Mrs. Shaucuana Knight shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Shaucuana, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I feel called to share my story and the lessons I’ve learned through entrepreneurship in a new way—through The Cake Cousins Podcast. For years, I was afraid to step behind the mic because it meant being vulnerable and putting my voice out there. But now, I realize this platform isn’t just about me—it’s about encouraging other entrepreneurs, especially those who feel unseen or unheard. God has put it on my heart to use this podcast to speak life, faith, and motivation into people chasing their dreams. It’s bigger than baking—it’s about building up a community of dreamers and doers.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shaucuana Knight, and I’m the owner of Cora’s Cakery, Cincinnati’s first Create Your Own Cake Bar. Our brand is all about reimagining the dessert experience by letting customers design their own cake bowls and jars with a variety of flavors, toppings, and sauces. What makes us special is that we don’t just serve desserts—we create community. Every year, we host a signature event to raise scholarships for future culinary students, and I’m excited to share that we’ve just renamed it from the Dessert Ball to Dessert Fest! The new name captures the joyful, festival-like atmosphere we’re building with more desserts, more experiences, and more ways to connect. Alongside that, I’m also launching The Cake Cousins Podcast to inspire and encourage fellow entrepreneurs. At the heart of it all, Cora’s Cakery is about creating joy, connection, and opportunities—one dessert and one story at a time.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I thought my path was set. Fresh out of college, I started working at Job and Family Services and fully expected to stay there until retirement. At the time, I believed I had found my career. But in 2020, I felt a different calling stir within me—a pull toward creativity, entrepreneurship, and building something that could impact my community in a deeper way. That calling became Cora’s Cakery, and it’s led me on a journey I never could have imagined back then.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have been times I almost gave up—especially on the slow days when sales don’t come in, and I start to question if I’m really meant to do this. In those moments, it’s easy to compare where I think I should be with where I actually am. But then a customer leaves a heartfelt review or tells me how our desserts brought them joy, and it reminds me exactly why I started Cora’s Cakery in the first place. Those reminders keep me grounded and motivated to keep going, even when it’s tough
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. Even as a baby, I was cheerful and open-hearted—I didn’t know what ‘stranger danger’ was because I naturally welcomed people with joy. That’s still who I am today. I live my life with gratitude for what I have, and I do my best to treat everyone the way I would like to be treated.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m baking. I’ll put my headphones on, get into my own zone, and let everything else fade away. Baking is the one space where I can create, focus, and find calm—even in the middle of chaos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corascakery.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corascakery1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corascakery1/
