Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenyah Ferguson.
Kenyah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Upon graduating from Indiana State University in 2010, I moved to Atlanta to start my career at a marketing company I had interviewed with during Spring Break of my Senior year. I was so excited to start my new position. U-Haul packed and leaving all my friends and family behind, I moved to Atlanta the next morning after graduation.
I’ve always loved cake. I was that person that would buy a birthday cake from the grocery store and eat on it without any celebration in mind. With my new position, I had the weekends off, so I started trying out various recipes that I saw on the Food Network. That led to me bringing them into the office on Monday mornings for the staff to enjoy. This was just a hobby for me and it brought me joy. I got fulfillment seeing how my fellow colleagues enjoyed my baked goods every week to the point that I start taking on challenges. I would start to ask people to come up with non-traditional flavor combinations of cake and frostings for me to create.
This gave me a lot of confidence! I decided to take a Wilton class at the local Michaels store. I enjoyed the class but I noticed it was very basic for me, so I decided to start looking towards YouTube to broaden my creativity level. Then BOOM! Someone trusted me to do my first fondant cake for their baby shower and I was extremely nervous to say the least. Of course, I took it on because I like challenges and I’m competitive with myself. After that cake was success, the rest is history!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a self-taught baker since 2010 definitely has had its challenges but it’s molded me into the cake artist I am today. I wouldn’t take back any mishaps or setbacks because I wouldn’t be as solid and confident as I am now.
When it comes to this industry, you can have 30 years in the game and still have something happen to you that you’ve never seen before or ever dealt with. It’s an ongoing learning process. I try to look at every situation with “the cup is half full” mentality. There have been times where I estimated that I would be done with a cake at 8 pm, look up, and its 4 a.m. the next morning— I’m still working on it. That doesn’t stop me from taking the next order or taking on new challenges with cake designs that I’ve never attempted before. I just constantly get stronger!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Kake Factory Atlanta specializes in custom cakes and treats for all occasions. I’m known for cakes that look too pretty to eat! I take pride in presentation and YES, it tastes amazing too.
What were you like growing up?
If any of my family members would describe how I was growing up, they would probably say I was always a hustler. I was always trying to sell something. Whether it was something that I made myself or something that I purchased and resold, I was always down for making my own money.
People think I’m funny but most of the time, I’m not trying. I’m quick on my feet with my responses which sometimes catches people off-guard. I like to stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.
I have always been interested in and enjoy bowling, sewing, word puzzles, game nights with friends and of course, EATING CAKE! If I had to pick a favorite flavor cake, it would definitely be banana with cream cheese frosting.
Contact Info:
- Address: Lithonia, Ga 30058
- Website: www.thekakefactoryatlanta.com
- Phone: 219-713-1447
- Email: thekakefactoryatlanta@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekakefactoryatlanta/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekakefactoryatlanta/
- Other: https://www.essence.com/articles/bridal-bliss-we-loved-maurice-and-ebones-beautiful-black-tie-wedding-vibes/
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