Meet Frankie Howell | Pastry Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frankie Howell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frankie, how do you think about risk?
I believe being a custom baker is a risk in itself. While I do run specials throughout the year, I do not have product available daily for customers to purchase. This also means I typically do not offer smaller quantities or individual desserts. However, I’m hoping to collaborate with a few local businesses to make this a possibility! I would love to offer individual cupcakes and cookies through a grocery store or a farm’s general store. Another option I’m eager to explore is providing desserts for service at local restaurants!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If you had asked me four years ago if I would have been interested in opening a bakery, I would have told you no. If you asked me today, my answer would probably remain the same. However, this was the path life handed me and who am I to turn it down? My journey has been far from easy, but nothing worth it ever is. My biggest challenge to date has been the constant change in the cost of ingredients. As a result, I cost out my recipes on a weekly basis to ensure my prices remain accurate, yet affordable.

As a custom baker, I welcome any flavor or design! My goal with every order is to expand my creativity and improve my skill set. Having the freedom to create new flavor combinations also gives me the opportunity to stand out amongst local bakers. In addition to providing a customizable experience, I have previously worked with catering, plated desserts, and weddings as well!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
With Halloween coming up and being that it’s our favorite holiday, I thought I’d share a few of my annual fall-related activities! We always start the season off by enjoying the weather and visiting a few local farms. Eddy’s Fruit Farm in Chesterland not only sells their fresh farm products and produce, but they also offer pick your own fruit! To prepare for the pumpkin carving party, we also stop by Mulberry Corners Pumpkins in Chesterland. In addition to carving pumpkins, we typically stock up on mini pumpkins, gourds, and kettle corn. If we have time, I’d love to pop over to Squires Castle in Willoughby Hills or the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland. Those are two of the best parks to visit once the leaves have changed.

There are not many Halloween-themed restaurants nearby, but there is one. We visit the Haunted House Restaurant in Cleveland Heights once a year. Some of our other local favorites include Spudnuts in Mentor, Sammy’s Family Restaurant in Grand River, and Red Creek Bar & Grill in Painesville. As for haunted houses, we’ve gone to Nightmare at Pioneer in Chardon in the past, but we’re hoping to visit Nightmare Cleveland and possibly even Blood Prison at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield or Halloweekends at Cedar Point in Sandusky!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today without the love, encouragement, and support of my mom and my husband. Their contributions throughout the years have made lasting impacts on my small business. Not only have they helped me with baking and dessert planning, but they have also helped with pick ups, deliveries, and craft shows! Whether it’s slicing apples for Thanksgiving pies or running to the store for last minute ingredients, they are always happy to do it with a smile.

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Image Credits
J.Lynne Photography (Wedding Photos)