Today we’d like to introduce you to Asia Dove.
Hi Asia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a young girl, I have fond memories of baking in the kitchen with my Nana. She would often say, “Honey, when life gives you lemons, make lemon cake.” Nana would bake to bring comfort to those experiencing difficulties in their lives. For decades, her cakes have been renowned for their ability to heal hearts and ease tensions with every slice.
Since the 1970s, our distinct delectable desserts have been meticulously hand-crafted and perfected to deliver an unforgettable experience. Each flavor is designed to evoke nostalgic memories of the homemade desserts we enjoyed as children. Our signature featured flavors include: Rambunctious Rum, Lick Your Lips Lemon, Mischievous Melt-In-Your-Mouth Marble, Forget Me Not Fudge, and Pineapple Passion cakes all of which are sure to “Pleasure Your Palate.”
Today, The Juicy Cake Company has an online presence and operates its operation via an e-commerce platform. Our efforts to partner with renowned spirit brands like Bacardi Rum are still a work in progress. Business aspirations include nationwide distribution in the dessert industry as well as local grocers. We frequent local farmer’s markets and participate in food festivals throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Got eggs? Like many others in the food industry, our brand has endured a plethora of challenges given the current financial crisis related to food costs. Desserts, while comforting during hardships, they are not a priority for consumers. Our company has seen a precipitous decline in sales over the last eighteen months.
Logistically, operating an e-commerce store in lieu of a brick and mortar is also challenging as inflating shipping costs, the punctuality/reliability of couriers, and packaging solutions are key factors that have an indelible customer impact. Some of our products are only offered seasonally due to the unpredictability of the delivery services. Limiting the availability of our fan favorite products [Chocolate Fudge Frenzy, Mischievous Marble, and Strawberry Forever] during summer months has proven to be a challenge. Creating flavors that our customers crave have both up and downsides because our base want their faves upon request. While some customers exercise flexibility in their taste buds and are willing to explore new flavors, others are more stringent and less willing to venture beyond what they adore. As a company, we pride ourselves in delivering a quality and visually appealing product to our customers. However, we are at the mercy of the couriers who have been donned to deliver our delicate and precious products and to handle each package with care.
Recent tariffs have also limited the availability of packaging resources at a reasonable cost. This added expense compromises the affordability of our dessert cakes which we ultimately pass on to our customers. In this heavily saturated market, the error of margin for pricing is de minimis. Affordability and profits often collide when establishing a brand and notoriety.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Asia Dove, hailing from the City of Champions (Inglewood, CA), I was raised by my grandmother and a host of great aunts who instilled in me the values of hard work, dedication, and spirituality. After an illustrious high school career, both academically and in sports, I pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the Historical Black College and University (HBCU) of Clark Atlanta University – a first for my family.
My thirst for learning led my to return to Los Angeles, where I earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Counseling and Child Welfare in 2005. My affinity for helping others sparked a 26-year career in educational support services, during which time I’ve spearheaded numerous initiatives in California, including dropout prevention and recovery, truancy abatement, attendance improvement, social-emotional learning and wellness, school improvement, and restorative disciplinary practices. I spent most of my distinguished career as an educator in the Los Angeles Unified school system until 2018, when I brought my talents back to the greater Atlanta area, where I served as a Student Support Specialist and advocate for students with unique learning and physical abilities. In 2022, I pursued my interests in the food industry and acquired a local famed breakfast and lunch restaurant in West Columbia, SC.
The motto of Clark Atlanta University, “I’ll Find a Way or Make One,” is a way of life for me. I have found success as a real estate investor, career coach, educator, and mother. Now, I am preparing to make my mark as a restaurateur and small business owner. In 2012, I launched my dessert cake brand, The Juicy Cake Company. While I have enjoyed some successes as the CEO of this brand, I aspire to build the company into a global dessert distribution company that will delight palates worldwide.
My most prideful moments come from witnessing the success of my students [past and present], my two college-aged children, and the growth of my businesses. I am a natural competitor and having my Rumbunctious Rum cake crowned as The Best in Atlanta at the Soul Food Fest [Black Wall Street Market, 2023] was definitely a defining moment because I beat out 26 other dessert cake brands,
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is measured by your level of perseverance and seeing your goals to fruition despite obstacles.
Pricing:
- Rum 12″ whole cake $35
- Whole 12″ Cakes $25
- Mini trio box $15
- Individual bundt minis $6
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juicycakecompany.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-dove-b2886341
Image Credits
Photographs courtesy of The Juicy Cake Company
