We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stacey-Ann Lewis Callender a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Stacey-Ann, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business, Lip Smackin’ Creations by Stacey, was born out of a deep passion for baking that has been with me since I was just 9 years old. Baking has always been my creative outlet, my happy place, and my way of bringing joy to others through delicious treats.
When my family and I migrated to Florida when I was 19, I had dreams of attending Johnson Wales University in Miami to pursue my passion for baking and become a pastry chef. However, the high tuition costs made that dream seem out of reach. Undeterred, I decided to enroll in Broward College and pursued a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, knowing that it would still provide valuable knowledge and skills for my future.
Even though I couldn’t pursue my dreams of becoming a pastry chef right away, I never stopped baking. My friends and family absolutely loved my Jamaican-styled fruit cake, and every Christmas, I found myself baking large batches of these signature cakes to sell. It was heartwarming to see the joy and satisfaction on their faces when they tasted my creations.
In 2014, life threw me a curveball when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It was a challenging and emotional time for me, but baking became my solace, my therapy, and my source of strength. It was during this period that I realized the true power of my passion for baking. It was not only a way to express my creativity but also a way to cope with the changing circumstances in my life.
With this newfound perspective, I made the decision to officially start my cake business, specializing in Caribbean-style fruit cakes. I knew that fruit cakes held a special place in the Caribbean community, especially during the Christmas holidays and weddings. They are deeply rooted in our cultural traditions and are often referred to as “Black cake,” “Rum cake,” or “Great cake.” I saw an opportunity to bring these authentic flavors and traditions to South Florida, where there is a diverse population and a growing demographic of West Indians.
What excited me the most about this idea was the chance to fill a void in the market and provide tasty Jamaican and Caribbean treats to a community that was craving these flavors. I was offering a unique approach by focusing solely on Caribbean-style fruit cakes, and I believed that the authenticity and quality of my cakes would resonate with customers. The logic behind pursuing this endeavor was clear – I had a genuine passion for baking, a product that people loved, and a market that was hungry for these flavors. It just felt right, and I knew in my heart that this was a worthwhile endeavor.
So, with my passion as the driving force, I embarked on this business journey, pouring my love, creativity, and authentic Caribbean flavors into every cake I bake. It has been an incredible and fulfilling experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share a piece of my culture and heritage with the world through my cakes.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Stacey-Ann, an entrepreneur, cake artist, realtor, mother, and wife. My journey into the baking industry began at a young age when I discovered my passion for baking at just 9 years old. This passion stayed with me throughout my life, and even though I initially pursued a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, baking remained a constant in my life.
I specialize in creating Caribbean-style fruit cakes, which are a beloved staple in the Caribbean community. These fruit cakes, also known as “Black cake,” “Rum cake,” or “Great cake,” hold deep cultural significance and are enjoyed during special occasions like Christmas and weddings. I take pride in bringing these authentic flavors and traditions to South Florida, where there is a diverse population and a growing demographic of West Indians.
What sets me apart from others is my dedication to using quality organic ingredients in my cakes. I believe that using the best ingredients leads to exceptional taste and overall quality. I also pay meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every cake I create captures the vision and desires of my clients. I love working closely with my clients to bring their ideas to life, creating unique and personalized cakes that truly reflect their individuality.
One of the things I am most proud of is my commitment to constantly learning and improving my craft. I stay up to date with the latest baking techniques and trends, always seeking to enhance my skills and bring new and exciting elements to my creations. This dedication to continuous improvement allows me to provide the highest level of artistry and flavor in every cake I make.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that when they choose Lip Smackin’ Creations by Stacey, they are choosing a brand that is deeply passionate about creating exceptional cakes. I am not just a cake artist, but a storyteller who uses my craft to bring joy, celebration, and a taste of the Caribbean to every person who experiences my creations. I am dedicated to providing an unforgettable cake experience, and I am honored to be a part of my clients’ special moments and celebrations.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe that there are three key factors that have helped me build my reputation within the market: word of mouth, a commitment to delivering a quality product, and meticulous attention to detail.
Firstly, word of mouth has played a significant role in establishing my reputation. Satisfied customers who have experienced the exceptional taste and artistry of my cakes have shared their positive experiences with friends, family, and colleagues. This organic form of advertising has helped to spread awareness of my brand and build trust within the community. The power of personal recommendations cannot be underestimated, and I am grateful for the loyal customers who have become advocates for my business.
Secondly, my commitment to delivering a quality product has been instrumental in building my reputation. I firmly believe that the foundation of any successful business lies in the quality of its products or services. Consequently, I prioritize using top-notch organic ingredients and employing meticulous baking techniques to ensure that every cake I create is of the highest standard. This dedication to quality has garnered recognition and trust from my customers, establishing me as a reliable and reputable cake artist in the market.
Lastly, my attention to detail sets me apart and has contributed to my reputation within the market. I understand that every cake I create is a reflection of my clients’ vision and desires. Therefore, I take the time to closely listen to their preferences, consider their unique requests, and pay meticulous attention to every small detail. By doing so, I am able to create cakes that not only meet but exceed my clients’ expectations. This level of personalized service and attention to detail has earned me a reputation for being thorough, reliable, and dedicated to delivering exceptional cake experiences.
In summary, the combination of positive word of mouth, a commitment to quality, and meticulous attention to detail has helped me build a strong reputation within the market. I am grateful for the support and trust of my customers and will continue to prioritize these factors to maintain and enhance my reputation in the future.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I first started out as a cake maker, I primarily focused on making plain fruit cakes. This was mainly because I had a fear of working with fondant. However, as my business grew, I started receiving requests from customers who wanted their cakes to be beautifully decorated for their special occasions. I realized that by not offering cake decorations, I was missing out on potential opportunities and leaving money on the table.
Understanding the importance of adapting to meet customer needs, I decided to pivot and expand my skills in cake decorating. I turned to online resources like YouTube, where I watched tutorials on a wide variety of cake decorating techniques. Every week, I dedicated time to practicing what I had learned, gradually building my confidence and proficiency in working with fondant and other decorative elements.
Through this consistent effort and determination, I was able to overcome my fear and develop a new skill set in cake decorating. This allowed me to offer more options to my customers and cater to a wider range of occasions, including weddings. I started creating beautiful wedding cakes that combined both delicious flavors and visually stunning designs.
This pivot in my business not only expanded my offerings but also opened up new opportunities for growth. By embracing the challenge, learning new techniques, and overcoming my initial fear, I was able to enhance my reputation and attract a broader clientele.
Overall, this experience taught me the importance of being adaptable and willing to learn and grow in order to meet the evolving needs of my customers. It also showed me that sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new challenges can lead to unexpected success and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: lipsmackincreations.online
- Instagram: lip_smackin_creations
- Facebook: Lip Smackin’ Creations by Stacey