Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to D’ONDRA SHELTON OKONOFUA . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
D’ONDRA, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is D’Ondra Shelton Okonofua. I am a wife, mom of 3, and a small business owner. I am also a control manager in the Commercial Real Estate department at a popular bank. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy seeing my 4 year old get excited about learning new things. I’m ecstatic to see my 9 month old twins grow and try new things. My kids are my inspiration. They’re the motivation that I need to keep going. I started making cupcakes as a hobby. People would tell me that my cupcakes were too good to give away. One day, I started to believe them. Cupcakery was born of an experiment and the desire to be self-sufficient, to be the inspiration for my kids. At Cupcakery, I sell cupcakes. All kinds of cupcakes. From the plane Jane Vanilla cupcake to the S’mores cupcake with a chared marshmallow. I can do it all. I think what sets me apart from other bakers is that I offer a delicious cupcake. Yes, my cupcake is decorated well, but the moistness and fluffyness of my cupcakes make you want to savor every bite. What makes me most proud is being able to execute what my customers want! I want my customers to be excited about receiving their order. I take pride in delivering a product that is visually appealing and also delicious. I ensure my customers that they will receive their order on time and they’ll be pleased with the outcome. I am always willing to resolve any issue that may present itself. My customer’s experience means the world to me.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I was 7 months pregnant with twins, and I got the biggest deal to date for Cupcakery. I was scared, nervous, and PREGNANT. A corporate company reached out and asked if I could make 60 dozen cupcakes for a small Valentines party. I was floored. I knew I had to do it. There was no way I could turn this deal down. I responded back to let them know that I was available and could fill the order. It took me 2 days to make 700 plus cupcakes. I had to take breaks because my feet hurt. I would stop because I was having hand spasms from icing the cupcakes, but it was all worth it. My husband and I delivered the cupcakes on a Friday afternoon. By Saturday, I had a plethora of new followers on social media. Then, on the following Monday, a manager from the same company said, “I tasted one of you cupcakes on Friday, and it was everything! Do you think I can order 40 dozen for next Friday? ” Once again, I was not turning down this deal. I was thinking that this order was less than the 1st order. I can do it, and I did it. I say all of that to say that sometimes you have to be uncomfortable and step out on faith. I knew that taking this deal could be big for my business. So, I was willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. I knew that I would feel the pain in the physical, but I also knew that it wouldn’t last long.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Every customer is not your customer! I had to learn not to be heartbroken when someone asked for my price list and then stopped communicating with me. In my mind, I want to share my cupcakes with the world. I soon found out that everyone is not going to be pleased with your prices or the products you offer. I’ve had customers ask if they could buy the ingredients and me make the cupcakes so they would be in the price point that suited them. I’ve been told that prices are too high and they know of someone who sells cupcakes cheaper. I had to learn not to take these things personally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cupcakerydso
- Facebook: @cupcakerydso
Image Credits
Gloria Ilariogun Jeccin Unegbu