Inspiring Lives with " Pretty Baked and Kakes CEO " For Fashion Gxd Magazine
Written By : Samantha Cee
This week we sat down for the exclusive interview with Georgia's growing business ..Pretty Baked & Kakes is a catering company near Atlanta, georgia. Pretty Baked & Kakes is specializing in cuisines from around the world, and mouth watering, deliciously beautiful desserts. Take a look at the sweet peaches sweetest new catering business .
Instagram @prettybakedconfections. Facebook @prettybakedconfections
Pretty Baked and Kakes
with CEO LaKisha VanHorne
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How did the idea for your business come about?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): Well, I've always been interested in cooking. Watching and being in the kitchen with my grandmother and aunts. But I started my business as a way to supplement income. I was working at a salon when I first moved to Georgia and wasn't making the money promised so I started baking and selling my cupcakes to the clients that came in.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): As of now, it's just me. I do everything. However, I have an amazing support system with my family and friends back home who promote and support my business and goals.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What three pieces of advice would you give to other children who want to become entrepreneurs?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): I would say, first, have a plan. When I started I didn't. So it's not been easy. Second, do your research on competitors in your field, like what are they offering and how you could stand out. Third, JUMP, go all in and don't look back. Don't let anyone discourage you.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): Honestly, I wish I would have known this was what I wanted to do sooner. But I really wouldn't change much. For me it's all about experience. I believe, I would have started if I wasn't at a job I didn't like.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur ?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO):: I would say Focus, Resiliency, and Self-reliance. There is a lot of help out there for entrepreneurs, you just have to be resourceful enough to depend on yourself.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): I would say, not really having a plan when I started and was just playing things by ear. Also, I partnered with Groupon and while it brought in business, I was working super hard for really no profit. I'm a small home based business with not much space so trying to fill those ordered was extremely difficult. From those things I've learned that you really do need a plan to follow or you'll just be all over the place. Also, NEVER shortchanged yourself or your skills. Charge what you feel you're worth and add tax.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How many hours do you work a day on average?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): I'm usually working 12-16 hour days. That's not all spent cooking/baking. I have to market my business, shop for supplies..basically how to keep and grow my business.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :Describe/outline your typical day?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): Business for me starts at 7am. Checking emails for upcoming orders, marketing the business to gain more clientele. If I have orders, I begin to prep and/or finish my orders for delivery. Once all is done, it's back to marketing.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Pretty Baked kakes (CEO): Being an entrepreneur and growing a business, doesn't leave lots of time for fun family outings but I try to have my son involved as much as possible. By doing so, I get to spend quality time and he has actually learned to cook and bake himself.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What motivates you?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): My son, my family and friends motivate me. They are my rock, they push me to be better and challenge myself.
Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you generate new ideas?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): I turn to family and friends. Talking with them and tossing around ideas that I may have or getting input and ideas from them.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): I feel like I'm still working on being successful, lol. However, I don't feel like it's sacrifice when it's something you love.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
Pretty Baked Kakes (CEO): In 10 years I'd like to have 2 catering/delivery locations. First one being here in the Atlanta area. The second one I'd like to have in the DMV area. 20 years, hopefully my son Tion will be running the business and I'd like to be retired living on someone's island!!
