesame, matcha, and lychee, all served in a modern, inviting space where people can enjoy desserts and milk tea. But her journey to success wasn’t without its challenges.
Natalie first discovered her love for baking through YouTube tutorials, where she taught herself how to perfect the art of making macarons. What began as a small operation from her parents’ house quickly gained traction, leading her to take the plunge and pursue her dream full-time in 2019. Fueled by passion and ambition, she launched a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising $93,000 to help fund her new bakery.
“I opened a bakery because Asian-inspired flavors were hard to come by. I wanted to highlight those and create a modern, aesthetic space where people could hang out and enjoy dessert,” she explained.
Like many small business owners, managing the financial side of the business proved to be a challenge. “My previous accountant didn’t categorize things in the right accounts, and I wasn’t getting a clear snapshot of how my finances were doing,” she said. “I have a goal of making $100k in revenue monthly, but I haven’t reached it yet. That’s when I reached out to Padgett.”
Natalie was drawn to Padgett East Bay by their glowing Yelp reviews and proximity to her bakery. “They’re less than five minutes away from my house,” she added. What she found in Padgett was more than just an accounting service. “Shinji and Amro are always so responsive whenever I have questions, and I really value that I can come to their office to talk things out.”
Padgett’s personalized approach helped her gain a better understanding of her financials, providing valuable insights and advice as she works toward her revenue goals. “Shinji has given me great advice on financial questions that I may have, and I feel more confident about where my business is headed.”
While running a bakery is rewarding, it comes with its fair share of stress, especially in the beginning. Natalie recalls a time when selling out every day felt overwhelming. “It was scary to sell out and then have to bake more for the next day, but those were the best sales I’ve had!” While business hasn’t always been as busy since, those early days helped her recognize the importance of adapting to demand and preparing for success.
When asked what advice she’d give to fellow entrepreneurs, she emphasized the importance of hiring an accountant from day one. “Definitely hire an accountant before you even open. That way, you can get the best tax return and avoid financial surprises. Also, ask for advice early on, and make sure you’re reviewing your profit and loss statements regularly to see what needs adjusting.”
Running Always Yours Bakery Cafe is a full-time job, and a typical day for Natalie involves everything from managing emails to helping out with custom orders in the kitchen. Yet, despite the hustle, she makes time to rest and recharge at the end of the day, often cooking dinner and unwinding with her favorite TV shows.
Natalie is proud of how far her business has come and is eager to welcome new customers. “Please come visit our bakery,” she says with a smile. “We want to highlight that we use fresh ingredients, and every item is handmade with love.”
With Padgett by her side, Natalie is ready for whatever comes next—whether it’s hitting her revenue goals or continuing to share her one-of-a-kind desserts with the Oakland community.
If you’re looking for a financial partner to be with you every step of your business journey, Padgett is the partner for you. Find your local advisor here to get started!