Daneisha Simon shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Daneisha, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
The value and effort that goes into how we create custom cakes. Bakers are constantly compared to grocery store chains or associated with the word “cheap” and while I’ve learned to ignore the negativity, it’s still frustrating to witness. Small business owners, especially those that are still home-based, are always under some sort of microscope when it comes to value and pricing. It’s like just because you’re at home you’d better not have the audacity to charge anything more than a few dollars for whatever it is you create. But why not? Bakers spend a lot of time researching and practicing different techniques, ideas, ingredients, and everything else we need to create the cake of your dreams. Not to mention, we have a household to run and bills to pay like the next person. But because it’s “just cake”, we can’t charge a rate to support ourselves? I don’t argue with people, whether it be those that reach out and say “omg that’s too much” or those on social media that complain because I know my worth and so do my clients. Those that understand it’s not just cake that I provide, but an entire experience, don’t come to me with a condescending attitude because of a pre-concieved notion they got from social media. My clients know what they want in regards to quality, taste, and service, and they know and trust that I’ll deliver every single time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! I’m Daneisha, luxury cake artist and owner of Pastry Addict and Company. I create custom cakes and treats in Atlanta that taste as good as they look. I’ve been in business for over 10 years now and have enjoyed creating thousands of cakes and treats for my clients. While I offer a wide range of treats, like cupcakes, dessert shooters, chocolate berries and other small pieces, custom cakes are my specialty. I love to take inspiration from invitations, Pinterest boards and magazines to get a custom design that’s unique to my client’s personality and party vibes. Between my amazing customer service, delicious cakes, and show-stopping designs, I really can’t be touched in the cake game lol but seriously, this isn’t something that’s just a job for me or a way to make money. I take pride in my clients’ reactions to their desserts and truly appreciate every opportunity I’m blessed with to make someone’s event even sweeter.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My first time making 5 figures in a month in my business. I’ve always heard that being self employed means you have virtually no ceiling to your income, but really seeing it for myself in my own business did something to for me. It helped awaken I drive and motivation I honestly didn’t know I had and it was beautiful. That was one of the most proud moments I’ve had in my business because this is my baby, something I’ve worked really hard to build and excel.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
To keep going. We hear this phrase all the time, but I don’t think it really resonates with a lot of people until you’re put into the position of having to keep moving forward despite any obstacles you’re facing, negative emotions, nay sayers and anything else that would physically or mentally hold you back. Just like your biggest critic will always be you, your biggest supporter will always be you. No one can create the life you want better than you can, you just have to keep going.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Family. Nothing really motivates me more than providing for my children, giving my husband his flowers, and breaking generational curses for my children. I’ve never really been a money motivated person, although I do understand that money is how the world is ran, but I hold God and my family at the top of my priority list. This is truly what keeps me going every day, makes me excited to keep building my business and making a difference in my community. I can’t let them down.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When have you had to bet the company?
When I first quit my job and went full time entrpreneur. It was something that I dreamed about for the longest but when I finally did the numbers and realized I was consistently making the money to quit, all that was left for me to do was to do it. It was a little bittersweet to be honest because I really liked my job and work environment, but I knew long term that I wanted to be my own boss. Set my own hours. Vacation when I felt like it without having to ask for permission, aka request time off. I didn’t have this brand new idea that would skyrocket my business income to ensure I didn’t need to go back to a job, all I had was consistency and faith, and that was all I needed to bet on my business and turn it up a notch.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pastryaddictco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastryaddictco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastryaddictco
Image Credits
Craig Obrist Photography, Momo Lux Photo, Photos by W, Whiskey Hues
