Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylani Kennedy.
Hi Kaylani, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a 13 years old baker originally from the south suburbs of Chicago but have been living in the Smyrna/Marietta area since 2015. I started baking when I was seven years old, by watching and assisting my late grandmother Artice in the kitchen. She loved to bake and enjoyed showing me different things in the kitchen, I officially started my business last summer in 2021 baking cookies and making chocolate-covered strawberries. This February of 2022, I launched my kake jars and they have done very well. I’ve sold over 550 jars since my launch only baking on the weekends due to school.
I am most known for my kake jars! What sets me apart from others is that I don’t use the traditional buttercream or cream cheese icing in my jars. They are kept refrigerated and are a cool treat, especially on hot days. My grandmother’s recipe has always been different and admired by everyone who tried it. I am most proud that I was able to master the recipe and continue to share it with everyone! I look forward to offering more flavors and decorative kakes in the future as I expand my brand.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My challenges so far include having to balance middle school and baking. My mom only lets me bake on the weekends and try’s to limit my orders so that I can balance school and soccer. Since my orders have increased, I have had the obstacle of finding a commercial kitchen to use occasionally, just to accommodate the increased volume of orders and for when I do vending events.
I haven’t taken many risks yet since I’m only 13. Lol But I guess my first risk taking example would be when I did my first vending event in April. I spent a lot of time baking and preparing my jars and I wasn’t sure how people would respond to my kake jars, even though I had already sold over 200 jars from website sales. I made 143 jars total and sold out at the event! I was confident that once people tried them, they would love them, and I kept my faith in God that it would be a success.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kaylani Kakes LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I currently offer three different kake jars. Artice Jar (named after my grandmother and her recipe), Kookies N Kreme Kake Jar and Banana Pudding Jar. I also offer chocolate-covered strawberries and oreos. The banana pudding and Artice kake come in a sheet pan size as well. I plan to add more flavors and treats this summer since school will be out.
Contact Info:
- Email: orders@kaylanikakes.com
- Website: www.kaylanikakes.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaylanikakes
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaylanikakes
- Other: www.tiktok.com/kaylanikakes
Image Credits:
Personal photo credit: Esha Media Production Additional photos: phone
