Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Felicia Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Felicia , thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I grew up in a rather large family, which means lots of different opinions and mindsets. My Dad I’d consider to be a pretty impulsive decision maker. If he sees something he wants, he’ll do whatever it takes to get that done. My mother on the other hand is very much so a analytical decision maker. She’ll question everything and do her research regardless of how big or small the situation may be. I feel like I fall right in-between them when it comes to my decision making and taking risk. I’m a very much “live in the moment” kind of person and throughout the years I’ve learned that without risk there really is no reward. When the idea of opening up a cake studio came to me, it was honestly just a thought/ dream. However, outgrowing the space I was in, I knew I had to either take that next step to grow or leave this dream of mine behind. It seemed impossible at first. I was a young single mother, working as bartender with no degree to lean on. I had very little saved not the slightest idea of how to open and run a business. I questioned myself daily and I’ve had family members question if it was a good idea but I just had this gut feeling that I couldn’t ignore. It was a “now or never” situation, so I took that leap and its the best decision I’ve ever made. Would It have helped if I had more money put aside? Sure! Would it have helped if I did more research on the industry and the process of opening a business in my city? Absolutely! But I can honestly say if I did all those things, I truly believe I wouldn’t have taken the risk because I would’ve seen all that it takes laid out before me and gotten intimidated or start to doubt myself or my capability. Sometimes we have to take that jump, even if we’re doing it blindly because you don’t want to look back and wonder ” what if?”.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I own and operate and cake studio specializing in modern and thoughtfully crafted cakes and desserts. I grew up a large family so we were always cooking! I loved being in the kitchen and once I had a daughter of my own I gravitated more toward the baking side of things. I started baking and decorating her birthday cakes because the perfectionist in me just couldn’t bare to have a boring grocery store cake to celebrate my little girl and that’s pretty much how this whole thing started! Im going into 3 years at my cake studio and have never been happier being able to do what I love for a living. It’s the most rewarding feeling when I get to be a little part of someones special day no matter how big or small! I’ve recently relaunched my website and have been working with a fellow local creative on all. my stationary and branding for the studio as I’m looking to start a retail counter in the near future as well an online Cake range for easy ordering and last minute request!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Id say my top 3 (specifically for my business) would be: creativity, resilience, work ethic.
I feel like being a creative comes organically. We can certainly perfect a craft but you have to really love and feel confident about what you’re doing in order for it to reflect yourself.
Having a strong work ethic is absolutely necessary regardless of what field you’ re in. It sets the tone for your business and those working around you. Id say the best advice I can give would be Going into work with a clear mind, well rested and positive attitude. When you feel good, you do good.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Id say my time-management skills have definitely improved. Owning and running the business on my own definitely takes a toll on both my mental and physical health. Managing my time and planning out my day-day, month-month task/goals ensures my days go smoothly.
Contact Info:
- Website: thecrumbscakestudio.com
- Instagram: @thecrumbscakestudio
- Facebook: Crumbs Cake Studio
Image Credits
headshots- Krystal Simmons
