Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Luttrell.
Lisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For as long as I can remember, my passion has been baking, and I demonstrate my love by feeding people. Growing up watching my grandmother bake, I always loved the response she received from others when they tried her yummy treats. I think this influence, and maybe a little inherited talent, led me to where I am today! In 8th grade, an EF4 tornado hit the high school in my small town, killing nine people, including eight students. Rachel Ray came to Alabama to provide the food at prom that year, and while my family and I were eating dinner, she walked into the restaurant, entourage in tow. As far as I could tell, no one else even noticed, but at that time, I religiously watched her show after school and recognized her immediately. We lived just behind the restaurant, and on the way home, I told my mom I wanted to make her some mini pound cakes, and for some reason, my mom agreed to the request, and we raced home so I could quickly whip up my batter because even ‘mini’ pound cakes take 30 minutes to bake. 😉 We made it back to the restaurant as they were leaving, and I tearfully gave her the cakes I had prepared; she was so gracious and the most lovely person. That interaction made me even more excited to pursue my passion and keep loving people through their bellies. Summer before sophomore year, I traveled to the United Kingdom as a Student Ambassador with my high school. To raise money for the trip, I spent my summer break baking goodies and selling them at local car dealerships and medical offices, already a little entrepreneur of sorts. These are some of the memories that come to mind when I think about how I got where I am today.
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?
For me, it has been a pretty smooth road, not easy but not rough. I am always a hard worker, but when building your brand, getting up at 4 am and working LONG days on your feet is much more satisfying. I saw something recently that said, “I gave up working 8 hrs a day for someone else to work 24 hrs a day for myself”, and that is entrepreneurship. You work until the job is done, and then you work to find more jobs, it’s a cycle, and that’s the challenge. I also have a tremendous support system made up of the most loving & supportive friends and family, which always helps!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a cottage bakery, started in 2020 and located in Atlanta, GA. At Honey Blossom, we make ‘small-batch, from scratch’ treats specializing in cakes, cookies, donuts, sweet buns, and more! We love to make traditional southern desserts, and I’m proud to share my roots and family recipes with others.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I do not have a mentor, so I can’t speak to the latter part of the question, but I think having a mentor is essential. If you have someone who has been where you are and can speak from a reference of experience, they can provide invaluable insights. Mentors can also help hold you accountable because they know the time and effort you have to pour into your work for it to flourish. As I make more connections in Atlanta, I hope to find a mentor.
Contact Info:
- Website: honeyblossomatl.com
- Instagram: @honeyblossomatl
