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

Raymone, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for my business really came from a mix of faith, timing, and motherhood. I first started baking back in 2018, almost by accident. What began as a simple hobby turned into something that felt like a gift something God revealed to me before I even knew how much I’d need it later. I didn’t realize at the time that I was being prepared for a bigger purpose. Fast forward a few years, I have a son and my son was diagnosed with autism, and life changed in the most eye-opening way. Between therapy sessions, doctor visits, and just wanting to be fully present for him, I found it hard to balance everything with a traditional 9-to-5 job. It felt like I was constantly being pulled in two directions wanting to provide and also wanting to be there for my child. That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and pick baking back up. Starting my business gave me the flexibility I needed for my family, but it also reignited something in me creativity, passion, and purpose. What makes my bakery unique is that every treat is made with intention. I don’t just focus on looks or flavor; I pour my story, love, and care into everything I make. My customers often say they can feel that difference. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it wasn’t just about baking it was about creating a life that allowed me to show up fully as a mom and as an entrepreneur. I wanted to build something that would not only provide for my family but inspire others who might be going through the same challenges.

Raymone, 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?

My name is Raymone Smith, and I’m the owner and baker behind Baked by Ray, a home-based bakery in Ellenwood, Georgia. I specialize in custom cakes, cupcakes, and desserts for all occasions, each one made from scratch with creativity and care. My journey into baking started back in 2018 when I discovered my love for creating desserts that not only look beautiful but taste just as good. What started as a simple hobby quickly became something deeper, a true calling.

A few years later, after my son’s autism diagnosis, I decided to fully step into my business. Balancing a full-time job with doctor visits and therapies became challenging, and I realized that entrepreneurship could give me the flexibility to be both the mom and businesswoman I wanted to be. That moment became the driving force behind Baked by Ray.

What sets my bakery apart is the heart behind every creation. I don’t just bake cakes, I help people celebrate their most meaningful moments. Each order is personal to me, and I pride myself on attention to detail, flavor, and presentation. My clients often tell me they can feel the love and intention that goes into every treat, and that’s exactly what I want them to experience.

I’m most proud of how far my business has come and the joy it’s brought to so many families. Baked by Ray isn’t just about sweets it’s about creating connections, spreading happiness, and showing that with faith and perseverance, you can turn your passion into purpose. What I want people to know about my brand is that it was built on love, family, and faith and every dessert I make carries a piece of that story.

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

Honestly, the best source of new clients for me has been getting out there in person literally going door to door, introducing myself, and handing out samples. I’ve always believed that if you want people to invest in you, you have to be willing to invest in yourself first. Whether that means spending money on quality ingredients, packaging, or giving out free samples, it’s all part of planting seeds that will grow later.
When people taste my desserts, they remember them that personal connection and the effort it takes to show up in person has brought me some of my most loyal customers. I look at every sample or giveaway not as a loss, but as a form of marketing. You have to give to gain. That mindset has helped me grow Baked by Ray from a small home operation into a recognizable local brand.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that really illustrates my resilience is the period right after my son was diagnosed with autism. It was one of the most emotional and uncertain times of my life. I was working full-time, trying to juggle my job, his therapy and doctor appointments, and still keep our daily life together. I remember feeling torn I wanted to be the mom my son needed, but my job’s schedule just wasn’t flexible enough to allow that. There were days I would be exhausted and defeated, but instead of giving up, I started baking again. What began as a way to relieve stress slowly became my outlet and my hope. Late nights in the kitchen turned into experiments, practice, and eventually orders. It wasn’t easy I was tired, scared, and unsure if it would all work out but I kept pushing through because I wanted to build something that gave me both freedom and purpose. That season taught me that resilience isn’t about having everything figured out; it’s about showing up, even when you don’t know how things will turn out. Looking back, I see that every challenge was preparing me for this to run a business, to trust my faith, and to create a life that allows me to be fully present for my son.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ItsBakedByRay.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakedbyray__?igsh=Nm4xOHNxYWR2YmZt&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GWJRMVY9g/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bakedbyray?_t=ZP-90lS5kJlpL4&_r=1