We were lucky to catch up with Honey Chappell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Honey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I grew up in rural Minnesota with 5 other siblings. From as early as I can remember my parents both worked tirelessly to give us a good happy home.

My dad, who owned and worked his custom siding business only took off Sunday and worked from Dawn until well after dark.
My mom, who worked full time and at the age of 40 graduated as a graphics designer.

They both taught me work ethic and to never give up. Even if it feels like you just cant go. Our house burned down when I was 8 years old. It was a total loss, but they never gave up. My dad had the trees on our property cut and milled and that’s what he started the construction on our new home with. My mom, worked over time to help pay for supplies and raised 6 kids. Which is a feet in itself.

They both loved art in their own way. My dad in building things out of wood, my mom in drawing, painting and sewing. Oh and decorating the occasional cake.

They never told us to be a certain way, the way we were was good enough for them. Their love for all of us was never in question.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started dabbling in baking and decorating cakes when I was probably 13 or 14. I would help my mom on her occasional cake she would do for a friend for family member.

I actually went to school for architectural engineering, but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. When my son turned 1 is when I got back into the cake decorating. But didn’t dive professionally into until about 10 years later. I am self taught so I had a lot of major fails.

Now I am proud to say, as a small home based business I have received the Best Bakery of Gwinnett (the county I live in) award for the past 4 years in a row. My clients vote me in which makes it even more amazing.

I am fortunate enough to design and create custom cakes from weddings to baby showers. But when I see the children get a look at their cake for the first time it makes my heart swell. Their smiles are incredible.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My work ethic, quality of work, and timely responses. I value my clients time, they don’t need to be waiting days for a response on a quote or design. I know how valuable time is for anyone.

Keeping promises for deadlines and delivery dates is extremely important when your in my industry. And showing up with a show stopping cake is something I am very proud of.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Word of mouth. I don’t think there is any better advertising than a person’s personal referral to another. It becomes a snowball effect. I actually don’t advertise at all. It’s pretty amazing to have my clients give me the shout out to their friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.suwaneecakes.com
• Instagram: @simply_sweet_cakes_suwanee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplySweetCakesSuwaneeGa/