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

Jamie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Tasty Cakes Etc started by word of mouth. I made simple cakes only for family and close friends. Then Someone called me after a family member’s party that they attended. They said how much they loved the cake and asked if I could make one for them as well. After that it kind of snowballed my business. At that time I didn’t have an actual business name, but One thing people would always say was that my desserts were not only visually appealing but also tasty. That’s how I came up with the name Tasty Cakes Etc. I was a part of the inaugural One Spark event that was held in Jacksonville which helped me get even more exposure. I was my first public event. I’ve always had a passion for baking and cooking. My enthusiasm for baking was fueled at a young age by my aunt and grandfather. I believe that the unique part of my business is that I have a variety of items to choose from not only specialty cakes, but various desserts and full service catering. All aspects of the business excites me. Seeing people’s reactions when they see the finished product. Watching their faces as they take their first bite. Being a part of some special family moments and milestones.

Jamie , 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?

I offer all types specialty cakes, custom treats, and full service catering. I’ve made cakes that look like crab pots, handbags, polo shirts etc. I also offer customized candy apples, chocolate covered Oreos and holiday treat boxes. I love being creative or when the customer allows me to do my own thing when it comes to the design. I think some things that set me apart from others because I offer so many options in one place. I’ve done full service catering for former mayors, and a few celebrities when they came into Jacksonville for concerts.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My client base. Without them them there would be no Tasty Cakes Etc. They also share, make posts and give great reviews. That’s what keeps me going and business thriving. For them I am Thankful.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first stated out I wanted to make everything fresh the day of! I was making a cake, trying to add decor and they were sliding off, falling apart etc. Well that didn’t work out well. Making custom cakes is a process. And it takes many steps to insure that it’s done correctly. Refrigeration before actually decorating, making the small details for the cakes the day before so they have time to dry and harden. It’s not an all in one day kind of thing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tastycakesetc?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TastyCakesEtc?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
All photos belong to me