We were lucky to catch up with Shakira Upshaw recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shakira thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents were super influential in my life and career. My mom was one of my best friends. She never allowed anything to stop her from doing what was she thought she could do. For a better lack of words she made it happen at all times. She was the definition of blind faith and trust the process. If it wasn’t for her guidance and instilling faith in me, I’m not sure how I would get through most days. My dad taught me how to remain stable and forgiveness. After serving 27 years in the military we were not as close as most father/daughter relationships due to his travels but as I got order I began to understand the sacrifices that it takes to provide the best you can for your children. Now as a business owner, I definitely find myself from time to time missing things with my own children because of working but I make the continuous effort to make sure they know that I am doing it to give them the very best. In the process I have learned to have a work life balance that helps maintain sanity and bonding time with my family.

Shakira , 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?

I am a home based baker in Land O’Lakes, FL. I began baking as a child and was always in the kitchen trying to help for holiday get togethers. I actually never really thought about having a business prior to starting. T2S Creations was started in April 2019 after planning my own children’s birthday parties and making the cake and treats. After alot of encouragement from family and friends I started the business and have been going strong ever since. I currently specialize in luxury custom cakes, cupcakes and cookies. Being so new in the industry it’s easy to get sucked into what’s trending instead of finding what’s best for your business. I found myself jumping on that ship when I first started. Now that I have gotten my feet wet a little more, I know my strong suit and where I would be able to give my best quality of work. I am forever going to be a student even if I begin teaching. I love the idea of being able to learn a new technique even if it’s something that I specialize in. I would have to say that I am most proud of the growth I have had in such a short time span. 3 years is not long and any industry and to be able to be compared to some of the best is an amazing feeling. I have a long way to go and grow and and I am even more excited to see where this journey takes me!

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I have a website that I had created. The reason I chose to go with a website is because I can display everything I offer on a platform of my own. I have creative control over my personal website without any form of restrictions. The one down side I have is having to market and push the site on my own. When you work with companies such as Amazon or Etsy, there is so many different business with the same product that leads to high competition.

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

I believe what helps is putting yourself out there. Getting involved in networking events that cater to the market you are aiming to work with. For my line of work, providing samples to give your clientele the best impression of your product. Learn to sell yourself and being consistent are also key contributors in building the best professional reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.t2screations.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/t2screations
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/T2SCreations

Image Credits
Professional Headshot – Trale Williams Product images – Shakira Upshaw