Meet Daunyel Clayton

We were lucky to catch up with Daunyel Clayton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Daunyel, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?

When I was laid off, it was a humbling time, I had never been laid off before, let alone twice within two years. But I saw it as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. Initially, I allowed myself time to process and reflect, which helped me understand my career goals more clearly. I used the time to upskill, taking online courses and learning new tools relevant to my field. Also seeking new Career interest.Networking was a big part of my journey.
I reconnected with industry peers, joined professional groups, and stayed active on platforms like LinkedIn. These connections helped me stay in the loop with job opportunities and trends in the market.One of the most important steps was focusing on my personal resilience. I reminded myself that setbacks are often setups for something better. Back in 2019 I started a small business baking desserts, never thought I would be baking full time. But Being laid off boosted my confidence and motivated me to be my own boss. but also led me to develop new skills that made me more competitive in the job market.
My situation opened doors I hadn’t considered before. The layoff pushed me to reinvent myself.

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?

My name is Daunyel Clayton. I’m a 34-year-old wife, mother, and business owner originally from Detroit, Michigan, and I’ve been living in Tucson, AZ, for the past 9 years. I’m the proud owner of Sweets Cakes & Treats, a business I started in 2019, born out of my love for baking. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a full-time entrepreneurship journey.
What makes my brand special is that it combines the nostalgia of classic, homemade desserts with a modern twist everything is portable, beautifully layered, and bursting with flavor. The idea of having a cake in a jar makes it easy for people to indulge in something sweet anytime, anywhere, and it also makes for a great gift. As we enter the holiday season, we’re also offering our gourmet pound cakes, sweet potato pies, and banana puddings perfect for family gatherings.
I’m incredibly excited about what’s ahead for the business, and I invite everyone to follow our journey on Instagram and Facebook @sweetscake&Treats for updates and mouth-watering treats!

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 with Sweets Cakes & Treats were perseverance, creativity, and adaptability.

Perseverance:
Starting a business comes with challenges, and there were definitely moments when things didn’t go as planned—like when the pandemic forced me to put the business on hold. But it was my determination to keep going, even after setbacks, that made all the difference. My advice for anyone starting out is to be prepared for bumps in the road, but don’t give up. Keep pushing forward, even when it’s tough.

Creativity:
Running a cake jar business means thinking outside the box—whether it’s coming up with new flavors, unique presentations, or ways to connect with customers. Creativity has been a key driver in differentiating my brand. To develop creativity, I’d suggest experimenting as much as possible and not being afraid to try new ideas, even if they seem unconventional. Stay inspired by looking at trends, listening to customer feedback, and always thinking of ways to innovate.

Adaptability:
Things don’t always go according to plan, and being able to adapt is crucial. From navigating the changes during the pandemic to rebranding the business and adjusting to customer preferences, flexibility has been key to my success. For those early in their journey, I’d recommend being open to change and learning to pivot quickly when needed. Don’t get too stuck in one way of doing things, because the ability to adapt can open new doors and opportunities.

To sum up, perseverance will keep you going, creativity will set you apart, and adaptability will help you thrive in any situation. For anyone just starting out, focus on building these qualities as they’ll help you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The person who has been most helpful in helping me overcome challenges and build the essential skills I needed to be successful is my husband. He has been my biggest supporter from the very beginning. Whether it’s encouraging me to push forward when I’m feeling uncertain or stepping in to help with the business logistics, he’s always there.

He’s also great at offering a fresh perspective when I need it most, especially when I’m struggling with creative blocks or business decisions. His belief in me and the business has been a major source of strength. Having someone by my side who believes in the vision as much as I do has truly made a difference in my journey as an entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://SweetsCT.com
• Instagram: SweetscakesandTreats@instagram.com
• Facebook: Sweetscakesandtreats@facebook.com