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

Hi Mary, thanks for joining us 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?

My first client was basically the reason I started Almost Perfect Cakes. It was early 2020 and a friend of mine was preparing for the party she was planning to have for her son. I asked her what she was going to do for dessert and she told me was was just going to do a box cake mix. I laughed thinking that she was joking…but she wasn’t. I offered to make her sons birthday cake for her…from scratch and she agreed. She was having a Frozen themed birthday cake so I planned to make him an Olaf cake. She wanted a vanilla cake but I wanted to make it unique so I decided to do blue ombré on the inside. The outside was going to be white covered in sparkly snow, snowflakes and Olaf on top. When I brought the cake to the party my friend was so impressed with the way it looked. It wasn’t perfect but I had tried my best and she was happy, which made me happy. When it was time to have cake people at the party kept telling me how cute the cake was and how impressed they were that I had made it. When people started eating it that’s when I really started getting compliments. Everyone loved the taste! Even though it was just a vanilla cake they loved it. By the time the party was over I had two cake orders. Honestly I had no intention of starting this business but the feedback that I received at the party gave me the confidence to move forward. I had no idea where to start. Some friends advised me to come up with a name, start a Instagram and Facebook page and price out my different sizes. So that’s what I did. In a very short time I was getting orders from moms all over Franklin and was amazed at how quickly word of mouth spread.
The past 3 years (almost) have been a roller coaster. I feel lucky to have had the support of so many people in the community. This small cake company has helped me get through some really tough times and has supported my three kids. I am truly grateful for everyone who has bought a cake, referred me to their friends and family, and continues to encourage me. It is because of you that I am where I am today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi everyone! My name is Mary and I am the owner/creator of Almost Perfect Cakes. APC is a custom cake company that specializes in all things cake (customs cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, etc). I am a self taught baker who has always loved baking and trying new recipes. In 2020 I decided to go out on a whim and sell the things I love to make and luckily for me I have been successful so far! I operate my company out of my home in Fairview, TN where I live with my three amazing kids, Greyson (6), Vinny (5) and Parker (3).

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Working a full time “day” job and trying to run a small business as a full time single mom of three little kids is not always easy. Not only do I have to find time to fit everything in but I also have to prioritize when life gets too hectic. In 2022 my family was hit with a few major events that required a lot of my attention and I was forced to take a step back from my business to focus on my kids and my full time job. Although I continued to take some orders, I was not able to fulfill as many as I had previously, I found it difficult to respond to inquiries and was basically non existent on social media. As a result my company that was flourishing was suffering. I almost gave up when I realized that I would be giving up something that I love. Something that had gotten me through the most difficult chapter in my life. So I decided to be more intentional and focused when it came to my company. I would do what I can to keep it going…it’s not perfect but neither am I.

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

This is still my side hustle! But would love advice on how to take it from a side hustle to my primary money maker!! 😉

Contact Info:

• Website: www.almostperfectcake.com
• Instagram: @almostperfectcake
• Facebook: @almostperfectcake

Image Credits
First pic (me and kids) is by Sally Konarzewski (@snapswithsally)