Cherry by Mary: From homemade cakes to a successful dessert studio with 4 locations

Pastry is a delicate art that demands a lot of care and precision, but even more passion, because we all know that food crafted with love always tastes the best. And what better than a sweet treat that is not only delicious and exquisite but also made with the finest ingredients?

Today, we explore the inspiring journey of Cherry by Mary – a passion for sweets that turned into a successful business with 4 locations.

Behind every success, there are challenges and lessons

Meet Maria Taneva, the driving force behind Cherry by Mary. As you may have guessed, Mary is not only the founder but also the heart and soul of the pastry shop. Her journey began at home, where her love for pastry blossomed as she crafted cakes and treats for family and friends. Over time, her passion naturally evolved into a vision for a business that could share her culinary creations with a broader audience.

One of Mary’s earliest challenges was finding the perfect location for her dessert studio. After an extensive search, the first Cherry by Mary location came to life in a cosy neighbourhood spot, featuring a small patio with five seats, two outdoor tables and a charming, compact storefront. Though modest in size, this space provided Mary with a professional kitchen where she could fully express her French-inspired flair and culinary talents.

 “The start-up challenges were many – from registering with the Food Administration to finding trusted raw material suppliers, building a brand and concept, to hiring employees and working with them,” says Mary.

Small steps toward success

Despite facing challenges and a lack of experience, Mary successfully built a trusted team, transforming Cherry by Mary into a beloved destination for sweet indulgences. The brand’s mission is not only to offer delicious desserts but to make them healthier too. Every treat is crafted from high-quality, natural ingredients, with minimal sugar content. This commitment to quality and health has fueled growing interest in the brand, bringing with it the need for expansion and new locations.

Mary soon found herself on another journey—one that presented fresh challenges. A larger location required a bigger team and increased productivity, all without compromising quality. Yet, this did not deter the young entrepreneur. Today, she proudly operates four thriving sites.

“There will be many challenges and it’s important to find the secret ingredient that drives your business forward and just like with desserts, you shouldn’t change it to keep the same feel. For me, the key was the hard work, the time and the consistency in all the processes that happen here – production, communication with customers and welcoming in the store,” says Maria.

Trusted partners for fast payments

However, in addition to work and persistence, product and service providers also play an important role and from the start Mary has trusted myPOS as her payment partner.

“I’m happy that I chose myPOS as a partner at the very beginning, without being sure what my start-up would need. I was attracted by the easy service, good conditions and the digitalisation of most processes.”

Just as offering a variety of desserts is essential for maximising customer satisfaction, the choice of payment options can also make a difference. In today’s dynamic world, most customers prefer card payments for their convenience and speed, while businesses appreciate the streamlined workflow. This is why Mary chose the myPOS Go and myPOS Pro devices.

“Even after more than 8 years, myPOS continues to be an invaluable partner, providing reliable service and easy communication. Our customers increasingly expect quick and easy card payments at Cherry by Mary dessert studios.”