Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jane Smith . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jane, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from my determination to overcome challenges, support from my spouse, and lessons learned from past experiences. A notable example is when I initially struggled with cake decorating, particularly stacking cakes. Despite repeated setbacks, my determination to learn led me to immerse myself in educational resources. I spent at least two weeks watching YouTube videos daily before attempting it again. The result not only showcased improvement but also reflected the valuable lessons I gained from perseverance and continuous learning.
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?
In 2019, I unexpectedly ventured into cake decorating, deviating from my initial dream of becoming a registered nurse. Despite completing most of my classes, a challenging hurdle, chemistry, prevented me from entering the nursing program. Faced with the stress and disappointment, I decided to change course. On a whim, I bought a blender and delved into cake decorating, despite having no prior baking experience. Initially feeling a bit lost, I made my first cake—a two-tiered heart cake covered in fondant—in February. Proud of my creation, I dedicated myself to practice, watching countless YouTube videos. As I honed my skills, I realized my passion for creating realistic cakes, discovering a fulfilling new path.
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?
Throughout my journey, I’ve gained valuable insights, notably understanding that it’s impossible to please everyone and that not everyone is your ideal customer. In the early stages, there’s a tendency to accept every opportunity, sometimes undervaluing our work just to secure a new client.
This realization hit home when I eagerly took on a challenging cake design for a customer who meticulously scrutinized every detail. Despite dedicating an entire day to crafting a design I was proud of, the customer expressed dissatisfaction, even taking it to social media to criticize my work and vowing not to support small businesses.
Though disheartened, my spouse offered a different perspective, highlighting the positive engagement and shares received on social media. This experience reinforced the importance of not being disheartened by one negative review, as the majority of feedback was positive.
In terms of my skills, I’ve cultivated the mindset of giving my all to every project. I never claim to replicate another artist’s work precisely, emphasizing that my creations will be similar. If a result falls short, I don’t hesitate to start over, recognizing the significance of delivering satisfaction, especially on special occasions. This commitment to continuous improvement is a cornerstone of my craft.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Currently, I’m actively seeking collaboration opportunities, aiming to expand the reach of my cake slices, ideally placing them in major retailers like Walmart or convenience stores. One of my aspirations is to create a custom cake for influential personalities like Nicki Minaj or Cardi B. Connecting with such iconic figures would not only be a personal achievement but also a remarkable opportunity to showcase my craft on a grand scale.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jane_cakesllc?igsh=NjBmcnJ2M2p5ZW5r&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneCakesLLC?mibextid=LQQJ4d
