Conversations with the Inspiring Sasha Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Smith.

Sasha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I never thought in a million years that I would be in the kitchen baking. Maybe some brownies and cookies here and there, but not cake pops! One of my good friends brought cake pops to work one day and no one knew what they were. There was one thing I was sure about, they were delicious and I kept going back for more! I asked my friend to make some for my house warming because they were so good and I thought they would look really nice on my sweets table. Let me tell you, they were a huge hit!

I wanted to learn how to make them for myself so I could have them when I wanted them – yes, I’m greedy. My friend explained how she made them and I also watched a few YouTube videos. I let my curiosity get the best of me and I attempted to make cake pops for my nephew’s birthday. On that day, I swore that would be my first and last time making cake pops. I had no idea how tedious and challenging it could be to make bite sized cake balls on a stick. Nonetheless, I completed the task and they turned out better than I expected. The kids and parents loved them and most importantly, my nephew loved them!

From that event, I started to receive requests from people who attended the party. Then, they were telling their friends and pretty soon I was being contacted by random people. My family and friends encouraged me to start my own business and with me being the risk-taker that I am, I actually did it! My 7-year-old niece at the time chose the name Sweetie Pops and I went with it. Everything came to fruition this year and who would have thought that cake popping would turn into my passion.

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?
The road has not been smooth at all. Some of my struggles were time management and consistency. Every order is different, so there are times when everything is smooth sailing and my cake pops come together nicely. Then, there are times when I have technical issues with the product and I have to problem-solve to get the desired results. Some of those issues can be a major set back and you can easily spend hours working on an order. I have had a lot of sleepless nights because I refuse to let any obstacle defeat me. My cake pops have to be perfect for my customers, so giving up is not an option. Now, I prep and plan to make good use of my time, which also allows room for error if I have issues with the product.

There will be a lot of trial and error in the beginning until you can figure out what works best for you. Remember, consistency is key! My advice would be to keep pushing and never give up. There will be times when you will feel like you are your only supporter and that’s okay! Continue to master your craft and promote your business. Your determination and tenacious spirit will allow you to cross paths with the right people to help reach your goals. By this time next year, you could be sharing your story like me!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Sweetie Pops story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a “Cake Popper”, which is a title we refer to in the cake pop community. I specialize in cake pops and I am known for making some of the best cake pops in town! I also enjoy making other custom treats, so stay tuned!

Every time I receive an order I am so thankful. I am thankful that I get to share my craft with someone to help make their occasion or event a little more special. Providing a product that not only looks good but also tastes good along with service that inspires, definitely is a rewarding feeling.

One day, I made unicorn cake pops for a 5th-grade class and a random little girl ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug. I was a little puzzled at first, but I immediately embraced her. As I hugged her back, she looked up and said, “Thank you so much for the cake pops! You’re like a celebrity!” Maybe she recognized the Sweetie Pops logo on my shirt, but that was one of the sweetest compliments I have ever received to date. At that moment, I knew there was no one that could do what I do like I do it! Everything I do is with love, sincerity, transparency, and faith. I never knew I had such talent, so what I do is definitely a gift from God and I get to share it with the world!

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I am an optimist, so I think the opportunities for women are limitless. Icons like Amelia Earhart, Clara Barton, and Rosa Parks (just to name a few) are a testament to anything is possible. They helped pave the way for us and it is because of their courageous souls that we have modern-day icons like Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton (just to name a few). We have the opportunity to run for president, we have the opportunity to become a billionaire and change lives, and we have the opportunity to be a positive role model and show others the importance of family values. The opportunities are there, you have to be willing to take it.

I think women are starting to dominate the entrepreneurial market and it’s amazing! Anything a man can do, a woman can do as well and can probably do it better. I cannot put a cap on what women can do or pinpoint opportunities that are more suited for women. Look at Cardi B, she has broken barriers in Hip Hop, which is known to be a man’s world. Cardi B has a rags to riches story just like any other male artist and she continues to precede a lot of great male artists when it comes to her success. Cardi B’s story is truly inspiring to a lot of women and she has proven that platforms such as social media can help gain exposure and supporters. All it takes is that one viewer that truly wants to help take you to the next level.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 770-231-5385
• Email: sweetiepopscakepops@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetiepops_/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetiePopsCakePops/

Image Credit:
Personal photo credit-www.gavinthekreator.com

Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.