Meet Kasia Hunter-Parker | Cake & Cuisine Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kasia Hunter-Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kasia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a creative side and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. I’d initially sought out to learn food sculpting. While scouring the the internet for tutorials in 2007, I discovered a chef who made a tower of plain strawberries; I’d never seen anything like that, so I bought his tutorial. I made the first one and posted it on social media and shared it with friends. I started receiving inquiries for dipped strawberries, unaware of anyone in my area providing that service at that time. It was then I started thinking I could earn extra income for my son and I without having to work a second job outside of my home. That was super important for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My versatility definitely sets me apart. While I am very specific now about doing only what brings me peace and the highest level of gratification; my business has evolved. From chocolate dipped strawberries to cake pops, then cakes, a variety of my best selling crunch pudding desserts, custom cake toppers, catering, and healthy meal prep. I’m currently launching sooogoodsaucesandspices.com which will feature my first signature sauce “Make ‘Yo Mama Cry!” There are a plethora of services that are extensions of those that I have provided; other dipped treats such as pretzel rods, RIce Krispy Treats, and Oreos. I’ve designed cakes for various occasions that included sculpted and couture. I’ve provided ballon art, event decor, and event coordination. People say you can’t do everything, but you can if you want to. I struggle with the mundaneness of repetition at times and get easily bored. I enjoy being booked for different services that allow me to express my creativity in different ways.

I would say I’ve been able to sustain business for the last 16 years buy keeping up with trends and occasionally creating my own. I am very intentional when it comes to the customer experience. Providing excellent customer service I feel is by far the most important thing for any business owner. It seems to be a lost art and it often discourages me when I desire to support any business. I make a point to be responsive, professional, and courteous.

This journey has absolutely not been an easy one. I’ve worked 24-48-72 hours with no sleep at times. Working all night to return back to my corporate position the next morning. Sometimes sales are slow and sometimes I can barely keep up with the orders. There have been times where the revenue has gone directly back into my business or it just wasn’t enough left when I wasn’t pricing correctly. It requires determination and perseverance.

The most important thing I’ve learned is what’s for me is for me. Secondly, I get what I put in, when I’m actively posting on social media and sharing about my business everywhere I go, the orders come in 3-fold. When I need to take a moment for myself, my family or other endeavors, I back off a bit.

The world needs to know that love and passion are poured into everything I do. I am always evolving and asking God to order my next steps. My gifts are not limited to the kitchen! Keep your eyes open for the next cake, meal, sauce, and my endeavor to change to how families cope with raising a child with type 1 diabeties!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Wilson, NC. I would definitely take them to Casita Brewery which resides in front of our well known Whirligig park. The would get to see the whirligigs, have a cold brew if they wanted, and hopefully grab a good bite at one of the many food trucks that stop by most evenings. If the wanted the best burger, we’d definitely have to visit Best in Burger! Our downtown is quite the art district and we’d definitely visit those in hopes to find some nice pieces or and gifts. For an evening of fun, we’d try out the newly opened Capps Entertainment for axe throwing, putt putt golf, and bowling. We’re definitely pulling up on Natural High Smoothie truck for a delicious smoothie, açaí bowl, sea moss tea, or vegan walnut kale wrap.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank God, He will always get the first praise. He has brought me to this point in this endeavor. Never in my wildest dreams would I think I’d be designing cakes and preparing delicious meals for people that they love. I dedicate this to my kids. I started this journey as a means to afford my kids different experiences, being a single mom most of their lives. My son, we started this together. He had to help at times when, like most kids his age, he’d have rather been playing video games. And my daughter, she’s about the age my son was when this all began and now she helps. I continue this out of love for my craft. There’s a sweet spot when you can do something you love and make money doing so. I’d like to recognize everyone that has stepped in to help when asked; but my mom and husband get called on the most and they are right there. The people that consistently support my ideas and encourage me. Those people are necessary and they are who I cling to. Finally, my customers, they trust me and without them there is no Confections of a Diva!

Website: Confectionsofadiva.com

Instagram: @confectionsoadiva

Facebook: Confectionsofadiva

Other: Email: kas@confectionsofadiva.com

Image Credits
Orah Pierce Jr OP Productions (White cake with blue flowers)