We had the good fortune of connecting with Paula Kramer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paula, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I could be in the minority, but I think going into any business is taking a risk. No matter how prepared I feel for new projects there are always surprises. Samantha and I felt so prepared when we took over Baguette Magic in November of 2019. With COVID shutdowns just months later, to say it was a roller coaster would be an understatement.

My perspective is that I would rather take risks and fail than not to have tried at all. Believe me when I say I have had some fails! Looking back though, those fails have truly helped shape the way we run our businesses.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting here hasn’t been easy. I had no idea I would be here today and if even possible less of an idea of how hard it all would be. SO many highs and lows on this adventure. This industry is not for the faint of heart. I’ve survived through community, The strength of my incredible friends and support system, my incredible partner in both life and our new restaurant Kultura Charleston, who has picked me up off the couch and wiped my tears many times throughout the years. Having my sister as a business partner in Baguette Magic has been a challenge at times, but she is truly my biggest supporter and I am forever grateful for her patience and also confidence in me.

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?
Oh this is my favorite question! I love giving guests recommendations for their trips. We would do do a restaurant jaunt of Friday of all my favorites. Estadio, Chasing Sage, Chubby Fish, Verns, Kultura, Renzo, ending at Dalilas for cocktails. In the morning off to Baguette Magic we go for breakfast and Coffee! Then we would head to Folly Beach or out on the boat with snacks in tow! I love the grab & go section at Cuda Co also Publix fried chicken is the essential lunch. Afterwards we are heading back to the peninsula for Edmund’s East Brewing Power Hour from 4-5. An evening bike ride around James Island down Ft Johnson road and wading across the creek for the sunset. Then we head over to Kwei Fei for dinner and a night cap at Bar George. Sunday starts with a stroll on Sullivans where I spent the first five years on my life, with some essential exploring of Fort Moultrie and brunch at Sullivans.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so so many people I have to thank for where I am today. Currie McCullough is the entire reason we have Baguette Magic. As well as the Kultura Charleston location at 73 Spring Street. She has been one of my biggest sounding boards, cheerleaders, supporters & mentors. During the COVID shutdown we reached out to local vendors to deliver their items and so began our relationship with the Bertolinis. Owners of Bertolini Pasta company, Brian and Danielle have been the greatest supporters we could ever ask for. From mentorship and help with bookkeeping, equipment breakdowns, business advice, honestly there is nothing they don’t do for us. They are even our landlords in our production & retail location in West Ashley. I am not sure I will ever be able to truly thank them for everything they do for us, but I can promise you we wouldn’t be here today without them and we are so much better for it! Also, Frank also known affectionately as our fairy god father. Frank came into our business not once but twice and taught us more about baking in less time than we ever thought possible. He is truly responsible for the basis of our pastry and bread programs today. He always knew just how far to push us into success and new fun experiences. I will always look back on my midnight bakes alongside Frank with the most fondness.

I would also be remiss to go without thanking our incredible team members over the year. Each of you has taught me so much over the years and we would be nothing without them. Growing so much over the course of four years has been difficult, Our longest standing employee, Sam is truly the rock of the business. Her role has evolved so much over the years and I don’t know what I would do without her by our side. We have the most incredible team these days and I am so excited to see how we can grow and continue to challenge ourselves in the future.

Website: www.baguettemagic.com www.kulturacharleston.com www.chiledulcehotsauce.com

Instagram: @paulaannekramer @baguettemagic @kulturacharleston @chiledulcehotsauce

Facebook: @baguettemagicchs

Image Credits
391,392,393,394 all photographed by Ruta Smith

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.