Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Miss Suga. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Miss , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The Mission:
“At SugarSnaps, I bake with passion and purpose. My mission is to create sweet moments and cherished memories. Through dedication, creativity, and love, I craft confections that not only delight the senses but also tell meaningful stories. I exist to celebrate life’s moments, one delicious bite at a time.”
The story:
I am Miss Suga, a passionate baker with a story deeply rooted in my love for the art of baking. My culinary journey began in the sixth grade when I baked cupcakes for a class potluck. The overwhelming appreciation from my classmates ignited a passion within me that has since become my life’s purpose.
In eighth grade, during Mr. Roach’s business class, I envisioned a future where my love for sweets and my talent for poetry merged into a business. That moment of inspiration led to the birth of SugarSnaps, a name that encapsulates my passion for baking (Sugar) and my creative expression through poetry (Snaps). I became a certified chef by the state of Maryland at the age of 16, and furthered my culinary education at Delaware Tech, where I studied abroad in Italy, learning from some of the most renowned chefs.
While my culinary journey exposed me to various aspects of the culinary world, it was cake decorating that truly captured my heart. Initially hesitant, I discovered my passion for cake decoration in late November 2018, a moment that would change the course of my life. With no portfolio or proof of my skills, a leap of faith from an unexpected supporter brought SugarSnaps to life.
Despite the challenges of balancing a full-time job, being a student, and managing a demanding business, I persevered. Every attempt to put SugarSnaps aside only fueled my creativity and attracted more opportunities. Today, I stand in awe of how my sixth-grade passion and eighth-grade dream have evolved into a reality. Embracing my purpose as a baker and entrepreneur, I am both grateful and humbled.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello everyone! I’m Miss Suga, the creative force behind SugarSnaps. My journey into the world of baking started back in sixth grade when I baked a batch of cupcakes for a class potluck, earning me endless praise from my classmates. That sweet moment lit a culinary spark within me.
In eighth grade, during Mr. Roach’s business class, I conceptualized SugarSnaps—a venture that merged my love for sweets (Sugar) and my creative expression through poetry (Snaps). Fast forward to today, and SugarSnaps has become my culinary haven.
I’ve pursued this passion relentlessly, becoming a certified chef by the age of 16 and later earning a culinary degree from Delaware Tech, with a delightful detour to Italy for a taste of world-class culinary expertise. What fuels my passion even further are my #SipwithSuga group classes, where I share the art of cake decorating in a hands-on, interactive way.
At SugarSnaps, every creation is more than a dessert; it’s a piece of my heart, my dedication, and my imagination baked into reality. I craft experiences, not just cakes. My goal is to solve not just dessert cravings, but to create edible art that becomes the heart of celebrations, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
What sets SugarSnaps apart is the personal touch I infuse into each creation. I’m not just in the business of baking; I’m in the business of spreading joy. I take immense pride in the journey from a childhood passion to a full-fledged business—it’s a testament to determination and the belief that dreams are worth pursuing.
So, whether you’re celebrating life’s big moments or simply craving something sweet, I invite you to indulge in the SugarSnaps experience. We promise more than just cakes; we promise memories that taste as good as they look.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 2020, a pivotal year of trial and error before officially starting my business in 2021, a client approached me to create a cake for her parent’s anniversary. The concept was seemingly simple but posed a significant challenge for me, given my limited experience. The cake design called for a white base with a meticulously crafted gold drip and elegant gold writing that read “mom and dad.” I’ve always had a “can do” attitude, which often pushes me to attempt even the most intricate tasks.
Everything went smoothly until it came to the writing part. My skillset, particularly in writing on the sides of cakes, was lacking. This deficiency was brutally highlighted when the client saw the cake. Her reaction was devastating; she found the writing sloppy, akin to that of a two-year-old. I was crushed, holding back tears during our conversation. Despite my initial shock, I maintained my composure and promised to rectify the situation.
After hanging up, I allowed myself a brief moment of vulnerability. I shed a few tears, allowing the disappointment to wash over me. But then, I wiped my tears away and made a conscious decision. I immersed myself in research, eager to improve my cake handwriting skills. With newfound determination, I scraped off my initial attempt and poured my energy into perfecting the cake.
Upon sending the updated picture, the response was markedly different. The sisters were not only satisfied but also appreciative. Their feedback was unexpectedly constructive; they commended my attention to detail and my ability to accept criticism graciously. Their words were transformative, teaching me a profound lesson about resilience, humility, and the power of turning criticism into an opportunity for growth.
This experience became a cornerstone of my journey, reminding me that setbacks, even soul-crushing ones, can be stepping-stones toward improvement. It solidified my commitment to continuous learning and refinement, emphasizing the importance of accepting criticism as a valuable tool for progress.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Navigating the world of entrepreneurship involves more than just the thrill of success; it demands financial awareness and responsibility, lessons I had to learn the hard way. Despite the glamour associated with peak entrepreneurial moments, many overlook the essential financial stewardship required during slower periods. My most profound life lesson came when I faced the stark reality of my financial mismanagement: I had accrued a staggering $30,000 in credit card debt. This situation was a stark departure from my usual practice of paying off credit card balances in full each month, leaving me disillusioned and deeply disappointed in myself.
A significant portion of this debt arose from my eagerness to help others, a noble endeavor that, unfortunately, contributed to my financial downfall. The misconception that entrepreneurs are inherently wealthy further complicated matters. In truth, many of us grapple with financial challenges, especially in the initial stages of our ventures. Overextending myself, I made the mistake of continually overinvesting in new ideas, often sacrificing profits for the sake of experience.
This experience led me to reevaluate my financial approach entirely. I realized the importance of creating separate accounts, understanding the clear distinction between my personal finances and those of my business. Learning the value of having a dedicated business account versus a personal one was a transformative realization. It drastically changed my view on finances, providing clarity and structure that I had previously lacked.
Moreover, my perspective on financial stability shifted dramatically when I contrasted my past behavior. I had gone from buying cars with no money down, easily securing whatever I wanted, to facing continuous rejection when attempting to build business credit. This stark contrast illuminated the necessity of financial prudence and planning. It was this cycle of denial that truly made me realize the importance of financial stability. It was no longer about immediate gratification but about building a solid foundation for my entrepreneurial endeavors.
Through these challenges, I’ve gained valuable insights, not just about managing finances, but also about striking a balance between ambition and prudence in the entrepreneurial world. My journey towards financial stability continues to shape not only my business decisions but also my overall perspective on success and responsible entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sugarsnapsllc.com
- Instagram: sugarsnaps_
- Facebook: SugarSnapsDE
Image Credits
Portrait photographer: Antoine Pettyjohn