Today we’d like to introduce you to Desmond Pringle.
My initial introduction to baking was spending summers at my grandparent’s home when school was out for the year. While my grandmother had chores for me to do around the house, we often did baking activities together including breads, cakes, pies, etc. I gained an appreciation for creating things and seeing how such creations brought joy to people. While my grandmother provided me with my baking prowess, my mother aided in my creativity. My mother spent many weekends decorating our home and was always looking for creative ways to make the home inviting for family and friends. My mother always had a beautiful way of expressing design and seeing this helped me to do the same with my baking art. Fast forward to now, I use the skills learned from my mother and grandmother to provide my clients and customers with delicious, beautifully presented cakes and desserts that have their guests, friends, and family talking about the creations long after the event has ended.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but it’s been a rewarding one. One of the struggles when starting out was to find the right mix and product offerings for my business. What I mean by this is baking is so vast; do I really need to create what someone brings to me? Just for the sake of generating income? In the beginning, I did those things but learned in time that I don’t have to be all things to all people and that I can specialize in the key things I’m most passionate about. Second, financial! Numbers don’t lie and when starting out, I loved my art more than the numbers but the numbers proved to be invaluable especially when you look at your account and there is only change lol. As much as I’m a creative I had to learn to look at the numbers and for this reason, I’ve been going strong for 14 years even with pitfalls I’ve learned to pivot and I know even greater is coming when I take an honest inventory of myself and my business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a pastry chef by profession. I graduated from the International culinary school at the Art Institute of Atlanta. I run a bespoke artisan baking called Gardenia’s Custom Cakes & Catering, LLC specializing in custom wedding and celebration cakes as well stationary and live dessert bars and interactive dessert experiences. I’m most known for my over-the-top wedding cakes. Most people think that my cakes are not real. While funny, they are very much real and I take great care and time to ensure that I provide my clients with the most amazing and delicious cake and dessert experience.
I’m most proud of the fact that as a black man in an industry dominated by women, I’ve been able to carve out a niche in this area and have been quite successful. Am I a millionaire, No, well not yet lol; but I know what I do now will shape my future and it is my desire to share this passion with others.
What sets me apart from others is that I truly believe that taste trumps presentation. While I am an artist at heart, the beauty is only the bonus and it’s the contents of the creations that gain repeat business. While people eat with their eyes first, it’s always the tastes that ensure one’s longevity in the cake business. Im not dismissing the aesthetics but I believe if you spend time on the core of your business, everything else falls into place. While the look is your hook, it’s what’s on the inside literally that makes a world of difference.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for anyone in this industry who is seeking a mentor is to reach out to someone you respect in the industry and first ask them will they be willing to answer questions you may have just to gain insight. Mentoring someone can be hard and challenging and while one may think it’s simple, it is not. A mentor carries great weight and many honestly don’t have the time to dedicate and this is why I say ask questions first when reaching out to a potential mentor just to establish rapport. Keep the lines of communication open and be very thoughtful with what you ask. But in all things before you ask any questions research first because you’ll find out a lot when to take ownership for what you’re desiring to have.
When networking, I say be open and honest with those in the industry you’re looking to get into. Start with a true self-evaluation of yourself and map out what you desire and eat the elephant one bite at a time. Our eyes are bigger than our stomachs and we try to ingest and digest too much too fast instead of enjoying the journey. Always treat people with courtesy and respect because those you network with can be your greatest assists and advocates.
Since I treat each customer and client with respect, it gives them the confidence to know that they’ve made the right decision. Respect is key in any relationship and it’s the respect that gives you credibility and the admiration of those who can help further your career.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gardeniascustomcakes.com
- Instagram: GardeniasCC
- Facebook: Gardenia’s Custom Cakes & Catering, LLC
