Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Fowler.
Derrick, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always had a passion for great tasting cakes and cheesecakes. After experimenting with different flavors and making my first cheesecake I knew this is what I wanted to do. The first 2 original products on the menu back in 2005 were Strawberry Daiquiri cake and Sweet Potato Cheesecake.
Today they are still on the menu. After a nearly fatal car accident in 2008 on Super Bowl Sunday I was able to with some funds from my settlement in 2009, able to attend Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta and graduated Cum Laude in the 2010 class with a Certificate in Baking and Pastry and is Serve Safe Certified.
The goal is to eventually have my own storefront and make the most unique flavored cakes, cheesecakes, dessert breads, bars, etc. that everyone can enjoy. Long-term would have the bakery expand to also offer an event space for rental as well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The food industry is a tough one to make money in especially if you don’t put forth the effort to grow. My challenges over the years is to have consistent repeat business from clients on a monthly basis for continual growth. However, over the last 2 years I have been being a vendor to a lot of networking events and from there I have been getting a nice stream of new clients and more exposure to who I am and what I offer. The biggest struggle has been to build a team with similar interest and raise capital for the storefront.
Please tell us about Derrick’s Cake Delights.
Derrick’s Cake Delights specializes in alcohol-infused cakes along with a variety of cheesecakes, dessert breads and soon to offer a variety of bars and cookies to the mix. I make all sizes of cakes that tend to use either a Swiss Butter Cream Icing or a Cream Chess Icing that can be flavored in many ways. I also make a Crème Chantilly Icing that works great on Strawberry Shortcakes.
I am more known for my unique flavors that tend to come from great TV shows such as Scandal and Empire to my Diva series which are half cake and cheesecake. I also believe in giving you a true layer which means the layer that comes out of the pan is a layer for me. This applies to my cakes from 6 inches to as large as 12 inches. I am most proud of some of the connections I have made with some phenomenal people that have giving me guidance and support over the last several years.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over I guess I would put more focus on improving my skills earlier and staying with all the techniques I was taught. It is somewhat true that either you use it or you lose it. One of my mottos is Focus To Finish. This is something I need to strive more towards to achieve the final goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: Derrick’s Cake Delights
- Phone: 404-295-5958
- Email: derrickscakedelights@gmail.com
- Instagram: Derricks Cake Delights
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Derricks-Cake-Delights
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
