Meet LaTonya Warren

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaTonya Warren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaTonya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Before I started my career as an educator, I would sell baked goods. Over the years, there was a demand for the cakes I baked from scratch. I began selling cakes from my apartment, but when I began teaching, I stopped baking because I simply didn’t have time anymore. Fast forward 21 years…former customers asked if I would ever bake again because they wanted to place orders for the holidays. I decided to gradually ease into, but this time I felt it was necessary to start a business as a home-based bakery and name it after my late brother, Bobby Kelley ( I used his last name), which is how the name Kelley’s Cakes & Confections originated.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Kelley’s Cakes & Confections, LLC officially opened in October 2022 after months of completing a food safety training course so that I could obtain a Cottage Food License from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. I didn’t realize how rigorous the course would be. I thought I would watch a few online videos and take a 10-question assessment in a few hours and be done. But that’s not what happened. There were million modules to complete with assessments for each module. After finishing the modules, there was a comprehensive exam to complete. Initially, I thought, “Oh this will be easy. I can use my notes.” WRONG! I was not allowed to use notes. AND I was instructed to use the camera on my laptop to scan the testing area to ensure I didn’t have any notes in sight as well as position the camera so that the testing administrator could see me at all times.
After passing the assessment, a virtual inspection of my kitchen was conducted. In addition, labels were created to show the ingredients that were used for each cake. I also had to include an allergy statement on all of my business labels. Once all of that was approved, I got the green light to move forward and apply for a business license.

This process taught me that knowledge, persistence, hard-work, and dedication was important to build my brand. I want my customers to feel comfortable in knowing I have received the proper training to ensure they have desserts and treats that are not only delectable but safe to eat. Because of that, I have gained the most loyal and supportive customers who love my treats.

My success as a baker stems from my failures and prayer. I could share a million stories about lessons learned from trial and error. I’ve has baking woes, economic hardship, and stress. It’s important to understand the importance of self-care, time management, and having knowledgeable financial advisor. I’ve learned to not overextend myself by taking too many orders and definitely stop taking last minute orders because burnout is real. The other thing I’ve learned is that it’s okay not to know it all. We grow and become better when we can identify our limitations and build from them. There is power in collaboration. Ask questions and be willing to share information. And me let say this, God will never give anyone an assignment without giving the resources and provisions that are necessary to do that assignment. Growth is uncomfortable and requires us to get out of our comfort zone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a proud native of Macon, Georgia home of the late Otis Redding and Little Richard, Our city has a rich music, art, cultural, and culinary history and is known as the Heart of Georgia because of its central location. Macon is also known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. If my best friend was visiting the Macon area for a week, here’s the itinerary:

Day 1
Walking tour of Downtown Macon
Harriet Tubman Museum
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
Georgia Music Hall of Fame

Lunch options: Vibez, The Rookery
Dinner: Hotel Forty Five-Rooftop

Day 2
Museum of Arts & Sciences
Macon Mall for a game of Pickleball

Lunch: Amici
Dinner: Yollah

Day 3
Otis Redding Museum
Lunch: Picnic at Tatnall Square Park (Meal prepared by McNair’s Salad & More)
Dinner: Marie’s Lounge

Day 4
The Douglass Theatre
Lunch: Tropical Flava
Dinner: Kudzu

Day 5
Indian Mounds
River Crossing Mall
Lunch: Choose restaurants at River Crossing Mall
Dinner: Churchill’s on Cherry

Day 6
Relax during the day
Evening: Serenity Entertainment Complex

Day 7
Church service at the Greater New Bethel Baptist Church-Pastor Arthur L. Gordon, III
Sunday dinner and delicious desserts by the owner/CEO of Kelley’s Cakes & Confections, LLC-LaTonya Warren

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Family & Friends for their endless love and support.

Instagram: kelleys_cc

Facebook: Kelley’s Cakes & Confections, LLC

Image Credits
Jamiya Flowers of Now Top That

Darrell Moye of Moye Photography