We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katrina Peaks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katrina below.

Katrina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

In relation to my business as a Cake Artist, I think the following things have helped me be successful:

1. Precision & Creativity
2. Customer Connection
3. Adaptability & Strategy
4. Community & Collaboration
5. Resilience & Passion

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.

I’m Katrina Peaks, the proud owner of The Cake Obsession, located in Blythewood, SC. My adventure into the world of business kicked off with a quirky Lego cake! It’s a bit of a chuckle, too, because I actually went to college for something totally different! Baking isn’t just my business—it’s my passion, my craft, and my way of creating moments that people remember. I founded The Cake Obsession in South Carolina with one goal in mind: to turn ordinary desserts into unforgettable experiences. What started as a love for baking has grown into a thriving online bakery specializing in made-to-order custom cakes and cookies designed to delight.

My journey into the industry wasn’t just about learning recipes—it was about mastering the artistry of cake decorating and understanding the deeper connection between food and celebration. Whether it’s a towering wedding cake, intricately detailed themed cookies, or a dessert that reflects a couple’s unique love story, I believe that every creation should be as special as the person receiving it.

At The Cake Obsession, I solve a simple yet meaningful problem: helping people celebrate life’s biggest milestones with personalized, handcrafted desserts that reflect their vision. I take pride in offering more than just sweets—I offer moments of joy, beautifully captured in edible form.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend technical precision with artistic creativity. Every cake and cookie I design is a reflection of my dedication to quality, attention to detail, and the desire to make each order truly unique. Beyond the aesthetics, I’ve cultivated a brand that’s deeply engaging—whether through playful social media content, thoughtful customer interactions, or the seamless experience of ordering a custom dessert that feels personal.

One of my proudest achievements has been building a community around my work—engaging with clients, connecting with fellow bakers, and constantly refining my craft based on customer feedback. I take every challenge as an opportunity to evolve.

For those discovering The Cake Obsession for the first time, here’s what I want them to know: I’m not just here to sell cakes; I’m here to create edible artistry that adds magic to their celebrations. I’m here to engage, inspire, and bring joy through every bite. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or just a sweet treat for yourself, every order is handled with care, passion, and a commitment to excellence.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Like many great ventures, The Cake Obsession started as a passion project—a creative outlet that quickly turned into something much more. What started as simple requests for cakes and cookies from friends and family quickly picked up momentum through word-of-mouth and networking. As orders increased, I realized this wasn’t just a hobby—it was an opportunity to build something meaningful, something personal.

Scaling the business wasn’t just about baking more; it was about refining operations, understanding customer needs, and maintaining a level of artistry that set my work apart.

Key milestones

1. Establishing my online presence: Building a strong digital presence was essential in scaling The Cake Obsession. It didn’t just come from social media but from strategically positioning my business where customers could easily find and interact with me. I didn’t just create a website, I crafted an experience where potential customers could easily see my artistry, understand my offerings, and engage with my brand. My Google Business Listing has been key in connecting with customers, helping them discover my work and read reviews. My social media presence serves a different but equally valuable purpose—it’s where I engage with the baking community, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and network with other brands. It’s not just about showcasing my creations; it’s about sharing knowledge, exchanging inspiration, and staying connected to trends within the industry.

2. Streamlining order processes: Transitioning from manual order tracking to a structured system tailored for bakeries has allowed me to handle increasing demand without sacrificing the personalized touch. This streamlined approach enhances the customer experience, ensuring that every order is handled professionally while still feeling personal. By refining my workflow, I’ve been able to focus more on creativity and custom designs, rather than getting lost in logistics.

3. Using structured systems to support my growing customer base: Refining my backend operations became essential as demand grew. Incorporating software solutions was crucial to maintaining efficiency without compromising quality. Implementing structured systems helped streamline inventory management, ensuring that ingredients and supplies are tracked with precision to support production demands.

These milestones weren’t just steps forward; they were intentional steps that elevated my side hustle into a fully functional, customer-centric business. Today, The Cake Obsession is more than just an online bakery; it embodies a brand founded on precision, creativity, and genuine connections with its customers. The transition from side hustle to a full-time business has been rife with challenges, lessons, and joyful moments, yet the core of the business remains unchanged: crafting custom, made-to-order desserts that turn life’s most significant events into unforgettable celebrations.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation in the baking industry isn’t just built on the cakes I make—it’s built on the experience I create, the relationships I nurture, and the dedication I bring to every order.

1. Unmatched Attention to Detail: I embody each client’s vision in each order and I take pride in delivering quality and consistency. Personalized touches contribute to an experience my customers can trust and appreciate.

2. Engaging Brand Presence: I love creating playful social media content, crafting captions that reflect my personality, and responding thoughtfully to customer reviews. My goal is to make The Cake Obsession feel personal and authentic—so customers don’t just follow my business, they connect with it.

3. Customer-Centric Approach: Every order is more than just a transaction; it’s an opportunity to make someone’s celebration special. I listen to feedback, refine my offerings, and ensure that each creation exceeds expectations. My customers know they’re getting more than just dessert—they’re receiving something made with care, passion, and creativity.

4. Adaptability & Innovation: Running a business means constantly evolving, and I embrace that challenge. Whether it’s transitioning software to enhance efficiency, structuring wedding cake packages for hassle-free ordering, or launching new dessert categories, I stay ahead of the curve to ensure my processes are seamless and my offerings stay fresh.

5. Strong Community Engagement: I don’t just bake—I connect, inspire, and celebrate with my customers and fellow bakers. Engaging in creative discussions, sharing my journey, and uplifting others in the industry has helped The Cake Obsession grow beyond just a business—it’s become a brand rooted in artistry, celebration, and connection.

Building my reputation has been intentional, and I’m proud of the trust and excitement my work generates.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cakeobsession.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cakeobsession.sc
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/cakeobession.sc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cakeobsessionsc
• Other: https://pinterest.com/cakeobsessionsc

Image Credits

Tinita Tennant Photography – Photo of Katrina
Katrina Peaks – dessert photos