Meet Kimberly Strickland of Kimmiees Cake Kreations in Decatur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Strickland.

Kimberly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had this fascination with specialty cakes, I can remember going on a tour at The Art Institute with my best friend about fourteen years ago and we walked past the culinary section of the school and my eyes lit up. Something happened to me on that day and I was determined to make cakes.

I made my first cake for my niece and now looking back at it I can say it was not at all that great but it was still pretty good considering I had never taken a class or went to school for it, it just came naturally. It wasn’t long after that people were inquiring about my creations, they would always ask “have you made this before?” and the answer would always be no! I’m a firm believer in I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and so when they ask me to make something I deliver my best. I have since broaden my brand and Kimmiees Cake Kreations not only creates cakes but I create events as well! My slogan is “The ultimate cake experience” but not only just a cake experience but an ultimate experience!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not been smooth at all, in fact it has been downright hard and some days you just want to throw up hands and say I’m taking a break! I can remember working a full-time job at a hospital and I still had cake orders to fill throughout the week, how I did it only God knows. My coworkers would always ask me why was I working at the hospital, they always told me I didn’t belong there that cakes was my gifting. Of course, I knew it but it wasn’t easy to just pick up and leave, I needed money right and baking cakes wasn’t making enough at the time let’s just be honest. Well one day we received notice that our department at work was phasing out and guess what I was out of a job and forced to do what I have been called to do. Man, it was hard and still is but hey, that’s with any business it’s hard-working for yourself and it takes a lot of sacrifice and dedication but in the end it all pays off!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Kimmiees Cake Kreations is a bakery that specializes in creating cakes treats and events. When it comes our cakes and treats not only do they look good but taste good and I hear this from my customers all the time and that makes me proud. In this industry, it can be hard to have the best of both worlds when it comes to presentation and taste and I give my all to deliver both. We believe in creating a lasting impression on our customers! We will soon offer Kaking with Kimmie classes for children ages 3-16 and some for the adults in the near future.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very quiet and reserved but I was always so very creative. I was always somewhere drawing, singing or doing something science-related. Funny thing is I baked but not nearly as much I as do now, it’s funny how your interest can change over the years!