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

Hi Donya, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
My kids (10, 18, 24) are my Why. They are the reason I keep pushing owning my own business. I need them to see that they don’t have to spend their time and energy making something for someone else; they can make it for themselves! I continually encourage them to be independent and reach for more!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Red Shoe Cakes specializes in custom designed, cocktail infused bundt cakes and desserts. My clients create the flavor combination of their choice and I bring it to life. My favorite part is watching them eat my cakes. The eyes rolling back and head shaking are everything to me! Turning a love into a business is far from easy. I have been an entrepreneur since childhood, always needing to have something of my own, to work for myself. And for just a long, I’ve loved to bake. Did I consider combining the two? Not till my mid-forties! I’d owned two other businesses before this, but neither were something I’d had a lifelong love affair with. The transition from hobby to business has been a struggle! There is so much to learn about running a food-based business. I’m constantly learning so that I can build the perfect business model for both myself and for growth. My hardest taught lesson has been that just because I want it “this way”, it doesn’t mean “that way” won’t work better. I’m unconventional and a little kooky, but passionate about bringing you my best. And you can taste all three of those in my cakes!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The pandemic has dampened my sightseeing and gastro-adventuring plans, but a couple of places come to mind. Gotta hit Edgewood Pizza, Yardbirdz and This Is It for sure! Hiking the Arabia Mountain trails and strolling around Ponce City Market are some of my favorite outings. And a little known treasure hunt is finding all of the Hapeville butterfly exhibits! They’re so beautiful and it’s a great walk!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my husband and children. They’re my #1 fans and supporters!

Website: Redshoecakes.com

Instagram: @redshoecakes

Linkedin: @redshoecakes

Facebook: @redshoecakes

Yelp: @redshoecakes

Other: Tiktok /redshoecakes

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