Today we’d like to introduce you to Shontel Kealoha.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shontel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2012, for my 38th birthday, a friend of mine made cake pops for me. I thought it was such a cool concept that I wanted to learn how to make them for myself. I was completely obsessed, I literally made cake pops every weekend for a month straight. I thought of cakes and flavors that I loved and would put different recipes together to make it my own. I would take them to work passing them out asking for genuine feedback. One of my coworkers suggested that I start selling them. I thought she was crazy for suggesting it. I asked who is going to buy these? She said I will be your first customer. I chuckled and said looks like I’m in business, Pop Starz Atl was born.
This is not something I saw coming. I’ve always loved to cook, still, do. I baked cookies every Christmas as a child, but never got into baking cakes or anything like that. The fact that I am on this path is truly amazing. It wasn’t an overnight sensation but gradually grew. I still had a full-time job when I started making cake pops. I took it day by day. I didn’t push for business, but I didn’t shy away from it either. Along the way, while I was trying to decide what I wanted to do I would go to baking conventions and expos. Take classes and just learn whatever was interesting to me. There was no pressure just having some fun. I was preparing for what was to come because deep down I knew what I wanted to do, I was too scared to take the plunge at the time.
In 2016, while working from home from a job I really hated, I decided I wanted to take what I tried to convince myself was a hobby into a legit business. Fear wouldn’t allow me to just quit my job. I questioned myself over and over asking would this be a smart move. BUT when I thought about the endless support I had or about how I had ordered every month over the years no matter how big or small without even trying hard. How could I not seriously give it a try? At that time, I knew I wouldn’t quit my job right then, however, I believed that when the time was right everything would fall into place. Two years later I got laid off from my job. A definite blessing and confirmation of what I needed to do. What I know for sure is working full time AND trying to grow a small business just doesn’t work for the long haul.
Here we are in 2019 with all my licensing to be a home baker in place, officially launching my business and website. I couldn’t be prouder of where I am.
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?
I’ve been making cake pops for so many years, situations that could have been considered struggles weren’t at the time because I had a job and steady income. I purchased a lot of my supplies and tools over the years with said job. Now that I don’t have that security, doubt started to creep in. Although I didn’t have to make the decision to quit my job, a major challenge was not letting fear make me look for another job for the comfort of having a steady paycheck. I started asking myself all kind of questions. What happens next? Will I be successful? How do I build my business? How do I get more customers? I don’t think there’s a perfect path to the building. There will always be questions, concerns, financial woes or a problem that needs to be solved. I will not at like it’s not scary to do this, or that I don’t worry. Of course, I do! I think it would be a little weird if I didn’t. It’s going to be uncomfortable, and I MUST be okay with that. Scared money doesn’t make money! I believe in what I’m doing. My support system believes in me and is beyond amazing. I honestly don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have them. I am a fighter, I will overcome anything that comes my way.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a licensed home baker, permitted through the GA Department of Agriculture. I primarily make cake pops. I do offer other delicious confections such as toffee, chocolate covered strawberries, Oreos & pretzels just to name a few. I have something for everyone. While I do make treats that are kid-friendly, my focus is for the adult palette. I have several cake pop flavors that are infused with liquor as well as strawberries
I’m known for creating flavor magic. I make more than simple flavors like vanilla, strawberry or chocolate. I have flavors such as Dulce de Leche which a caramel based cake pop, Almond Roca which is chocolate with toffee and almonds. My newest flavor is Maple Bacon and that is like breakfast on a stick. I’m sure that is my new favorite!
I’m most proud of the products I sell and the loyal following that I have. I pride myself on customer service, being responsive in a timely manner. I treat everyone how I want to be treated as a consumer.
What sets me apart from others is that I genuinely create with love in my heart. If I am not having a good day, or if I’m not feeling great I will NOT make anything. Every time I step into the kitchen to work on an order I’m happy. I always listen to music or comedy while working. Can’t be anything but happy when you’re singing songs or laughing. I truly believe people can ‘taste the love’ in every single bite.
What was you like growing up?
I was inquisitive and persistent. If something piqued my interest I had to know how it worked. Or how to do it. I wouldn’t stop until I figured it out. I had a huge personality then and now. I was well liked amongst my peers. I think it was because I was open to people, in general. I didn’t follow the masses or just hang with the cool kids. If you were a good person and made me laugh, then you were alright in my book. I was also the “mother” of my friends. Very protective, loving and affectionate. I greet with hugs. I was a tomboy, a cheerleader, and an avid reader. I have sung in church and high school choir. Played the clarinet for five years. Two things that were most important to me growing up. Music and cooking. Funny how some things never change. I had no filter and pretty much said what I was thinking. My teachers knew not to ask me any questions if they didn’t really want an honest answer. One of my high school math teachers said that to another teacher. Hey…. that is just a part of my charm. Honesty is the best policy, right?
I remember the first thing I cooked at age seven. It wasn’t cake, it was scrambled eggs with hot dogs. I’m chuckling as I say it. I don’t know if it was good, but my parents acted like it was LOL!!! They encouraged me to continue being in the kitchen. Such a small gesture, but I think that planted a seed and gave me the confidence to do what I love without knowing what my journey was going to be.
In junior high, we took a personality test to give us an idea of what career path we would follow. Mine was a creative path. Which would absolutely explain why I never felt fulfilled in any job I have ever had.
All these years later, I am finally getting to be creative and do what I love. I couldn’t be happier!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.popstarzatl.com
- Phone: 678-829-7794
- Email: info@popstarzatl.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/popstarzatl
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/popstarzatl
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/popstarzatl
Image Credit:
Professional photos by Gerren Clark of Gerren Keith Photography, Video stills by Joshua Baker of Joshua J Baker Productions
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