Meet Alexis Hampton | Owner and Baker of Sweet Cakes by Lex

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

Hi Alexis, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my grandmothers’ recipes. I grew up around some wonderful cooks and bakers and I knew that those were the recipes I wanted to use when I started baking for other people. I feel that baking is the gift that has been passed down to me and it drives me. I thought there was no better way to honor that gift than to give the recipes I love their due diligence. These recipes are simple and traditional but with my Grandma Alice’s secret ingredient, (“a whole lot of love”) my cakes become a part of someone’s special occasion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is baking! It is one of my most consistent forms of creative expression. Baking helps me feel connected to myself and the people who came before me. I am most proud of putting myself out there and making connections with other businesses. The biggest struggle for me was overcoming my lack of confidence in myself and my abilities. It was hard for me to allow myself to dream of starting my business and keep going through the pitfalls. I truly don’t know how I found the discipline and the confidence in myself but I am so grateful for it because it has awarded me opportunities such as this. My hardest lesson was to charge what I’m worth. It’s one I’m still working on. Sometimes, when I price out a cake, I feel nervous about asking for what the cake is worth but I’ve realized A. I won’t make any money if I don’t and B. I’m worth it.
What I want people to know about Sweet Cakes is that it is a true labor of love. I love nothing more than spreading love through baked goods and I am always honored when someone orders one. So, yes, it would be my pleasure to make your cake!

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?
First, we would start all our mornings at Little Tart Bakeshop. They have the best coffee and croissants in the city, in my humble opinion.

Activities:
1st day: a bookstore tour of my favorites: Bookish, For Keeps Books, and 44th & 3rd. Lunch at Grindhouse Killer Burgers and dinner at El Tesoro

2nd day: Walk the Beltline, lunch at Yala in Krog Street Market, and dinner at Twisted Soul Kitchen and Pours

3rd day: lunch at JJ’s Chicken and Fish, Movie at the Plaza, and dinner at Rumi’s Kitchen

4th day: Fernbank Science Center Observatory, snack at Diamond Dust Cupcakes in Decatur, and dinner at Agave

5th day: Breakfast at Home Grown GA pre-game dinner at Chattahoochee Food Works, and Atlanta Dream game

6th day: Skating at Golden Glide in Decatur, lunch at Choongman Chicken in Midtown, and dinner at Campagnolo Restaurant and Bar

7th day: Axe throwing at Bury the Hatchet dinner at Gypsy Kitchen and dessert at Big Softie

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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people! I want to thank my mom for giving me my first opportunity to sell my cakes at a pop-up. That experience helped me to build confidence in my food. The next person is my wife, Eboni. Honestly, Sweet Cakes would not exist without her constant encouragement and unwavering support. She has offered me so much advice and free labor, I owe her for a lifetime. I would also like to thank my friends and family for always giving me opportunities to hone my craft at their events. A special shoutout to my friend Kira Ellis of Checkered Bakehouse. They are always sending people and events my way. So, thank you, Kira! Finally, of course, thank you to Grandma Alice and Great Grandma for passing down your passion, care, and recipes.

Website: https://sweetcakesbylex.com

Instagram: @sweetcakesbylec

Facebook: Sweet Cake by Lex