“Cake decorating literally saved my life,” explains Cake Diva, Porsha Kimble when sharing her cake journey. The Cake Diva has been able to create a superior cake making home business by implementing the tactics she learned from her prior background in sales.
Now, she travels the U.S. sharing her story and teaching other home bakers how to price, decorate and master the business aspect of running a home-based business. She also speaks on how to increase business and achieve much needed work/life balance as an entrepreneur.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Both of my parents own their own businesses separately and to see them both be able to do what they wanted, when they wanted, was inspirational.
Tell us about your business.
I am a home baker and make custom design cakes for all occasions.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I am hosting a cake retreat in Dallas called the “Brown Sugar Cake Retreat” which is the first multicultural cake retreat covering all aspects of desserts and business.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Food Network on Cake Wars as runner up in 2nd place
- Featured in Cake Central
- Featured in Southern Dallas Living & Business Magazine
Where is your business based?
Dallas, Texas.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
The first steps I took was advertising on Facebook when it first came out. I was free advertising.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Promoting on social media.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenge is having people realize my work has not come from a bakery. And being okay with getting a cake from a “home baker”.
How did you overcome these challenges?
By producing good work and having it professionally photographed.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I remember what it was like when I was waiting for orders to come in. That helps to remind me how I’ve overcome difficult time and can keep going.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I honestly do not look pay attention to what other people in my area are producing. I have a distinguished style and I don’t see a need to look and compare. I’m my own biggest competitor!
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I have received is that a business name being tied to another business name can harm you more than help you.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
To be patient and find a style that works for you. How it is okay to be out of the box with your designs, as long as you are confident in it and stand by your work.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
My hands and my imagination.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Book of Boundaries”.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am learning that no matter where I travel to in order to teach others how to make money baking, is that one thing we all have in common is the LOVE we have for the cakes and desserts we are all making!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals are to reach as many “home bakers” on my cake tour as possible! Making sure they get their worth and knowing their worth for their work and products.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @yourcakediva
Twitter @yourcakediva
Facebook www.facebook.com/yourcakediva
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/yourcakediva
Website www.yourcakediva.com
Email yourcakediva@gmail.com
Hashtags #CBLU #comeoncake #YCD