Rising Stars: Meet Kelsi Eastman of Olathe, KS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsi Eastman

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Little background on me- I am married to an amazing man, have two beautiful little kids, graduated from Kansas State University and work full time as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Early in 2022 I started to see these videos on tiktok of cakesicles and I thought that they looked so fun to make and I wanted to figure out how to make them. I kind of jumped in full force because I already loved to bake and did so often. One tricky part to that though- I have a gluten intolerance so everything I baked during that process I couldn’t eat. My dear sweet husband would always taste test for me, and though he loved them told me that I either needed to stop or sell them for his health. So, for Halloween 2022 I made a couple different designs and sold them on facebook. I was truly blown away by the support! A month later someone from high school reached out about making some for his wedding shower, which was a huge honor!
Since there has been so much local support I want to make sure that we give back as well. My youngest has pretty severe asthma and we have had many stays at Children’s Mercy Hospital, so every Christmas season all the profit from cakesicles are donated back to the Ronald McDonald Family Room.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes, and no? There aren’t many people in the area that make cakesicles so I think that has helped a lot. Just to be something that is so unique.
But, there are so many amazing bakers in the metro! I am honored to be included with them but we are all kind of “competing” in the same area.
My first vendor event went amazing! I had no idea what to expect and baked WAY too much, didn’t even finish baking all the goods I wanted to bring, and had a panic attack in the morning before leaving the house. I had two of my best friends there to help me set up and sell which was so special. We sold so much more than I expected! My second event I slimmed my menu down and quantity down but did not sell very much. It was pretty discouraging, but I still love making them so I don’t plan on that taking me out of the game.

Also, since I don’t get to taste test everything that adds a little stress but I have a very supportive and honest husband that helps to point me in the right direction. I also have quite a few friends that live close by and will pop by for some samples.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My specialty (baking wise) is making cakesicles. They’re like a cake pop but better! In my personal opinion haha. The cake to chocolate ratio is *chef’s kiss.*

I just love getting to be apart of people’s special days! I have gotten to do two weddings, bachelorette parties, Chief’s party desserts, baby showers, gender reveals, grad parties and so many birthdays! They are such great treats for kids and I love getting to customize them to each event.

Most proud of… my youngest has a dairy allergy so baked goods for parties can be hard and I hate thinking that he will feel “left out.” So, I have learned a lot about baking dairy free and gluten free (for myself and a dear friend) and this year made him his very own dairy free cakesicles for his birthday! He was so excited.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Good luck wise, I think the fact that there are not many bakers making the same thing so I get a chance to stand out!

Bad luck, my last event I was two booths down from some slightly pushy/aggressive water filtration people and sadly for me, that caused people to keep away from our area. It also started raining haha but we had fun anyways.

Pricing:

• Dozen custom order of cakesicles- Starts at $42
• Holiday sets of 4- $14-$16
• Game day dozens- $42-$47

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kelscakesicles.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kels_cakesicles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KsCakesicle/