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

Shalisha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

I ventured into the world of baking out of necessity. After organizing and hosting my Dad’s 70th birthday bash, centered around a nostalgic 1940s theme, I found myself financially drained. Every aspect of the event, from the decor to the food and drinks, reflected the era of my father’s birth. However, when it came to the cakes, I faced a dilemma. I couldn’t afford to commission the intricate designs I envisioned from a bakery like Publix. Determined to stay within my budget, I took matters into my own hands and attempted to create a record player cake and a number 70 cake myself. Despite their less-than-perfect appearance, they were a hit with the guests, who loved the personal touch. Encouraged by the positive feedback, I shared photos of my creations on Facebook and instantly received four orders. And so, Sweets by Shalisha was born out of my humble kitchen.

Shalisha, 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 take immense pride in my business for its ability to turn my clients’ visions into reality. Witnessing the joy and amazement on their faces never fails to warm my heart. As a home-based baker, I find immense joy in crafting unique creations for each client. Whether it’s a stunning 3D masterpiece, an elegantly crafted single-tier cake, or a breathtaking wedding centerpiece, I pour my passion into every creation. From delightful cake pops to delectable cookies and personalized items featuring edible image business logos, I’m not afraid to tackle any challenge or design. I specialize in delivering meticulously crafted desserts and offer a variety of package options, perfect for enjoying at my clients’ events or as delightful thank-you treats to savor later. Every treat I create is proudly branded with my logo, a mark of quality and dedication.

If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?

In recent years, I’ve embarked on an exciting journey to broaden my business horizons by introducing various classes. These range from intimate one-on-one date nights to interactive sessions like “Mommy and Me,” practical “how-to” tutorials, and corporate team-building workshops. Now, I’m thrilled to announce my latest endeavor: The Business of Baking.

The Business of Baking is designed to cater primarily to the youth while remaining open to all age groups. Its aim is to impart entrepreneurial skills through hands-on baking and decorating experiences, along with valuable lessons in business structuring and effective marketing. No prior experience is necessary—just a passion for learning and a determination to succeed.

My ultimate goal is to empower young people by showcasing baking as a viable career path alongside traditional options like college, military service, or technical schooling. Baking offers a wide array of possibilities, from crafting cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pretzels to mastering the art of bread-making and pie-baking. Whether one chooses to specialize in decoration, creating intricate toppers, or becoming known for exceptional cookies, the opportunities are endless.

Once the foundational structure is established, the potential for marketing becomes boundless. The Business of Baking aims to inspire and equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the dynamic world of baking and beyond.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The most significant lesson I had to reevaluate was my reliance on self-taught methods, which I struggled to perfect in isolation, compared to the simpler techniques shared by fellow bakers and decorators on platforms like YouTube and social media. For a long time, I stubbornly adhered to “my way” of doing things, perplexed as to why my cakes didn’t possess the polished look of those showcased on television or why they sometimes lacked structural integrity, resulting in leaning towers instead of upright creations.

I embarked on a journey to unlearn these ingrained habits and embrace new knowledge. This involved understanding fundamental differences such as using margarine versus real butter, distinguishing between chicken eggs and duck eggs, and recognizing when to use oil versus butter in a recipe. Additionally, I learned to appreciate the importance of following precise recipes rather than relying solely on my grandmother’s more intuitive cooking methods of “a pinch of this and a dab of that.”

Once I acknowledged that growth requires embracing change and accepting inevitable evolution, my cakes and treats began to rival those seen on TV. Stepping out of my comfort zone became a catalyst for success, leading to a flourishing business and a significant boost in confidence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sweets-by-shalisha.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetsbyshalisha/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetsbyshalisha
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalisha-mckoy-82143458/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app