We got the chance to get some insight behind the winner of PLNDR’s 2012 Battle of the Brands – Bake N Cake. We talked about the meaning and swagger (and trust me – it is some serious swag) behind the Southern California brand ‘Bake n Cake.’
Abi: Where are you from?
Bake n Cake: From the heart of Southern California located in Orange County near the waters of the Pacific.
A: Does your background have anything to do with the ‘look’ of the brand?
BnC: Yes, growing up as a tyke all the way till now we have formed this look about ourselves, walking with a swagger being confident and knowing what we’re capable of, inheriting street knowledge and valuing it as a lesson to take with us through life’s daily passing’s plugging that into our brand.
A: “Bake n Cake” is a very catchy name. How did you come up with the name?
BnC: It was honestly a Highdea while listening to Wiz Khalifa “In The Cut” that turned into something more meaningful. You’re the chef ‘baking’ using all your ingredients, preparing and putting in the ground work out for one’s ever so rewarding success the ‘cake’. You make your own luck and success by how much work and grit you put into anything.
A: Describe the idea behind the brand “Bake n Cake”?
BnC: Our team shares the same artistic vision, so we sought out to combine the many outlets of inner city lifestyles and help the Bake n’ Cake clothing brand grow in order to spread our collaborated views and dreams by revealing the creative lifestyle to men’s fashion, design, art and individualism. By offering a new fresh and intuitive product that started from scratch to voila just like your favorite served dish.
A: Being an entrepreneur of any kind is difficult. What motivated you to go ahead and start your own brand?
BnC: We’ve always had a keen sense of style and fashion, especially in the ‘Orange Curtain’ so we wanted to do something by creating a look and image that our fellow Bakers would come to love just like their favorite served dish.
A: Were you ever afraid of venturing out and doing your own thing?
BnC: Of course there were mixed feelings and your occasional “what if’s” arose but truthfully our fears ended when our faith began. Once we put our foot on the gas there was no telling us to stop.
A: Congratulations on your domination of the PLNDR 2012 Battle of the Brands contest! Were you surprised with your success in the contest?
BnC: Thank you! We knew it was going to be a dogfight from the very beginning, but our team had set some goals and standards for ourselves. So the expectations were set high and we knew we had a good chance to stay in the top 10, but never did we know we were going to pull it out as the Battle of the Brands winners.
A: I checked out some of your products and I’m excited to see what you have coming up for the summer. What is the inspiration behind your summertime collection?
BnC: For the Baker ‘students’ who just ended school and are ready to rage, their faces off with sleepless summer nights. We wanted to give our fans a little taste of our cooked up swag during the hot season soaking up that California Sun.
A: What would you say is so dope about Bake n Cake that sets it apart from other streetwear brands?
BnC: We are not afraid to show our roots. We know that our brand portrays the influences of marijuana and ties to the smoking community, and yes we are not afraid to put it out there. That’s how we leave our footprints by planting the seeds and spreading them. We have seen some brands throughout the years come and go but we want everyone to know we are here to stay and thank everyone for understanding our message.
A: Who is the Bake n Cake customer? Who’s wearing it and why?
BnC: Anyone and everyone, you don’t have to be a “stoner, pot head” to rock our threads. We understand the ties to the smoking and marijuana but we just want to create something fresh and intuitive that any Baker/person that’s into the street wear can wear.
A: How would you describe your personal style?
BnC: A breathe of fresh air, smoke good, fuck better, count money what’s better? LOOKING GOOD, we just walk with a swagger.
A: Your ad campaign on the Bake n Cake website features what looks like a sick ass party. If you were throwing a Bake n Cake party what are five songs that would be on the playlist?
BnC: (1) Dr. Dre – Keep Their Heads Ringing, (2) Wiz Khalifa- Thrill Of It, (3) Tupac- Gansta Party, (4) Snoop Dogg – Gin and Juice, (5) House of Pain – Jump Around.
A: If you didn’t own your own brand what brand would you work for and why?
BnC: Crooks & Castles, you gotta be a thief to get your riches before. I understand their analogy completely but they created a brand that reflects their self-interests and I respect that they’ve been in the business for a while and their success is starting to shine and pay off.
A: What advice do you have for brands that are just starting out?
BnC: As with anything you’re going to have bumps along the road. Are you going to fold when the going gets tough? Our team has been at the fork of the road not knowing which way to go, but that grit and perseverance is what makes or breaks your company. Keep the positive attitude; good things happen to those who work for it.
A: Ok so average people also need advice on how to upgrade their style! What advice would you give to the average consumer when it comes to personal style?
BnC: All depending on whom we’re working with, but one little thing that can spruce up any outfit is accessories – whether its jewelry, hats or watches – believe it or not adds extra appeal. If you’re the type of person who likes patterns and plaid you might try switching it up to a more clean simpler look or vice versa. Ultimately you want to feel good about looking good, so walk with a swagger and you’d be surprised how a smile can set everything straight.
Get Your fresh Bake n Cake goods on PLNDR this summer!