Meet Emma Lavine

We were lucky to catch up with Emma Lavine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emma, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

Growing up, I had the privilege of watching my dad navigate the responsibilities of being a business owner. He wasn’t just running a company; he was a master of consistency and discipline. Every morning, he would wake up before the sun, deliberately prepare for his day, and head out with a clear plan in mind. It wasn’t just about hard work for him; it was about working smart, staying organized, and focusing on the bigger picture.

When I started Emma Cakes, those lessons were deeply ingrained in me. The discipline he exemplified became my own guide. Like him, I start each day with a clear vision, knowing that determination and persistence are the keys to growing a successful business. Whether I’m perfecting a new cake design or managing the day-to-day operations, I approach everything with the same work ethic that my dad instilled in me.

His influence taught me that building something meaningful requires more than just passion; it requires dedication, resilience, and a relentless commitment to your craft. That’s what drives me every day in my journey with Emma Cakes.

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?

My journey into baking began as a creative outlet during quarantine. I’ve always loved arts and crafts, and working with my hands brings me immense joy. There’s something calming about getting into “the zone,” losing track of time, and being fully immersed in what I’m doing. Baking quickly became my favorite pastime, a way to channel my creativity while at home.

I started sharing my cakes on Instagram just for fun, with lighthearted jokes in the captions. It wasn’t intended to be a business—just a way to enjoy myself. However, as friends of friends began asking if they could order cakes, I realized there was potential for something more.

While studying Studio Arts at SDSU, I continued to bake and sell cakes, balancing school and a part-time job. After graduating, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to take a leap and pursue baking professionally. I set up an LLC, opened a business bank account, obtained certifications, and gathered all the necessary tools to make it a reality.

Baking allows me to blend my love for art with creating something that people can enjoy. It’s more than a job—it’s a way to be part of people’s special moments, adding a touch of art to their celebrations.

Running Emma Cakes is truly a one-woman show. I handle everything—from baking and decorating to managing media, customer service, and bookkeeping. It’s a lot of work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The fulfillment I get from being my own boss is unmatched by any other job I’ve had. Working for myself has made me stronger, more disciplined, and even more organized, giving me a renewed sense of motivation and determination.

I’m incredibly grateful to do what I love every day and to continue growing this business with creativity and heart.

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?

Looking back on my journey, I’d say three qualities that have made a big difference are, creativity, resilience, and time management.

Creativity: My love for arts and crafts has been a huge part of my baking. Creativity helps me design unique cakes and solve problems in new ways. If you’re working on developing your creativity, try exploring different artistic activities and don’t be afraid to experiment. In my early days, I baked cakes just to practice new techniques I’d seen. Being deeply invested in your craft and constantly learning can really help you grow.

Resilience: Starting a business definitely has its ups and downs. Early on, I’d sometimes spend an entire day on just one cake, which felt like a real challenge. With practice, I’ve become much faster and more efficient. There were also times when new techniques didn’t go as planned, but I learned to keep trying until I figured them out.. For those just starting, remember that setbacks are part of the process. Stay persistent and see each challenge as a chance to grow.

Time Management: Balancing baking with other responsibilities like school and work taught me the importance of staying organized. Having a clear plan and managing my time well has been crucial. For anyone starting out, having a structured schedule and setting realistic goals can make a big difference. I use my calendar religiously to keep track of everything I do; it’s been essential in staying on top of both business and personal tasks.

Overall, focusing on these qualities has helped me navigate the challenges of building my business. Keep learning, stay adaptable, and approach each day with enthusiasm and a willingness to grow.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

A book that has been particularly impactful for me is “The Art of Business: The Right Brain Guide to a Profitable Career” by Steven W. Anderson. This book merges creative thinking with practical business strategies, which aligns perfectly with my journey as a cake artist.

One of the most valuable insights from the book is the concept of leveraging your unique creative strengths to differentiate your business. Anderson emphasizes that creativity isn’t just about the product; it’s about how you present and market it. For me, this means ensuring that each cake I design reflects my artistic vision and sets my brand apart from others. The book inspired me to focus on creating standout, custom cakes that truly capture my style and resonate with my customers.

Another significant takeaway is the importance of blending passion with business fundamentals. Anderson discusses how following your passion while being strategic in managing business operations can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional success. This guidance has been crucial in balancing my love for baking with the practical aspects of running Emma Cakes. It encouraged me to stay dedicated to my craft while also paying close attention to financial management, customer service, and marketing.

Additionally, Anderson’s insights on setting realistic goals and measuring progress resonated with me. The book emphasizes the need for ongoing evaluation and adjustment to stay on track. This approach has helped me refine my business strategies, from experimenting with new cake designs to adjusting pricing and improving customer engagement.

Overall, “The Art of Business” has provided me with a framework to integrate creativity with effective business practices, offering practical advice that’s been instrumental in growing Emma Cakes.

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