We were lucky to catch up with Kira Simmons recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kira with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic comes from necessity, not motivation. As a Black female entrepreneur, I learned early that I don’t get the benefit of doubt, grace for mistakes, or the luxury of half-effort—so consistency became my armor. Watching people around me work relentlessly just to stay afloat taught me that showing up isn’t optional; it’s survival. As a baker, that discipline is non-negotiable—dough or cake batter doesn’t wait, ovens don’t pause, and my name is on every product. I work with intention and accountability because failure isn’t abstract to me—it’s personal, and excellence is how I endure.
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’m a baker and entrepreneur creating small-batch baked goods that balance craft, consistency, and culture. What excites me most is the discipline behind the artistry—baking demands precision, patience, and showing up every day, and that rigor is what allows creativity to thrive. Each recipe is intentional, designed to feel familiar yet elevated, and every product reflects my commitment to quality, care, and trust. For me, baking is both a craft and a responsibility; my name is on everything I make, and consistency is non-negotiable. My brand is built on integrity and thoughtful growth. I focus on expanding in ways that feel aligned rather than rushed—through carefully chosen brand partnerships, limited collaborations, and offerings that serve both my community and my standards.
Our flagship store will open in Newark, NJ, in 2026, bringing this vision to life. In a city often recognized as one of the top culinary capitals in the U.S., shaped by rich immigrant traditions and a vibrant network of mom-and-pop establishments; I take pride in this being the area of my first store location. Opening here feels full circle; as the daughter of immigrant parents who worked tirelessly to provide a better life, this store will not only be the sweetest spot in New Jersey but also a space that creates jobs, invests locally, and gives back to a community built on resilience, creativity, and excellence.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities were absolutely pivotal in my journey: discipline, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Discipline was the foundation—baking and running a business both demand showing up consistently, even when it’s hard or exhausting. The advice I’d give is to build routines that enforce accountability: whether it’s a daily prep schedule, a weekly review of goals, or a checklist for quality control, consistency compounds over time.
Adaptability was key because nothing ever goes exactly as planned. Recipes fail, suppliers falter, and customer needs shift. Early on, learn to pivot without losing sight of your standards. Practice problem-solving under pressure, experiment often, and view mistakes as lessons rather than failures. Cultural awareness—understanding the community you serve and the history behind it—helped me make meaningful connections and build a brand people trust. For those starting out, immerse yourself in your audience’s world, listen more than you talk, and let your offerings reflect authentic understanding.
This is not to say the road won’t be hard or that you won’t be bruised along the way, but you should push through anyway and stay on track. These qualities aren’t innate—they’re developed through intention, reflection, and consistently pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Early-stage entrepreneurs who commit to cultivating them will find the journey smoother and far more rewarding.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! We’re always looking for thoughtful collaborations and partnerships that align with our brand values—people and businesses who prioritize quality, creativity, and community impact. Foodies, influencers, fellow food entrepreneurs, local businesses, or creators with a vision that complements ours are all welcome—we’re excited to explore ways to work together. We are especially passionate about partnerships that honor and support the hard work of small business entrepreneurs, recognizing the dedication, discipline, and heart that goes into building something meaningful from the ground up.
Our goal with partnerships is to create mutually beneficial opportunities that amplify creativity, reach new audiences, and make a positive impact on our communities. Whether it’s through co-branded products, events, content collaborations, or community initiatives, we want to work with those who share our commitment to excellence, authenticity, and giving back. If you’re interested in collaborating, you can follow up with us on Instagram and TikTok @kiraskupcakekafe, or send us an email with “Collab Request” in the subject line. We’re always excited to connect with like-minded partners who value creativity, culture, and the spirit of small business entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kiraskupcakekafe.com
- Instagram: kiraskupcakekafe
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