Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Arnold. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Ladie Kakes actually derives from my childhood nickname. My mom and uncle used call me Lady or Lady Ashley as a child. They said I was so dainty and ladylike as a young girl. And as I grew up, I liked it so I kept it. Once I started making cakes for the public I needed a name. So, I married the two. I’ve always kind of wished my parents would’ve spelled my name with an “ie” so, I swapped the “y” in Lady for “ie.” And since, I like being different I decided to drop the “C” and put a “K” in its place as well. Thus Ladie Kakes was born.

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?

Baking started as hobby. Originally, I just played around in my mother’s kitchen and experimented on my family, friends, and co-workers. Until others started asking for me to make treats for them. And before you knew it was baking for office parties, fundraisers, weddings, birthday parties, and baby showers. All while having a fulltime time job in the Lingerie Industry. Eventually, I moved onto another job in private sector and still continued on with my side hobby. turned side hustle. That move however, proved to be short lived. As that company went through a string of lay-offs and this lady found herself unemployed. While “looking for a job,” I thought about the fact that I was never truly fulfilled at either of the jobs I had. If i was going to spend the majority of my time doing something I may as well try earning a living doing something I love. So, I began researching how I could legally sell my creations at the Farmers Markets I frequented. I attained all of the necessary permits, licenses, equipment, and a little courage. In April of 2016 I started selling Ladie Kakes in my first Farmers Market around the corner from my childhood home and I haven’t looked back.

Since my original leap. I’ve been in many Farmers Markets, specialty and cultural festival. I’ve catered countless baby showers, weddings, birthday parties, school and corporate events. Most recently I’ve catered events for groups like Google and locally Long Beach City College. Perhaps my highest honor has come from my community at the Taste of Downtown Long Beach, where locals have voted Ladie Kakes Most Creative and Best Sweet six times and counting.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

At Ladie Kakes we produce and distribute all of our own treats. Often times I’ll solicit suggestions from my customers at the Farmers Markets and via social media. Many times they have some great flavor suggestions and often remind me of fan favorites that I’ve neglected. I take pride this fact that all Ladie Kakes treats are made with and packaged with Ladie Kakes hands. There’s a little love in every bite.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think Ladie Kakes is my biggest pivot. I was raised like so many, get good grades, go to college, get a degree, find a good job and live a stable comfortable life. No one talks about graduating college into a recession with a terrible job market, working full time, being unfulfilled and barely compensated. Only to perhaps be let go. Betting on myself and building a business that allows me to do something I truly enjoy has been the biggest most fulfilling career/life pivot I could ever imagine.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ladiekakes.com
• Instagram: @myladiekakes
• Facebook: @ladiekakes
• Yelp: Ladie Kakes
• Other: ladiekakes.square.site