Meet Charla Daniel

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charla Daniel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Charla , 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, I’ve learned to lean into my uniqueness and let it be my strength. It’s been a journey, especially since I haven’t seen anyone who does exactly what I do. Sure, there are plenty of talented people who create intricate, elaborate designs on a stick, but my focus has always been on cake balls without the stick. At first, it was challenging. I doubted whether people would embrace something different and struggled with my confidence. But over time, I realized that what made me stand out was also what made me special.

I worked on believing in myself and trusting that my vision had value. I had to remind myself that innovation doesn’t always look like following trends—it often means starting something new. I poured my heart into perfecting my craft, and as I gained confidence, I found that people were open to embracing the concept of cake balls without sticks. The key to being successful in this space has been staying authentic, adapting when needed, and trusting that the right audience will appreciate my work.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I create cake balls in all flavors, shapes, and colors, turning them into edible art. What I do is more than just baking—it’s about creating desserts that spark joy, add a special touch to any event, and make memories. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, or just want a unique treat to share, my cake balls are designed to stand out and bring something extra to the occasion.

What’s exciting about my work is the creative freedom. Each cake ball is like a tiny canvas, and I get to bring my ideas—or my clients’ visions—to life in the form of delicious, handheld desserts. If you’re looking for something different and want to make your event truly unforgettable, I’m your gal!

As for what’s new, I’m always thinking ahead. If the Chiefs head to the Super Bowl (fingers crossed!), I’ll be working on special designs to celebrate the big game. Whether it’s team-themed colors or fun football-inspired designs, I’ll have something sweet for my clients to enjoy while cheering on the Chiefs.

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, I’d say the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are work ethic, confidence (which is always a work in progress), and embracing my uniqueness.

First, work ethic has been the foundation. Building something meaningful takes commitment, long hours, and persistence, especially when things don’t go as planned. It’s about showing up every day and doing the work, even when it’s challenging.

Second, confidence has played a big role. For me, confidence hasn’t been something that came easily—it’s something I’ve had to grow over time. It’s about trusting in your abilities and believing that what you’re offering is valuable, even when others might not fully understand it at first.

Finally, being unique and staying true to myself has been essential. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but I’ve learned that being different is what sets you apart. My advice to others is to embrace what makes you unique—it’s your greatest strength.

For those just starting their journey, my biggest advice is to be proud of yourself for taking the first step. Starting is half the battle, and it takes courage. Also, don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and your knowledge. Take in all kinds of material about business—books, podcasts, courses, or even conversations with people you admire. The more you learn, the more you’ll grow, and it will help you improve every aspect of your business over time.

Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, but with hard work, self-belief, and a willingness to stand out, you’ll create something amazing.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

I’m more of a podcast person since I can listen while I bake and decorate. One podcast that has completely changed my business mindset is the Sugar Cookie Marketing Podcast. While it’s geared toward sugar cookiers, the knowledge and insights they share are incredibly valuable for any baker or business owner. I recommend this podcast to all the new baker friends I meet because it’s such a game-changer.

Some of the most impactful nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned include the importance of having a strong presence on social media and how to connect with customers in an authentic way. They’ve also helped me streamline my ordering process, making it easier for clients to place orders and for me to stay organized.

The podcast has given me tools to not only improve my business operations but also build confidence in marketing myself and my brand. It’s been a constant source of inspiration, and I’m so grateful for the practical advice they share in every episode.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mycustombakes.com/ballzycakes
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballzycakes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ballzycakes
• Linkedin: https://www.facebook.com/ballzycakes