Conversations with Justina James

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justina James.

Hi Justina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with Busy Bee’s Cake Pops started when I worked as a Paraprofessional at B.C. Haynie Elementary School in Morrow, Georgia. I was helping my friend, Tracy Tyler, who was a 2nd Grade Teacher at the time, with a Social Club for girls in the school. We needed to do a fundraiser for their Winter Talent Showcase and I didn’t want to pay too much to a vendor and lose potential for a substantial profit. I decided to buy a popcorn machine and a cake pop maker. We practiced on making them the weekend before the event, and with practice, everything came out great and we turned a good profit for the club. We were able to do a lot of activities for the girls that school year.

I kept using the products towards creating a business for myself. I have a lot of friends and family members who host gatherings and events, so my clientele grew quickly from support of everyone around me. My menu expanded over the years and I’m excited to continue growing daily!

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 has not been a smooth road. 😂 I’ve learned more time management skills with more orders I bring in, but as I grow, the demand for orders suffocates my normal work schedule and tasks I have from tutoring on the side, with my other business Learning with Busy Bee, and being a full-time Special Education Teacher.

I still graciously make time for orders because they give me peace, relaxation and allow me space to exercise creativity. Operating my business has become something I need to do on a weekly basis for balance. Even when I don’t have orders, I find something to practice decorating or learn how to create a new product. It’s always someone’s birthday and I like to give gifts! 😁

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a full-time Special Education Teacher. I enjoy working with Middle School Scholars. I tutor in my other business, Learning with Busy Bee. Currently, I specialize in teaching and making treats.

I have a business dedicated to my love my finances named Money with Busy Bee, I offer Budget Planning Sessions.

I play the clarinet. I specialize in many things, but if I could do one thing for the rest of my life and earn money from it, I would pick performing in a Marching Band. Grambling State University Marching Band, to be specific. lol

I’m known for my range of talents. I’m most proud of my ability to turn all of my skills into monetary value.

My versatility and ability to change my lifestyle quickly sets me apart from others.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
“Busy Bee” is actually my nickname from childhood, given by my Great-Aunt Mildred. Anytime I would go to my Grandmother’s house, I would go in every room searching for anything new or different from the last time I’d visited. I was around my Grandmother so much that I believed I was supposed to know about everything that involved her. My Aunt Mildred would visit and always see me searching and would yell for me to “stop meddling in her things!” I’d stop, but then I’d find something else to do. I didn’t like to watch tv-still don’t as an adult. She always wanted me to sit down, but I was everywhere. Lol.

Every logo for each of my businesses features a different hairstyle I’ve had at that point in life.

Pricing:

• Cake Pops are currently $1.50 each.
• Candy Apples are currently $3 each.
• Pretzel Rods are currently $1.50 each.
• Rice Krispy Treats are currently $1.50 each.
• Strawberries are currently $2 each.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://busybeescakepops.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BusyBeesCakePops/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BusyBeesCakepops/