Crimson & Whipped Cream Feature
featured business
GET TO KNOW...
Ashleigh Barnett, owner of
Crimson & Whipped Cream
01. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Oh I wanted to be many things! Turtle scientist, supermodel, ballet dancer, teacher, geneticist at the San Diego Zoo, anything at Sea World...haha!
02. What was your first job?
Well I worked for my mom as a receptionist over the years, but I think my first real job was as hostess at the Rib Crib in Norman.
03. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to read, travel, watch hockey, eat, spend time with my friends, play board games, hang out with my family. I really never get bored as long as I have a book with me.
04. What's the best advice you've ever received?
Being told to find work that I love and am passionate about is the best advice. I have been fortunate enough to wander down many paths until I found that baking is the path for me. Also, "the present moment is a wonderful moment" are great words to live by.
05. How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
We have been open about 7 months. I was living and working in New York City and decided I was ready to move onto something new. So I came home to Oklahoma to figure things out and then decided to open my own place here!
06. Why do you choose to operate your business in Oklahoma as opposed to somewhere else?
Most of my family lives in Oklahoma and I had been away from home for about 5 years, so it was really nice to be back with friends and family that I had been away from for so long. I really started to appreciate what Oklahoma had to offer after being in New York City...friendly people, cheaper cost of living, beautiful sunsets...haha! Does NYC need another bakery/coffee shop? No way. In Oklahoma, I could be a part of making the community better and providing a product that you might not find elsewhere.
07. Why do you think its important to keep it local?
Without local businesses there is nothing unique about different communities.
08. What locally owned business (other than your own) could you not live without?
Saturn Grill, Iguana Grill, Birdie, Forward Foods, Native Roots, Chirps and Cheers, Elemental Coffee, The Wedge
09. Our Facebook fans want to know: What is it that sets you apart from the national chains and promotes loyal, repeat customers?
I want to know you! I love meeting customers and getting to know them and having them get to know me. I really strive for my business to feel like coming over to a friends house.
10. Our Twitter followers want to know: What drives you to keep doing what you do?
The customers. I love our regulars! I have made some amazing friends. I could be having the longest hardest day ever and then someone like Larry and Carol will come in and my mood will be instantly lifted. If it wasn't for the love and support we have received from our customers, I could never work as hard as I do.
