Today we’d like to introduce you to Shontae Carter.
Hi Shontae, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started JustDesserts & Candies LLC five years ago. After I had my second child, I realized that if I went back to work full time, I would only be working to pay for day care. So, after much discussion and prayer my husband and I decided to step out on faith, and I became a stay-at-home mom while my husband worked full time. After about 6 months of being in my new role, I became extremely depressed and felt as if I was slowly losing who I thought I once was. Looking back, I now realize I was suffering from post-partum depression. I needed something to pull me out of the hole I was in mentally. So, I started making cakes for family and friends. After a while I started to get my joy back. Business started to grow as word of mouth got out about my custom cakes. I obtained my cottage food license so that I could work from home while also still caring for my children. I love being able to connect with people and bring them joy through my creations.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! It was a real struggle at first figuring out time management and how to juggle being a stay-at-home mom and running a business. Alot of nights I would stay up working on orders until 3 or 4 am and then have to be back up at 7 am with my kids. It’s always hard for me to know when to stop working on something because it’s a creative outlet for me. So, I can easily spend 6-8 hours working on one custom cake order. Luckily my husband steps in now to help me with my time management!
We’ve been impressed with JustDesserts & Candies LLC , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a cake designer and the owner of JustDesserts & Candies LLC. We specialize in custom cakes and desserts for all occasions. Something that I pride myself on is my attention to details. I love to take the time to personalize the details in every custom order that I create. I’m big on the motto ” it should taste just as good as it looks” so everything that I bake is made from scratch and most of my decorations are handmade and edible. Creating custom cakes is an art form to me that I am very passionate about. Along with my custom cakes I am also known for my delicious vegan cupcakes!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Be yourself in whatever space you are in. Never compromise your integrity to benefit others. You are more than enough in the skin you are in. We all have a purpose and if you are intentional with how you live your life and the decisions that you make you will be successful!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justdessertscandiesllc.com
- Instagram: @JustDesserts&CandiesLLC
- Facebook: fb.me/JustDessertsCandiesLLC
