We were lucky to catch up with Lasondra Wilson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lasondra , you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity comes from my faith in God. I truly believe He has watched over me, even in the darkest seasons of my life—and that belief isn’t just a saying to me, it’s an active faith.
Before I started my business and when I first moved to the Bay Area, I was struggling financially. I was in graduate school, living on my own for the first time, and stretched thin. I applied for food stamps but didn’t qualify because I worked too many part-time hours. I remember losing my car, relying on rides and BART to get around, and even facing eviction—sleeping on friends’ couches and sometimes on their floors. It was one of the hardest times in my life, and I felt hopeless.
But I also remember the people who showed up for me: my “fairy godmother” coworker who gave me rides to the airport, my friend’s parents who picked me up for church and sent me home with plates of food, and another coworker who opened her home when I needed to reset after a volatile relationship. These acts of kindness changed me. How could I not want to be generous after being cared for like that? Even now, I remind myself that a simple smile, a kind word, or a little grace can make a huge difference.
I’ve also been surrounded by examples of generosity and hospitality my whole life, especially from the women in my family. My paternal grandmother always made space for others—taking us with her to visit people who were sick or homebound. My maternal grandmother welcomed everyone into her home; she treated friends, neighbors, and even strangers like family. My mom carried that same spirit—buying school supplies for relatives, sharing what she had, and always finding ways to help.
These women taught me that generosity isn’t about abundance—it’s about intention. It’s about showing up with open hands and a full heart. I carry that with me in everything I do: making people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Whether it’s through food, time, encouragement, or resources, my generosity comes from knowing how blessed I’ve been, even in my lowest moments. Extending that same grace to others feels like the least I can do.
That same spirit flows into my business, Yellowcake Desserts. It’s not just about creating beautiful cakes—it’s about showing grace in the way I serve people. Whether that means treating every client like an old friend, offering honest recommendations for other vendors, being flexible when plans change, or simply choosing kindness over frustration, I try to run my business the way I believe God has cared for me—with compassion first. Not every client books, and that’s okay. I remind myself that people come before profit, and that my work is another opportunity to extend grace, one sweet moment at a time.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I currently teach preschool, something I’ve done for almost 20 years, while also running my dessert business, Yellowcake Desserts. We specialize in creating desserts for life’s sweetest celebrations—weddings, birthdays, and other special moments.
What I love most about my business is the privilege of being part of people’s milestones. It’s such an honor to help clients celebrate joyfully, whether it’s their first wedding anniversary or a family’s annual tradition. Some clients I’ve served for years, and watching their families grow and return for each occasion means the world to me.
This year, we’re making a small but exciting pivot. I’ll still be baking, but we’re also putting more focus into our baking mixes, like our pancake and cookie mixes. They’ve been a hit at pop-ups and local markets, and you can even find them now at Diablo Foods in Lafayette, CA. These mixes have become a hidden gem—an easy way for people to enjoy the taste of our desserts right at home.
Outside of my business, I’ve been nurturing another passion: growing and preserving food. I’ve always been fascinated by where food comes from and the process of making things from scratch, so I’ve been spending more time gardening and learning about preserving what I grow. For me, it all ties back to creativity, care, and sharing something made with love—whether that’s in the classroom, the kitchen, or the garden.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that have shaped my journey the most are saying yes, leading with kindness, and finding my own path. Each of these helped me step outside my comfort zone and grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
The first is learning to say yes. I remember reading Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes and being struck by the idea that simply being open to opportunity can change everything. Saying yes has allowed me to connect with incredible people, take meaningful risks, and experience things I might have missed if I had let fear make the decision for me.
The second is kindness. I can’t count how many clients have told me they chose to work with me because of how kind and genuine our interactions felt. For me, kindness is powerful—it builds trust, creates lasting relationships, and naturally attracts like-minded people who value that same energy.
The third quality is finding my own path. There’s so much noise out there—books, podcasts, and advice on how to live or run your business. While much of it is valuable, I’ve learned to take what serves me and leave what doesn’t. I’m constantly researching, experimenting, and evolving, but I’ve learned that success looks different for everyone.
If you’re early in your journey, keep an open mind. You don’t have to say yes to everything—especially if it doesn’t align with your capacity or values—but being open to possibilities can lead to moments of connection, generosity, and opportunity that you never saw coming. Some of the best things in life and business reveal themselves only after a single “yes.”
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Whew, this one hits home—I’m just coming out of a season of overwhelm myself! What I’ve learned is that connection and intentional rest are everything.
The first thing I do is make time for friends and family. Staying connected keeps me grounded and reminds me that I’m not alone, no matter how chaotic things get. I also make time to explore hobbies—doing things that make me feel good without any expectation of productivity or payment. Sometimes that looks like baking just for fun, reading, or gardening—whatever fills my cup.
The biggest shift, though, has been listening to myself. There are times when life is just busy and you can’t avoid it, but I’ve learned to rest when I need to rest, get outside when I need fresh air, and move my body when I feel stuck. Giving myself permission to pause and reset—without guilt—has been the most powerful way to protect both my creativity and my peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yellowcakedesserts.com
- Instagram: @yellowcake_desserts
- Facebook: Yellowcake Desserts
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