The cakes at Toronto-based bakery KWENTO speak for themselves. Whether it’s a vanilla, rhubarb, and ricotta masterpiece adorned with hyacinth or an 80s-inspired wedding cake that’s reminiscent of your parent’s wedding photos, every delicacy KWENTO creates is a unique work of art. And they taste just as good as they look.
Shannon Nocos, the founder of KWENTO, pivoted her career trajectory from retail management to culinary arts, finding her true calling in the world of baking. With a background in graphic design and media, Shannon’s journey led her back to Toronto amidst the pandemic. There she began to mix her design expertise with her newfound passion for baking (only Shannon’s baking skills far surpassed the banana bread craze most of us fell into). The happy result was KWENTO:A cake business that tells a story with every creation, inspired by Shannon’s unique background and her Filipino heritage.
– Shannon Nocos → founder, KWENTO
The challenge: Streamlining operations for a flourishing business
As KWENTO’s reputation for striking, one-of-a-kind cakes grew, so did the challenges of managing a bustling business. Like most founders, Shannon faced the daunting task of balancing creativity with nitty-gritty business operations.
From customizing cake orders online – letting customers choose their size, colours, shape and flavours – to managing inventory like ready-made cakes that reduce food waste by using leftover batter and mixed buttercream from custom orders, KWENTO needed a robust omnichannel solution. One that could handle the complexities of a growing, multichannel business.
The solution: A recipe for efficiency
Enter Square, the fully integrated point-of-sale (POS) system and technology partner that supports KWENTO’s operations. The Square suite of tools, including Square Online, Square Invoices and Square for Retail, provided Shannon with the essential ingredients she needed to run her business smoothly so she could focus on creating cakes for her customers.
– Shannon Nocos → founder, KWENTO
Custom cakes, simplified ordering
A branded website helps KWENTO handle even more custom cake orders online, and it enables new customers to discover the bakery. Using Square Online, KWENTO is able to accept and manage orders both from the website and in-store transactions — and even from social media. Square Online also comes with built-in search engine optimization (SEO) tools to help customers in the area find Shannon’s creations.
– Shannon Nocos → founder, KWENTO
Real-time insights — anytime, anywhere
With Square Dashboard’s real-time sales tracking, Shannon can monitor KWENTO’s performance even while she’s away from the business. The ability to access sales data on her phone empowers her to make informed decisions and stay connected to her business at all times, even while taking much-deserved breaks.
Invoicing made easy
Square Invoices simplified the billing process, making it straightforward for Shannon and her staff to send professional invoices. This feature, which is integrated with Square POS, ensures timely payments and a smooth financial work stream, which is crucial for the business’s cash flow.
The impact: A flourishing future for KWENTO
Thanks to Shannon’s vision and dedication, KWENTO is positioned for expansion. Shannon envisions a new space for KWENTO within a year, a second location in five years, and becoming a household name in the industry in 10years. The integrated ecosystem of Square hardware and software has not only supported KWENTO’s day-to-day operations, but has also laid the foundation for its long-term aspirations.
Quick facts
With Square powering the business, KWENTO achieved the following success in a short time frame:
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46% revenue growth from 2022 to 2023
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The KWENTO team utilizes Square Invoices so that customers can pay for popular items like ready-made cakes before they arrive.
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Square for Retail allows the KWENTO team to view the business remotely from anywhere in the world. They use this data to determine if they need to be more aggressive in promoting their baked goods and engaging on social media to drive sales.
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0% cancellation rate on big events and weddings by utilizing Square Contracts and Square Invoices
Words of wisdom from a creative founder
Don’t be afraid to ask for help as your business grows. Investing in a small but mighty team was a game-changer for Shannon. By delegating tasks and utilizing Square tools, Shannon has been able to keep her working hours under control and focus on what she does best: designing breathtaking cakes.
– Shannon Nocos → founder, KWENTO
Shannon’s journey with KWENTO offers valuable lessons for other entrepreneurs. She advises being prepared for the emotional rollercoaster of business ownership and emphasizes the importance of perseverance. With the right tools and gumption, navigating the challenges of starting and growing a business is within reach.