Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Lowery.
Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Professionally, I have my master’s of science in nursing with a focus in family practice. I have worked as a nurse in specialities such as cardiovascular, oncology, and hospice. I was working in hospice when the pandemic hit and was made one of the company’s covid nurses. There is a lot of pain that comes from working in this environment that I am sure you all can imagine, and I was also pregnant at this time. I replay certain scenarios or patients in my head, and I feel this is something that I will always carry with me. I know my fellow colleagues can agree. I feel because of this, I want to bring joy to those around me and do little things to make people happy.
I have always enjoyed throwing events and watching individuals enjoy what I have prepared for them. When I was younger, I briefly thought about event planning, but my heart was in the medical field. I jump at any opportunity to plan an event or offer to bake something for others. I help others come up with themes for their events, plan menus, and draw out dessert tables. It is something that fulfills my creative side while decompressing from everyday life. Before my home bakery, I started a bowtique to bring joy to kiddos knowing how something so simple can be so impactful. I got a lot of custom orders and thought it would be fun to make smash cakes that match the bows that were being ordered. I started making more cakes for family events, school events, and my children’s birthdays and was receiving a lot of positive feedback. I had a request to make a cake for an event and was asked about my pricing. That was when a light bulb went off, and I decided I should try to see where this takes me. I have created many bow and smash cake combos, birthday parties, anniversary cakes, and gift boxes with hand-dipped desserts. I am excited to see what the future holds and honored to be a part of someone’s event.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I feel it has been more of a smooth road, but I have definitely had some issues thus far. I am not one to actively participate on social media, and with any business, you have to essentially be a content creator. I have done well creating a website for my bowtique, but I feel for my home bakery, using platforms such as Facebook and Instagram will benefit me. That is the biggest struggle, in my opinion, because it’s hard to keep up with, and I am currently working on building my pages. I am also going to add a section for my home bakery on my bowtique site. As of this point, my sales have been through word of mouth, and I know I will grow my small business with an online presence. Another slight struggle is learning a new decorating technique and realizing it will take some time to master. Practice makes perfect, no matter how many times you have to scrape off the frosting and start from scratch.
We’ve been impressed with Something Sweet Home Bakery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in smash cakes, celebration cakes, gender reveals, dessert tables, chocolate-dipped desserts, cupcakes, cookies, and more. I also create custom cake toppers. We can discuss together the overall idea for your event, or you can give me creative freedom. At this point, I would say I am most known for my smash cakes with matching bow and celebration cakes. I am most proud of the smash cake with match bows because I do not think anyone in the area offers it. What sets me apart from others is how I really want my cakes to give off the “wow factor.” I really want to make you feel special and know I appreciate you allowing me to be a part of your event. One offering I would like readers to know about are my package deals. I have different levels, such as a customizable baby package which includes up to: gender reveal, baby shower, and smash cake. Another example is the customizable “she said yes” package, which includes up to: engagement party, bridal shower, and wedding. I have base prices, which increase per customization needs.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Have confidence in yourself! If someone is telling you your item or service is exceptional, believe them. You will never know what could be until you try.
Just knowing that building a local reputation and customer base takes time. This is not something that happens overnight. It is best to continue mastering your skill, rather than worry about sales.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peapodbows.com/sshb
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingsweetcle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084665523540
