Let's Get to Know Simone
What inspired you to start your business, and what keeps you going?
I’ve always had a love for baking and even sold cakes slices in middle school. My family’s support is what inspired me to explore baking more. Following my college graduation, I realized my true passion was to be a pastry chef.
As a social entrepreneur, how does your business positively impact your community?
Aside from family it’s my customers reaction to my products. Making people smile through food and introducing different flavors I feel opens up people perspective and makes them want to try new things. It is my desire to enhance the cultural experience of my community through baking.
Can you share a time when you took a significant risk in your business? What did you learn from that experience?
Moving to Atlanta was a big risk that allowed me to start working full time in the culinary industry. I learned a lot about the industry as well as learned about different cultures.
How do you define success, both personally and in your business?
Success to me means waking up with a smile because you’re doing something you love. It’s hard and has its challenges but doing what you love is success to me. I believe in measuring success by putting in the work necessary to manifest your divine gifts.
What’s the "why" behind your business? What motivates you to keep pushing forward despite challenges?
Never ending creativity is the why in doing what I do.There are endless flavor combinations and presentations. I can never get bored with baking because I love what I do.
How do you see your business evolving over the next few years?
For my future endeavors, I wish to continue pushing my business forward by enhancing my creativity and development. I feel that the key to growing success is never giving up.
What advice would you give to someone considering starting their own business, especially in your field?
If you don’t love don’t do it. Money should never be the reason to start something because there will be bad seasons where profit is low but if you’re doing something you genuinely love you’ll continue to grow. Also always believe in yourself and your abilities.
How do you maintain balance between your business life and personal life?
It’s a work in progress. I haven’t found the perfect balance yet but I have the support of my loved ones who keep me pushing forward. Maintaining good health, taking time for self and staying strong in faith is necessary.
We shine brighter together. What we are looking for:
- Location:
The entrepreneur must be based in the State of Georgia. - Business Stage:
Businesses that are less than 3 years old. - Impact:
The business should have a positive impact on the local community, either through its mission, community involvement, or other contributions. - Innovation:
The entrepreneur should demonstrate creativity and innovation in their business model, products, or services. - Resilience:
Consideration of the challenges the entrepreneur has overcome in building their business. - Ethics and Integrity:
The entrepreneur and their
business should operate with a high standard of ethics and integrity. - Nomination and Support: Self-nominations are allowed, but be sure to include supporting stories or testimonials.