Meet Rawan El Hariri | Layers & Tiers, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rawan El Hariri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rawan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting Layers & Tiers was the culmination of a journey that began over a decade ago. It all began with creating cakes for my kids’ birthdays, which quickly became a family tradition. As I saw the joy these cakes brought to them, I realized this was something I wanted to share with more people. About 10 years ago, I took a basic cake decorating class at a local craft store. It was a simple course that taught me the fundamentals like how to level and fill a cake with basic frosting but it sparked something in me. From there, I became self-taught, watching endless YouTube tutorials and practicing new techniques every chance I got. As my skills developed, so did the requests from family and friends to make cakes for their special occasions.

Fast forward to 2023, I took the leap to turn this passion into a business. With a Masters Degree in Business Administration and my love for baking, it felt natural to combine the two. I enrolled in a Small Business Planning Certificate Program at San Diego College of Continuing Education, where I learned the practical steps to starting a business and getting licensed. Though I had moments of doubt about whether I was truly ready, I came to realize that it wasn’t just about launching a business. It was about believing in myself and turning my passion into something that could bring joy to others. That’s how Layers & Tiers was born: a home-based, heart-driven business that allows me to create meaningful moments for people while staying connected to my family.

What should our readers know about your business?
Layers & Tiers is a reflection of my passion for creating custom cakes that bring joy to people’s celebrations. I find immense satisfaction in the art of crafting and decorating cakes, knowing that each creation contributes to people’s happiness. What sets us apart is the personalized touch in every cake, where I work closely with clients to ensure that each design perfectly captures the special moments they want to celebrate. It’s not just about creating something that looks beautiful, but also making sure it’s an experience that brings happiness and lasting memories even in the tiniest details like proper and prompt communication, follow-ups, and cake care instructions.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t without challenges. I’m naturally not a big risk-taker, and I’ve always been cautious about the unknown. The decision to start Layers & Tiers was definitely a leap of faith for me. I spent a lot of time asking myself “what if?” What if things didn’t go as planned, or what if I wasn’t ready? But as someone once told me that being reasonably risk-averse isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s okay to approach risks carefully, as long as you don’t let fear stop you entirely. For me, starting this business was a calculated risk, but one that I was willing to take because I believed in my passion for cake decorating. In the end, the biggest risk would have been never trying at all.

The support from my family, friends, and the college program helped me overcome those fears. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to move forward, and that support was invaluable in helping me turn my dream into a reality.

Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of persistence, adaptability, and trusting the process. Building a business takes time, patience, and a lot of trial and error. There were times when I struggled to master certain techniques, and other times when I doubted whether I could turn this passion into a business. Building a customer base isn’t easy as well. I’m still struggling to target my niche. But I knew that the love I had for creating cakes was worth the challenge. I’ve learned to embrace these challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. The journey isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

At Layers & Tiers, I’m most proud of the joy my cakes bring to people’s lives. Each cake is crafted with love, and my goal is to create something that not only looks beautiful but also brings meaning to my clients’ special moments. What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s built on passion, care, and the desire to create lasting memories through cake. I’m excited about what the future holds, and I’m grateful for the journey that has brought me here.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s so much to explore in America’s Finest City, but for me, it’s all about nature and those stunning ocean views. We’d start the day with breakfast at Caroline’s Seaside Café in La Jolla, where we can enjoy a peaceful morning overlooking the ocean. Afterwards, we’d take a walk along the shore toward the iconic Scripps Pier, snapping some photos along the way and soaking in the fresh ocean breeze.

Next, we’d head to Coronado Island to stroll along the beautiful Coronado Beach and check out the historic Hotel del Coronado. The Pacific views here are unparalleled, and the serene atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing day by the water. We’d continue the adventure by taking the ferry across San Diego Bay, where we’d walk along the harbor and visit Seaport Village before exploring the legendary USS Midway.

For a true highlight, we’d go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve. The view from the top is simply breathtaking! There’s nothing quite like standing above the cliffs, gazing out at the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of my favorite spots to reconnect with nature.

A visit to Balboa Park is a must. We’d explore its beautiful gardens and perhaps pop into a museum or two. Another essential stop is Old Town San Diego, where we’d walk into the historic sites and browse the local shops.

Of course, we can’t forget some seasonal favorites. In spring, we’d visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields to see the stunning blooms or go strawberry picking nearby. In the Fall, we’d head to Ramona for persimmon picking or take a day trip to Julian to enjoy a slice of their famous warm apple pie while taking a stroll in the small town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have played a part in my journey, but I’d especially like to thank the Small Business Planning Certificate Program at San Diego College of Continuing Education. The knowledge and guidance I received there were invaluable, but it was my instructor who truly left a lasting impact. When I was unsure if I had what it took to start a business, he didn’t hesitate to remind me that I already had the courage within me, pushing me to move forward and finally turn Layers & Tiers into a reality.

The unwavering love and support from my husband and kids can’t go unnoticed. They’ve been my greatest source of strength throughout this entire journey.
They’ve been my taste testers, my sounding board, and my biggest cheerleaders even through the late nights working on orders. And of course, my clients, many of whom were friends and family at the start, have been incredible. Their trust and encouragement helped me build this business from the ground up. I’m grateful for every step of this journey, knowing I didn’t do it alone.

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