Conversations with Ashley Sessions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Sessions

Hi Ashley , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Sweet Sessions, formerly Creative Creations by Ashley, is the result of an unexpected but beautiful journey rooted in love, creativity, and family. Becoming an entrepreneur was never part of my original plan, but looking back, I see how life has a way of guiding you towards your true passion. Growing up, my mother was always into arts and crafts. While I didn’t participate much at the time, I was quietly watching, absorbing all the creativity that surrounded me without realizing it. Little did we know, I was developing a love for creating, and that love would eventually blossom into something much bigger.

It all started with a simple favor—my cousin asked me to help her make a diaper cake for a baby shower. We had so much fun decorating it that I took a few pictures and posted them on Facebook, not expecting anything to come of it. To my surprise, people began reaching out, asking me to make diaper cakes for them. That was my “aha” moment. I began transforming those cakes into elaborate creations, using blankets to mimic fondant and baby accessories as decoration. It hit me then just how much of my mother’s creativity had been passed down to me—I was unknowingly carrying on her artistic legacy in my own way.

I’ve always been captivated by cooking and baking shows, so when I saw an ad for cake decorating classes at Michaels, I thought, “Why not?” It was just a way to enhance my diaper cakes. But after each class, I’d post pictures, and soon people started asking if I could make real cakes. Me? Bake actual cakes? At first, it felt like a fun hobby, something I could do on the side while I kept my corporate job. But then, something unexpected happened—my mother revealed that my great-grandmother had also been a baker. That realization filled me with pride and made me feel deeply connected to the craft, as if baking was in my blood all along.

Even though my friends and family urged me to turn this into a full-time business, I hesitated. That is, until March 2023, when I lost my corporate job. At first, I wasn’t worried—I was sure I’d find something else quickly. But instead, life had other plans. Instead of landing another corporate role, I found myself diving headfirst into full-time entrepreneurship, turning my passion for baking into a thriving business. I also took the opportunity to launch Sessions Enterprises, a Business Consulting and Administrative Management company that allows me to help small businesses streamline their operations and grow.

Looking back, I realize that every challenge, every twist in the road, had a purpose. Losing my job pushed me into a path I might not have chosen on my own, but it has been the most fulfilling journey. I now have the freedom to express my creativity, carry on my family’s baking legacy, and be there for my mother during difficult times. Sweet Sessions is more than just cakes—it’s a reflection of love, family, and the unexpected ways life can lead you to your true calling. And for that, I am forever grateful.

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?
I truly wish I could say the journey has been a smooth one, but we all know it’s rarely that straightforward. The beginning was a bit of a rollercoaster as I navigated the intricate world of running a cake business. There were days filled with excitement and others that were downright daunting—figuring out how to price my cakes appropriately, understanding which costs to factor in, and finding the perfect packaging. Each of these hurdles felt like climbing a mountain, but each step brought me closer to my dream.

Mastering the art of cake stacking was another adventure! There were instances when cakes leaned unexpectedly or even slid during transport. Those moments were tough but also incredibly enlightening. They taught me to always pack extra icing and essential tools for those on-site touch-ups, transforming what could have been disasters into valuable lessons.

Beyond the technical side, I’ve had to lean on my corporate experiences to develop processes that keep both the front and back ends of the business running smoothly. The challenge of balancing the creative magic of cake-making with the practicality of managing a business was certainly a tough one. Yet, each mistake, each little mishap, became a stepping stone for growth and transformation. It’s this journey, with all its ups and downs, that has made me more resilient and passionate about what I do. Each challenge has not only shaped my skills but also deepened my love for creating beautiful, delicious cakes for you all!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Sweet Sessions, we’re not just a small custom cake and treat shop; we’re a passionate team dedicated to crafting unforgettable memories through our delicious creations. Each unique custom cake is a labor of love, whether you’re craving a rich, traditional layered cake like Caramel, German Chocolate, or our creamy White Chocolate masterpiece.

But our offerings don’t stop at cakes! Our delightful array of cupcakes, treats, and pound cakes—like Shirley’s Signature Pound Cake, our decadent Brown Sugar Caramel, and the luscious Peach Cobbler Pound Cake—are all made to bring joy to your celebrations. We’re especially thrilled about our newly launched Protein Desserts line! Our Protein Cookies are truly a game-changer, combining mouthwatering flavor without compromising health: just 150 calories, 16 grams of protein, 6 grams of sugar, 7 carbs, and 7 grams of fat. Who says you have to sacrifice taste for nutrition?

Beyond Sweet Sessions, I’m proud to have launched Sessions Enterprises, a business consulting and administrative service company. We’re here to partner with small businesses, tailoring our services to meet their unique needs. Our goal is to empower you to achieve your aspirations while easing the burden of daily tasks, all without the need for a full staff.

What truly sets us apart is the corporate expertise we bring to the table. We’re passionate about developing customized strategies that cut costs, boost efficiency, and pave the way for long-term success. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to delivering expert, value-added services that foster a customer-first culture, streamline processes, and elevate your overall business operations. Together, let’s create something incredible!

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Absolutely! What I’d really love to share with your readers is the heart behind both Sweet Sessions and Sessions Enterprises. Everything we do is fueled by passion—whether it’s crafting beautiful, custom cakes that turn moments into memories or helping small businesses thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

At Sweet Sessions, it’s not just about baking; it’s about putting love into every detail. From our signature pound cakes to our new protein desserts, the joy comes from seeing people light up when they taste our creations. There’s something magical about knowing that we get to be a small part of someone’s special day, whether it’s a birthday, a wedding, or just a “treat yourself” moment. And with our protein line, we’re so excited to show people that flavor and health can truly go hand in hand. You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other!

With Sessions Enterprises, my passion shifts to helping fellow entrepreneurs. I know firsthand how tough it can be to juggle everything on your own, especially when you’re just starting out or trying to grow. That’s why I love working with small businesses—because I get to bring all the lessons I’ve learned from the corporate world to help others succeed. Seeing a business thrive because we were able to provide some guidance or take tasks off their plate—it’s incredibly rewarding.

At the end of the day, both Sweet Sessions and Sessions Enterprises are about building connections. It’s about being there for people, whether they need a cake that will make their celebration unforgettable or expert support that helps their business flourish. And I’m so grateful for the chance to do what I love, day in and day out. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sessions-enterprises.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_sessionstreats
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SessionsEnterprises
• Other: https://bakesy.shop/b/swee-sessions