We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chelsea Hood a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

As a self-taught baker, I’ve honed my craft through relentless research and hands-on practice. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have been invaluable, offering visual tutorials that demystify intricate cake techniques. Staying abreast of trends and mastering them has been crucial in establishing my own unique style. Equally important is customer service—my warm demeanor has fostered repeat business and strong client relationships. Balancing this with my primary commitments is my greatest challenge; as a side business, time for personal creativity is a luxury I cherish amid fulfilling orders.

Chelsea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those unfamiliar with my business, I’m Chelsea Hood, the proud owner of Baked By The Hoods, a small baking venture I launched from home in 2020. Starting with no prior baking experience, I embarked on a journey of self-teaching. Initially specializing in cookies, I experimented with various recipes, aiming for creativity and flavor perfection, exemplified by treats like my Fruity Pebbles Sugar cookie. Over time, my focus shifted towards cakes, particularly wedding cakes, which have become my passion. Crafting these special cakes for such significant occasions brings me immense satisfaction. While weddings hold a special place, I also enjoy creating distinctive, sometimes whimsical designs that set my work apart. My cake designs often feature feminine touches, reflecting elegance and grace. Reflecting on my journey, I take great pride in the dedication and hard work that have shaped Baked By The Hoods. Each new cake I create serves as a testament to my progress and continuous growth—it’s a source of personal amazement. To prospective clients, know that ordering from Baked By The Hoods supports a small, local, Black-owned female business. With every cake, I invest my heart, ensuring I collaborate closely with you on timing, delivery, and design to deliver exactly what you envision. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to bake for you in the future.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I am incredibly grateful for my followers on Instagram. While I may not have gone viral or reached thousands, each follower represents a supportive community that continues to uplift and encourage me. Social media has been a learning curve for me—I’m constantly striving to improve, finding time to create new content, film, and capture professional-quality photos amidst my baking commitments. These challenges have become opportunities for growth, as each cake I create also teaches me more about content creation. My goal is to expand my platform and cultivate a larger community of cake enthusiasts who appreciate the passion and dedication I pour into every creation.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is the ability to translate my artistic vision onto a cake and witness the positive responses it elicits. There’s an unparalleled joy in seeing others appreciate and connect with the intricate designs and flavors I meticulously craft. Each positive reaction fuels my passion further, allowing me to continually evolve and deepen my love for the art of baking. Transforming this passion into a successful business is a privilege that I cherish deeply—it not only brings me peace and joy, but also prioritizes my mental health and self-care, providing a creative outlet that allows me to prioritize doing what I love and enjoy, especially as a refreshing break from the stress of traditional 9 to 5 jobs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Bakedbythehoods.com
• Instagram: Bakedbythehoods