We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leeann Santos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
LEEANN, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from several places. First and foremost, I’m deeply passionate about my business, and that passion drives a positive outlook, even when things get tough. I’ve faced challenges before and succeeded, which gives me confidence that I can handle whatever comes next. I also have a strong support system—family, friends, and mentors—who provide reassurance and encouragement. Additionally, having a clear vision and goals for my business keeps me motivated and focused on the future. I view challenges not as setbacks but as opportunities to learn and grow, which helps maintain my optimism.
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’m the founder of KrazyCakeLady, where we specialize in creating delicious, handcrafted Custom Cakes, Desserts and Dessert Charcuterie Boards that bring joy to every occasion. What excites me most about what I do is the ability to bring people together through the simple pleasure of food. Whether it’s a beautifully decorated cake for a special occasion, or a sweet treat just because, there’s something magical about being part of people’s everyday celebrations. What makes our bakery unique is our commitment to using the highest quality ingredients and traditional baking methods. We pour love and care into every recipe, ensuring that each bite is as memorable as the last. Our customers know they’re getting something truly special when they visit us, whether it’s our signature pastries, seasonal offerings, or custom
desserts. As for what’s new, we’re excited to announce our Holiday Dessert Charcuterie Boards! We’re always looking for new ways to delight our customers and can’t wait to share what’s next with our community. At the heart of Krazy Cake Lady is a passion for bringing people joy through baking. I’m thrilled to continue this journey and look forward to what the future holds!
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, three qualities have been particularly impactful in my journey as a bakery owner
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks has been crucial. The food industry can be unpredictable, and there are always challenges, whether it’s a recipe that didn’t turn out right or an unexpected downturn in business. Resilience has allowed me to keep moving forward, learning from every experience.
Creativity: In baking, creativity is key. It’s not just about following recipes but about innovating, experimenting with flavors, and presenting your products in a way that excites your customers! Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks in the kitchen. The more you practice, the more your creative instincts will grow. Running a successful bakery isn’t just about being a great baker; it’s also about understanding the business side—managing finances, marketing, customer service, and more. Balancing creativity with good business sense has been key to sustaining and growing my bakery.
If you’re early in your journey, invest time in learning the business side of things. Take courses, seek mentorship, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice from those who have been in your shoes. Understand your market, keep a close eye on your finances, and always think about how you can create value for your customers. For anyone starting out, my advice is to focus on building these qualities and skills. They’ll not only help you navigate the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship but also enable you to turn your passion into a thriving business.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A book that has played an important role in my development is Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley. This book really resonated with me, both as a business owner and on a personal level. One of the most impactful takea ways was “Thoughts become things”. This idea helped change my perspective about things. It reminded me that everything is about mindset. It’s a principle I continue to apply in my business today, especially when obstacles arise. Overall, Infinite Possibilities offered me valuable insights that have helped shape my approach to both life and business. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to growing personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Krazycakelady.com
- Instagram: Thekrazy_cakelady
- Facebook: Krazy Cake Lady
- Other: Tic Tok: Krazy Cake Lady
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.