Meet Kimberly Dodaj

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

Hi Kimberly, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Honestly, my confidence didn’t happen overnight — it grew in layers, just like a cake. When I first started baking seven years ago, I was constantly comparing myself to others and overanalyzing every detail. But over time, I realized that my perfectionism could be my strength if I channeled it into growth instead of pressure.

My husband has been such a huge part of that journey — he’s always believed in me, even in moments when I doubted myself. His encouragement helped me step into my worth and see my own potential through his eyes. That, paired with endless nights of practice and a relentless love for creating beauty, helped me fine-tune not only my style but also my confidence.

Each cake became a reflection of my evolution — the more I trusted my instincts, the more my artistic voice came through. Now, confidence feels less like something I “built” and more like something I’ve baked into myself, one design at a time.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder and cake artist behind Kimberly’s Cakery, a custom cake studio where every design tells a story. My style blends vintage charm with modern artistry — soft pastels, intricate piping, and details that feel dreamy and nostalgic.

What I love most is creating cakes that feel personal and emotional — not just something to look at, but something to feel. Each design is made with intention and love, inspired by the joy behind every celebration.

This year has been especially exciting as Kimberly’s Cakery continues expanding into the wedding and creative event world, collaborating with local venues and artists. We were recently recognized as one of Jacksonville’s top wedding cake artists, which feels like such a full-circle moment after years of pouring my heart into this craft. My goal is to keep evolving while staying true to what makes my brand special — thoughtful design, romantic details, and cakes that capture a moment in time.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey most are patience, consistency, and creativity.

Patience taught me that mastery takes time — and that the best things grow slowly. There were nights I’d be up until 3 a.m. redoing designs or testing new techniques, but every moment taught me something. My advice to new artists or business owners is to embrace the slow seasons. They’re where your skill and resilience are built.

Consistency is what truly transformed my work. I’ve learned that showing up for yourself — even when you don’t feel inspired — is what separates dreamers from doers. Keep practicing, keep posting, keep learning. Every repetition builds confidence.

And creativity — that’s the heart of it all. Don’t lose sight of your artistic voice trying to fit in. The moment I stopped worrying about what everyone else was doing and started creating from the heart, my business began to blossom.

My best advice? Be obsessed with growth, not perfection! Keep your curiosity alive, trust your instincts, and remember — it’s okay to be both a work in progress and a masterpiece in the making.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and breathe. Running a creative business can blur the line between passion and burnout, so I’ve learned that rest is part of the process. Sometimes that means taking a day to read & relax or spending time with my husband taking film photos around town.

My advice is to slow down and reconnect with your “why.” Give yourself space to pause — creativity needs room to breathe. Rest isn’t weakness; it’s what keeps the passion alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kimberlyscakery.net
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kimberlyscakery

Image Credits

Yazi Davis