Each week we profile a different Canadian Food Blogger who is part of the FBC community. This week we meet Lily, the Ontario blogger who focuses on the novice baker with her sweet dessert recipes.
Name: Lily Ernst
Blog name: Little Sweet Baker
Where were you born? Hanoi, Vietnam
Where are you living now? Dundas, Ontario
Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog purely as a hobby during my second maternity leave because I needed a new challenge and something to focus on other than being a mom.
How did you decide on your blog name?
Well, I stand a whole 5 foot nothing and I like to bake sweet things.
What do you blog about?
Mostly desserts. It’s what I enjoy to make and what I’m good at.
Is your blog your business, your hobby or something in between?
It’s my business and the best job ever!
What post on your blog most encapsulates you and why?
My Lemon Pound Cake - It’s my latest post and has quickly become my new favorite. I just love everything about it. It’s bright, rich and bold in flavor. It’s like sunshine in a cake!
Which post do you wish received more love and why?
My No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake - It’s a family favourite and crazy easy to make and crazy delicious, but it just doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
Which post’s success surprised you and why?
My Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Muffins - There are over a million chocolate chip muffin recipes out there, so I was really surprised when it became my most popular post.
What’s your biggest challenge as a blogger?
Keeping up with all the Google and social media platform algorithm changes.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a blogger?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to create content that people are actually searching for. Once I started using tools like Google keyword planner and became more strategic about what I was posting, that’s when things really paid off.
What has been your biggest success as a blogger so far?
My biggest success is turning my blog into an independent business with the freedom to control my own schedule.
Share a couple of your favourite food blogs to read. Why do you like them?
Sally’s Baking Addiction - Her recipes are perfection. Her writing style is so friendly and she makes all her recipes seem approachable. She is the reason I started my blog. When I read her post on how to start a blog, it was so encouraging, so I did!
The Cafe Sucre Farine - Chris’s recipes are super easy and her decorated sugar cookies are gorgeous (and she makes it look easy too). I had the pleasure of meeting her and her husband at a conference. They are the loveliest couple ever.
What are you working on next for your blog?
I’m working on growing and making the best out of my subscriber list. I’m also working on a collaborative e-book called Blogging for Passion and Profit.
What else should we know about you that may or not be in your “About Me” page?
I have a biochemistry degree and I come from a family of bakers and candy makers, so sugar runs in my blood.
What makes your blog unique?
I keep my recipes very simple and approachable. I don’t get fancy with decorating or use complicated techniques. I design my recipes for novice bakers in mind.
How do you cultivate a sense of community around your blog?
I take the time to reply back to all my reader’s comments and questions. I also network and get to know fellow bloggers and some have become friends. It’s nice to have that support from people who can relate.
What part of the FBC site do you find most useful?
The resources and especially the sponsored post opportunities. They are the only ones I apply to.
Follow Lily and Little Sweet Baker on Social Media
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I’ve been using FBC’s resources recently and stumble upon this FEATURED CANADIAN FOODIE: LITTLE SWEET BAKER article.
Little Sweet Baker is a go-to blog in our house. Lily’s recipes are indeed easy to follow, with impressively tasty results. The photos are gorgeous. Bravo Lily!