Meet Monique Miller

We were lucky to catch up with Monique Miller recently and have shared our conversation below.

Monique , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room that looks like me has been both a challenge and a strength. At first, it felt isolating, but I’ve learned to turn that into motivation. I remind myself that my perspective is unique and valuable, and I bring that energy into every room I enter.

I focus on letting my work speak for itself—delivering excellence in my craft, whether it’s creating a custom cake or developing a new dessert. I’ve also leaned heavily on the lessons I’ve learned from my community, mentors, and personal experiences. Representation matters, and I take pride in showing others that success is possible for someone like me.

Over time, I’ve realized that being the ‘only one’ also means being the ‘first one’—opening doors, breaking barriers, and paving the way for others who may follow. My resilience, confidence, and ability to adapt have helped me not only survive but thrive in spaces where I stand out.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Sweet Indulgence is more than just a bakery—it’s a reflection of my passion, creativity, and journey. My story began over 13 years ago when baking was just a hobby. After deciding to take it seriously, I trained at Star Career Academy, where I learned the technical and artistic skills of professional baking. I had the privilege of working under incredible pastry chefs at R2L Restaurant and The Bellevue Hotel, where I honed my craft and developed a love for creating desserts that are both visually stunning and delicious.

These experiences laid the foundation for Sweet Indulgence. What excites me most about what I do is sharing my passion for baking and cake decorating with others. In addition to creating custom cakes and desserts, I host interactive classes designed to help others explore their creativity. One of my most popular offerings is the Buttercream Cake Decorating Class – Boho Edition, where attendees learn how to stack, fill, and decorate cakes with trendy Boho-inspired designs. I also offer one-on-one buttercream basics classes, teaching skills like making smooth buttercream, perfecting sharp edges, and learning basic piping techniques. These sessions are personal, hands-on, and rewarding for both beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Professionally, I’m focused on continuing to innovate and connect with my community while staying true to the values that started it all—offering quality, creativity, and desserts that feel like love in every bite. Sweet Indulgence is now officially based in Philadelphia, and I’m thrilled to have a space where I can serve my community and expand opportunities to teach and inspire others.

For those interested in joining me on this journey, keep an eye out for upcoming classes, events, and other exciting announcements. I look forward to sharing my love for baking and decorating with even more people.

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, I’d say three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, creativity, and adaptability.

Resilience has been essential because building a business comes with setbacks. For example, failing my first health inspection was a major blow, but instead of giving up, I regrouped, learned from the experience, and came back stronger. My advice to others is to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Perseverance is the key to success—don’t let temporary failures define you.

Creativity has also been a driving force, not just in my desserts but in how I approach problem-solving and business growth. From developing unique classes to creating signature treats, I’ve learned to think outside the box. For those early in their journey, I recommend experimenting, seeking inspiration in unexpected places, and allowing yourself the freedom to try new things. Creativity flourishes when you’re not afraid to fail.

Finally, adaptability has been crucial. Whether it’s adjusting to new trends, overcoming unexpected expenses, or pivoting my business strategies, being flexible has allowed me to keep moving forward. My advice is to remain open to change and always be willing to learn. The ability to adapt quickly is what keeps you relevant and competitive in any industry.

For anyone starting their journey, I’d also add this: surround yourself with supportive people, invest in your craft by continuously learning, and trust the process. Success takes time, but with the right mindset and effort, it’s absolutely achievable.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself to pause and take a step back. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, but I’ve learned that clarity comes when I allow myself to breathe and reset.

One of my go-to strategies is to break things down into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on the mountain ahead, I tackle it one step at a time. I prioritize what absolutely needs to be done and let go of the pressure to do everything at once—it’s okay to ask for help or delegate when needed.

Spending time with my family is another way I recharge. They’re my biggest source of love and support, and being around them reminds me of what’s truly important. Whether it’s enjoying a meal together or just laughing over something small, those moments ground me and help me face challenges with a clearer mind.

For anyone struggling with feeling overwhelmed, I recommend finding what works best for you to regain balance. That might mean journaling, meditating, spending time with loved ones, or even stepping away for a bit to reset. And don’t be afraid to lean on your support system—whether it’s family, friends, or a mentor. You’re not alone, and sometimes just talking things through can lighten the load.

Lastly, give yourself grace. Running a business, pursuing your dreams, or simply handling life’s challenges isn’t easy. Take it one day at a time, focus on what matters most, and trust that you’ll figure it out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sweetindulgencecakes.com
• Instagram: sweet_indulgence215
• Facebook: sweetindulgence215
• Linkedin: sweetindulgence215
• Youtube: sweetindulgence215