Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olivia Starks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Olivia, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I always had a desire for baking and the sweet things in life! Starting at 5 years old I was introduced to the world of confections by my aunt who made the cakes for her husband’s business. Ever since then I’ve been pursuing cakes. I realized it was my purpose through the ease of the craft and prayer! When I’m baking and decorating cakes and treats it comes so naturally. The calming of my mind, heart, and body just focusing on the sweet confection in front of me never fails to amaze me. It’s truly like nothing else I’ve ever experienced or pursued. Also, seeing how a cake can brighten up someone’s day, and be a sweet focal point for a memory someone could cherish forever… it’s truly a blessing to have found my purpose in bringing sweet joy to the world.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Olivia Starks also known as That Cake Girlie! I am a small cottage bakery in Mansfield Texas that specializes in custom cakes, cupcakes, and more! I started my business officially in 2020. However, I have been baking and decorating since the age of 5. Though I ironically grew up in a household of people who don’t eat cake, I didn’t let that stop me from pursuing my sweet calling. I continued to bake all through elementary, middle school, and high school. Bring confections to my classmates and educators to the point they started placing orders! When I hit college is when the fun truly began being inquired for grand openings, weddings, and even one for the chamber of commerce! I am still currently in college and, I am not done yet! I plan to open my own store front combining my love for cake and sweet treats and, my shared love for the arts and providing space for creative expressions and attractions.
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 I would say my top three points of advice I feel best would help others hoping to pursue their dreams, especially in the baking world would be 1. Dreaming is good! But, dreams without work is dead.
Be sure you are doing diligence to achieve your dreams. Provide yourself a realistic timeline, digestible and realistic goals along your timeline, and room for error and growth. It’s not easy starting a small business but, it’s possible if you do your due diligence.
2. Do not be afraid to seek counsel! In a world of “self made” many hesitate to see advice or counsel in their given field. But as Rome wasn’t built in a day, it also wasn’t built by one person! Utilizing your resources includes finding people in your field to learn from. Don’t reinvent the wheel if you do not have to. Running a business is more than just selling your product. There are so many steps and layers to it that you can easily miss. This can be made less likely if you seek productive and healthy counsel (or even courses!)
3. You’re going to fall! It’s okay, because it’s not about how you fall but get back up triumphantly.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I have always had a deep rooted desire to find my community to collaborate with. One creative mind is good and things are possible but, I feel with a “dream team” of creatives the possibilities are endless! I want my bakery to be more than just a bakery. I want it to be an experience a creative one at that! My dream is to have an immersive bakery selfie museum. Teaming up with installation artist, cake artist, and creatives to make it more than just coming in and getting a treat. But a 360 all senses experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thatcakegirlie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatcakegirlie?igsh=MXJrdDd4Z2dpMXhxbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: I welcome those interested in collaborating or wanting to learn to email me! Thatcakegirlie@gmail.com
