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

LaTonya , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

It was Valentines Day 2018 when I made my first official dollar. I had only accepted orders from family and friends at that point, but I decided to go public on Facebook the week before. The week started off really slow, with not too many people showing interest. 5 days passed, and I had only taken 3 orders, and I was ok with that. I was just excited that I could be a part of making a few people’s Valentines Day special. So, of course, I posted a nice thank you for the orders that I had received, and literally the orders just started flooding in. I went from having 3 orders of cake pop bouquets to having a total of 16 bouquets orders overnight. It was an exciting yet overwhelming feeling at first. Making 36 cake pops was a breeze, but 196 was a completely different story. Needless to say I completed all the orders, and things just took off from there.

LaTonya , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always had a love for baking. I never imagined It would become my full time career, but I’ve always loved to bake, and decorate. As a kid Thanksgiving and Christmas was my absolute favorite because that’s when the cookbooks, and index cards full of old recipes came out. I was the helper, and designated taste tester. Those are same memories and traditions I wanted for my own children, so since they were little they’ve been my helpers. On my middle sons 9th birthday we decided I would make the best of best football themed birthday cake. It was a sight to see, but it tasted AMAZING! It was my first time making a tier cake, and also using fondant. I look back at that cake and laugh now because who would have thought that would be the beginning of something great. Fast forward to present day. I specialize in making homemade custom cakes(sheet, layered, and even tier cakes) I also offer gluten free and dairy free products. I provide a variety of special treats including cake pops, dipped pretzels, decorative shortbread cookies, coco bombs, cupcakes, ect. It is such a fulfilling feeling seeing the smiles on my customers faces, reading the comments left in my reviews, and just over all knowing that I played a part in someone’s special celebration. I had the honor of saving a wedding a couple months ago. My accountant called me around 9ish on a Saturday morning in a panic. She was in charge of the wedding cake, and the grocery store she had ordered the cake from canceled her order. No notice, no reasonable expectation, just canceled her order. She needed a 3 tier wedding cake delivered by 2:30 that afternoon. I had a couple of orders I was already working on, but my heart just went out to her, and the bride. I accepted her order, tied my apron tight, and got to work. It was a all hands on deck moment. I had my daughter making deliveries, my son making store runs, and my husband sifting flour. 5 hours later we had a 3 tier cake stacked, decorated, and ready for delivery. I didn’t get the pleasure of meeting the bride and groom, but I was told everyone loved the cake. Things like that is what sets me apart from other bakers and bakeries. I always try my best to go about and beyond my customers expectations. Everything is made with love, and I do not believe in charging an arm and 2 legs for my product. I offer real cake at reasonable prices.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Google, Facebook, and Instagram has been the best source of new clients for me. We live in an age where everyone is online doing something. Social media shares, and reviews go way further than just word of mouth. Several of my repeat customers are people who just Googled cakes in Franklin or cakes near me. Facebook and IG have also played a major roll in obtaining new clients. I’m always uploading pictures, and products. Those post are shared several times sometimes having thousands of views, and just like that I have inquiries from new potential customers.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building social media presence is 100% about content. Post,post, post. I honestly don’t post as much as I should, but posting pictures of your products is the number one way of building an audience. Follow groups pertaining to your products, and post your content in those groups as well. That also increases your audience. Be interactive when comments are left on your post, and encourage people to share your post.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lcscakebythepound.business.site/?m=true&fbclid=IwAR3Glnn7uViLvRkojfC2cBYr9LXKtOzV6NyPGi8W9n-ujS5C6PWjcGUkK3Q
• Instagram: https://lcscakebythepound.business.site/?m=true&fbclid=IwAR3Glnn7uViLvRkojfC2cBYr9LXKtOzV6NyPGi8W9n-ujS5C6PWjcGUkK3Q
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LCsCakeByThePound?mibextid=9R9pXO
• Other: Google https://g.co/kgs/WEvfKe