Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyonna Barker.
Hi Keyonna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started my business at first as a hobby because I enjoyed baking, and at the time (back in 2005), making custom cakes started becoming popular. I bought a book and began practicing how to decorate, I would take my cakes to work, and that’s how I received my first order. From there, I began getting more orders from my colleagues and also referred to exhibit my work at a bridal fair, in which I did. As a single mother of 2 children under 2, I faced struggles financially, as a result I would introduce my cakes to everyone I met. I got more bookings because of the bridal fair and began to expand on what items and flavors to offer. At the time, I was living in Florida and moved around quite a bit. I ended up in New Jersey, where I would get the opportunity to do cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, donuts, and party set-ups; you name it, I did it! I worked with many big-name companies, such as Louboutin, David Yurman, Revlon, Samsung, NBC Universal, H&M, Nordstrom, Adore Me, and Ruth Chris, to name a few.
My business was gaining traction, but, then I faced adversity when the pandemic hit. I still received orders, however, as time passed, it slowed down as more companies ceased operations. Fewer people were throwing parties or forced to only hold small gatherings. My family all lived in Connecticut, so I decided to move back home and take my business with me. When I arrived in Connecticut, we were in the heart of the pandemic, which caused my business to be at a standstill. I began working 9-5 for the first time in over a decade! I was heartbroken ; my passion was baking, so I did a little business here and there. Then I became pregnant with my 3rd child forcing me to not return to my 9-5. I began baking full-time again, receiving customers solely from google. The business was still a bit slow, which led to me venturing into other avenues, such as ballon arches, custom-printed items, event staging, etc. I’ve now expanded beyond baking and also offer everything event oriented. I do event planning, party decorating, balloon arches, candy tables, custom favors, custom printing, custom candles; you name it, I do it. I also partner with an event planner as well. I’m still new to Connecticut, and I’m still growing my business. I’m hoping to bring many of the amazing events and ideas from New York and New Jersey here and put on some amazing events while keeping them affordable to my clients
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way? Has this journey been smooth or rocky?
My journey has been far from smooth. One of my greatest challenges I faced while running my business is being a mother and a single mother at that. It’s hard when your children are sick or have other issues with being a mom. I have had many personal and financial issues along the way that affected my business, but somehow I overcame them. At times I needed equipment or supplies that I could not afford. Other times I needed transportation, and getting around was challenging. Other than personal issues, there’s issues I faced such as competition, especially in major cities like Miami, or states like New York and New Jersey. Of course, my greatest challenge was the pandemic. There’s not many options when there aren’t any parties and everyone is in quarantine. My business took a major blow, and I almost didn’t recover. Subsequently I began working a regular job, and At that point I thought it was the end for my business that I dreamed of and had poured my heart into building brick by brick. Another issue was trying to keep up with the new styles and trends. Cakes have surely changed drastically from when I started in 2005. Also social media is such a big deal and it is challenging for me because I’m not great with social media and I don’t spend much time on it. I have trouble remembering to post and in these days that’s very important. Social media kind of runs the the world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do everything event-related, no matter how small or large. The main part of my business is baking. I create custom and normal cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, dessert shooters, etc. Along with baking, I cater, I also do event planning, decorating, balloon arches, custom party favors, custom printed items, candy tables, it all varies. I can go from planning an intimate dinner for 2 to a huge event within the same week, it all comes down to whatever my customer’s events need are, I can and will get it done no matter what. I specialize in bringing the client’s vision of the event to life, tailoring my products and work to their expectations. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I try to resonate with all my customers. I don’t just see them as clientele, my purpose and work is deeper than that. I become a part of their family, I care, I remember their birthdays and anniversaries, etc.
Another thing that sets me apart is I’m well versed when it comes to different people, cultures, and styles; it makes it easier to accommodate the needs of others. I would love the readers to know that my brand isn’t just only baking or curating events, but it’s a start of a brand-new friendship. I want them to know they are working with someone who puts their whole heart into their work genuinely and is considerate of their needs. I also want them to know I am always flexible with their needs. I would also like them to know they are working with someone with several years of experience under their belt!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Yes. I watch a lot of YouTube. I watch content creators that talk about business, especially the one I am in. I do read a lot. The Bible is one book that tops it all for me. It helps me get by day by day and in difficult times. The 48 Laws of Power is something I use while navigating through life and business. I am new to TikTok but found it interesting and informative. I have also gotten many tips and hacks from TikTok and Instagram as well. I like the Preppy Kitchen and Sugar Geek Shows blog as well as Cake Mamas. Janelle from Cake Mamas content is amazing for the baking business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.
DreamCakeAndEvents.com - Instagram: https://instagram.
com/dreamcakesandevents1 - Facebook: Facebook.com/
dreamcakesandevents1 - Twitter: Twitter.com/
dreamcakeskey - Youtube: Youtube.com/
dreamcakesandevents - Other: Tiktok.com/
dreamcakesandevents1
