We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen Belton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Karen, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping my creativity alive is like a wild adventure ride, and my family, especially my loving husband and three amazing girls, are the force that keeps me going. They’re always cooking up crazy ideas and pushing me to think outside the box.
Then there are my awesome customers – they’re like the supportive friends who cheer me on no matter what. But you know, it’s not always smooth sailing. Sometimes, I’m scared stiff to try something new, worried it might flop. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel the fear and do it anyway. Taking risks, even when you’re shaking in your boots, is where the real growth happens.
So yes, my creativity thrives on this mix of family fun, customer support, and embracing the fear of failing. It’s like a rollercoaster ride – scary at times, but always worth the thrill!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Well, let me take you on a little journey into my world. I’m a self-taught baker who has been whipping up delicious treats since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until 2015 that I turned my passion into a profession. A few years later that’s when Belton Gourmet Desserts was born, my very own home bakery business.
At Belton Gourmet Desserts, we specialize in crafting custom cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, and even pocket pies – you name it, we bake it! But what really gets people talking are our life-size gingerbread houses during the holidays. It’s a festive delight that brings joy to many.
Currently, our pocket apple pies are stealing the spotlight, flying off the shelves faster than we can bake them. And here’s a fun tidbit: we’re in the midst of a thrilling collaboration with a local fast food restaurant to bring these delectable treats to an even wider audience.
What makes my journey truly exhilarating is the creative freedom I get to indulge in. Every day, I challenge myself to push beyond my comfort zone, exploring new flavors, designs, and techniques. It’s a thrilling ride, and I’m loving every moment of it.
The best part? The opportunities that keep knocking on our door. From exciting collaborations to new ventures, there’s always something cooking at Belton Gourmet Desserts. And trust me, there’s plenty more sweetness in store that I can’t wait to share with everyone. Stay tuned – the best is yet to come!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge stand out as the most impactful:
Love what you do! Above all, my unwavering passion for baking and my persistence in pursuing my dream have been instrumental. It’s essential to truly love what you do because that passion fuels your drive, keeps you motivated during tough times, and propels you forward even when faced with challenges. My advice to those starting their journey is to find what ignites their passion and hold onto it fiercely. Stay committed, stay focused, and never give up on your dreams, no matter how daunting the road ahead may seem.
Think outside the box! Creativity and adaptability are invaluable. Being able to think outside the box, innovate, and adapt to changing circumstances have been crucial in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the culinary industry. My advice to newcomers is to embrace creativity as a guiding force and to remain flexible and open-minded. Allow yourself to experiment, take risks, and learn from both successes and failures. Let fear never be the barrier between you and your dreams. I’ve only recently discovered that by pushing through my fears, I’ve encountered the most incredible opportunities and experiences. Embracing the unknown can lead to some of life’s most rewarding moments.
Never stop learning! In the baking industry, the key to success lies in the commitment to continuous learning and innovation. Never stop exploring new trends, flavors, and techniques. For those entering the field, my advice is to embrace curiosity and stay open to trying new things. Whether it’s experimenting with innovative ingredients or honing your decorating skills, every experience is an opportunity for growth. Stay connected with the baking community, seek out mentorship, and never underestimate the power of networking. Remember, the journey of learning is ongoing – so keep pushing yourself and never stop striving for excellence.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, we are always open to exciting partnerships and collaboration opportunities! We thrive on the energy and creativity that comes from working with like-minded individuals and businesses. We’re particularly interested in partnering with food enthusiasts, event planners, local businesses, and baking supplies companies who share our passion for baking.
Whether it’s collaborating on special events, joint product launches, or creative projects, we’re eager to explore new possibilities and bring innovative ideas to life. If you’re reading this and feel inspired to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out to us through our website to discuss potential partnerships and how we can work together to create something truly special.
Let’s combine our talents and expertise to delight our customers and make a lasting impact. We look forward to connecting with fellow baking enthusiasts and businesses who are as passionate about baking as we are!
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Iris Preciado-Perez
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