We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tatiana Boone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tatiana below.

Tatiana , appreciate you joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later? Give us the backstory

Even though I believe I would be further along in my profession if I could have started sooner.  The lessons, hardships, and meltdowns have all made it worthwhile for me to start when I did.

when did you start your business, where were you at life-wise/career-wise.

I was at a point in my life where I needed to do something different but couldn’t figure out what it was. I had a five-year plan in place to cease my prior income and begin my new adventure. I cook frequently but rarely prepare desserts, but I had a strong desire to do so on this particular evening. I made pecan praline cupcakes and gave them to one of my coworkers at the time. After she ate them, she insisted that I sell them, so I took what little money I had and went to a kitchen supply store to get cupcake containers and a cheap piping tool that I thought would help me with my icing but ended up being a disaster. After a handful of my friends helped me out by purchasing my cupcakes, one flavor evolved into another, and it’s been going strong ever since.

What would starting later or sooner have been like for you?

For me, starting earlier would mean having a storefront with at least 3-4 employees and working on a food truck by now. Everything, however, happens for a reason. I began by making cupcakes and have since expanded to include customized cakes, my popular Strawberry cheesecake pudding, tarts, and pretty much anything else you can think of.

What would have changed about your experience and looking back do you wish you had started sooner, later or at the same time?

I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey to become a baker; it has shaped who I am today; I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I’m so proud with myself for believing in my profession and how far I’ve come. So I’m pleased I started when I did because it was all about the timing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have three children and am currently earning a bachelor’s degree in child development. Many people have asked me what I plan to do with my  business and whether I want to teach. I enjoy assisting others, particularly children, therefore I believe I can create a balance between the two.

I’ve been baking for five years and my business has soared! I stepped out on faith  and believed that there was something else out there for me. I simply did not anticipate owning my own home-based bakery. Cupcakes, tarts, customized cakes, banana pudding, strawberry cheesecake pudding, and strawberry banana pudding are among the delicacies I offer. Many people are hesitant to try my strawberry cheesecake pudding since it is unusual, but I believe that once they do, it takes their taste buds to a new level,  I also engage in markets on various sides of town, so if my regular clients or even potential buyers are unable to find me at home, they can visit me there.

I started out delivering cakes at first, but I was having too much anxiety driving around with them, so I changed it to pick up only. I mention this because I once delivered a cake and part of it fell. Because the cakes were so fresh, they are prone to falling apart. This is another reason why I prefer client pick-up because it allows the cakes to settle. Anyway, I did my best to mend the cake, and I felt so awful about it that I reimbursed some of the money. I take pride in doing everything I can to make my customers happy, and I try to be as open and honest with them as possible.

My independence is unquestionably what sets myself apart from everyone else. I basically handle everything myself, including printing labels, designing pop-up set-ups, purchasing products, and keeping track of inventory. My delectable strawberry cheesecake pudding, of course  It may be pudding, but no one will ever come close  to making this recipe unless I sale it or show them how to make it.   I can assure you that  I created my own pudding recipe.

I’m extremely proud of all of the challenges I’ve faced and how I’ve overcome them without hesitation. I am self-taught, and I strive to extend my brand as much as possible. Overall, I appreciate working for myself and knowing that there are no limits to what I can accomplish.  For my potential clients. Give it a shot. I guarantee you will not be disappointed, and if there is something you don’t see that I don’t have listed, please contact me to see if I can make it. I’m quite sure I can. Unless they’re royal icing cookies. I haven’t yet figured out how to make those. Lol.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I would use all of my money on inventory and product when I first started out. This has happened to me several times over the years, and I’ve had to choose between expenses and my business on several occasions. But every time I’ve taken a chance, everything has turned out perfectly. You must have faith in yourself, take risks, and believe in yourself. I know it’s easier said than done, but there will be many ups and downs as an entrepreneur. Be willing to go above and above for yourself!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Word of mouth, giving out samples, having sales, simply being consistent and putting out as much content as I can are all things that have helped me succeed.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: kupkakequeen__

Image Credits
Photo credit: Tatiana Boone