Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tkale Johnson, owner of TK's Cakes, located in Timnath, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

TK's Cakes is an in-home bakery that specializes in custom cakes and cupcakes. From birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, anniversaries, retirement parties, and weddings, I cover all celebrations that life has to offer. I turn your dream designs into reality and create the perfect centerpiece for you! TK's cakes also offer cake decorating classes for the public as well as private classes where people get to learn how to create their own beautiful cakes!

Tell us about yourself

Art has always been a big part of my life, and I found that cake decorating is just another form of art and brings joy to so many people. I made my first cake for my daughter's first birthday, then started making cakes for all my friends, and it took off from there. I acquired my Colorado Cottage Food Law Certificate and started my business serving all over Northern Colorado. As a single mom of 3, this is the perfect job for me. I get to be home with my kiddos, make all of their activities, and pick my own hours creating art for all to enjoy. My kids are my motivation. They are my world, and I want to demonstrate to them that you can do what you love and enjoy working, as well as provide the life they deserve.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been starting cake classes. It's unique, and there aren't any other businesses that offer these to the public. I get to teach people how to stack, crumb coat and decorate their own cakes that they get to take home and enjoy. I love sharing what I do and giving the tools to others also to make beautiful cakes!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is finding balance. I never want to turn away business, but learning when I am fully booked and when I can squeeze one more order in, has been my toughest battle. As a single mom, I need to be able to put my kids first, and it's easy to forget that I also need sleep. Since I get the opportunity to pick my own hours, many nights, I put the kids to bed and work 8 pm-2 am, and remembering to stop and sleep has been hard. I love what I do, and finding a balance between work and life is tough when you run your own business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Three tips I would give anyone looking to start, run and grow their own business would be:

  1. Passion- your business will be the most successful if you have a passion for what you are doing. I love art in all forms. I love designing and creating, and pushing the limits on decorating cakes.
  2. Drive- what motivates you? Why are you creating this business? For me, I want to provide a life for my kids with opportunities. I want to show them that you can do what you love and form a career from your passions. I also want to demonstrate to them what hard work looks like and what hard work brings you.
  3. Relationship- learning how to interact with people. The greatest lesson I learned from one of my high school teachers is this: It's not what you know. It's who you know in life. These words have stuck with me my entire life, and I have brought them into my business. I may not know every business model. I may not know the latest baking tip. But I know how to interact with clients, pick out what is important to them, their style, their dream, and the importance of what they are celebrating. This has allowed me to connect and design exactly what each client is looking for based on relationships and positive interactions, which keep them coming back and move my business forward.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you have a dream, then go for it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.tkscakes.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tks_cakes/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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