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

Kristen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

On occasion, I do think about what it would be like to have a more traditional job — getting a consistent paycheck from someone else, having set hours, and being able to truly clock out at the end of the day. It can be difficult to wear all of the hats that come with running a successful business, and it can also be challenging when people don’t understand the hustle that is involved.

Then I think about what I’ve built. I get to wake up and create something I genuinely love. I get to be part of people’s biggest celebrations, especially weddings, and see something I made become a small part of someone’s most memorable moments. I have the freedom to make my own schedule, make decisions for myself, and grow something that is truly mine.

Being a business owner definitely comes with challenges, and there are days where the responsibility is overwhelming, but the tradeoff is worth it. Being my own boss, having the ability to create a life around my passions, and making a living doing something I love is worth more to me than a traditional job ever could be.

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 background and context?

I originally fell in love with baking at a young age. My mom would be baking, and I was always eager to help! As time went on, I started researching how to decorate cupcakes, then eventually cakes. I would practice, and eventually started a little operation selling cupcakes in high school! I always enjoyed baking, then realized I could also make money doing something I truly loved.

We started by only baking cupcakes, but I then dipped my feet into the world of celebration cakes, eventually discovering my true passion: wedding cakes and dessert tables. I still make cakes, cupcakes, and treats for all occasions, but weddings hold a special place in my heart and in this business.

There is something special about being the person who not only runs the business, but also creates each order. It allows me to build a more personal connection with my customers and be part of their celebrations in a meaningful way. I handle every single order from start to finish — from the initial inquiry email and communication to determine exactly what each client is looking for, to invoicing, baking, and delivery. This ensures that the person accepting the order is the same person creating it, leaving less room for inconsistency and allowing me to fully understand each client’s vision.

The thing I am most proud of is creating steady income for myself, based on doing exactly what I always wanted to do. I always knew that I was meant to do this, and the fact that I am doing it, means the most to me. I started this business when I was 20 years old, and I have turned it into a full-time career. I am so proud to constantly be voted as one of the best in the industry in North Florida on The Knot, Premiere Bride Magazine, and Best of Jacksonville. I am incredibly honored to have built the reputation I have today.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before going full time with my business, I always had either a part-time or full-time job while the business was a side hustle. My last part-time job let me go unexpectedly, and I realized I had been relying on the wrong source for steady income. I gave myself three months to make it work or decide another course of action.

During that time, I focused entirely on increasing sales, booking more orders, and marketing consistently. That’s when I realized the business could actually sustain itself and support me. Paying myself was difficult at first, but once it became my only job, it had to be done, and I made it work. Since then, I’ve continued growing and haven’t looked back since!

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

There was a large bridal advertising company that constantly called to get us listed on their website. It was very pricey—hundreds of dollars a month. Although it felt like a significant investment, and after lots of research, I decided to take the risk and sign a 12 month contract.

I consistently track the metrics to ensure the advertising is working, and each year I’ve made my investment back many times over. Taking a leap like that can be scary, but it has proven to be incredibly worthwhile for my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kristenscupcakecafe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenscupcakecafe/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristenscupcakecafe/