Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia Howard.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey into baking/decorating began a few years after graduating from then Macon State College (currently Middle Ga State University) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Sometimes working 12-hour shifts three-five days a week would be stressful and I needed a way to de-stress, so I turned to decorating cakes. Don’t get me wrong, I love respiratory and helping people to breathe but now I’m enjoying helping to make people’s “sweet” dreams come true. Who knew I would be where I am today and that it all started when I began making cakes for my children back in 2011? Creating new and exciting cake designs was so much fun and after receiving requests from family and friends, I decided to start my own business, and in 2014 Felicia’s Cake Factory was born.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been an easy journey. I had to learn how to balance being a wife, mother, business owner and friend. I did not have any knowledge in managing a business so it forced me to do some research. Going from certain income to uncertain income was very difficult for me in the beginning. Also, challenged with finding reliable staff, I found myself wanting to throw in the towel and go back to doing respiratory full-time because being my own boss was hard. On top of all that, COVID-19 hit…ugghhh. A lot of our money-making events were cancelled and I had no idea what to expect. I would pray and ask God for a sign of how I should proceed. We were at a point where either we learned to pivot our business or fail. At the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, we took two weeks off to re-group and came back with online ordering and curb-side pickups. Customers continue to contact us for custom orders for their weddings and/or special events and they continue to purchase our products online. That is God, no question about it.
Felicia’s Cake Factory – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Felicia’s Cake Factory specializes in custom cakes and treats for all occasions such as weddings, birthday celebrations, corporate events, and more. Customers can also visit our storefront and purchase items, such as cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, petit fours, and other mini desserts. It warms my heart when our customers call, send me a text or email saying we made their event special and that their guests actually ate the cake/treats and enjoyed it, lol. Creating cakes/treats that not only look exquisite but taste truly scrumptious sets us apart from others.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is being able to do what you love and still maintain balance with life. For me, creating my own business meant I wanted some type of freedom, whether from a 9-5 job, 12-hour shift, or ability to attend my kids and family’s activities. I’m now able to set my own hours and still fill a need within my community.
Contact Info:
- Address: 365 3rd St Macon, GA 31201
- Website: www.feliciacakefactory.com
- Phone: 478-703-5020
- Email: info@feliciacakefactory.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feliciacakefactory
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feliciacakefactory
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