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

Hi Kimberly, why did you pursue a creative career?
Being a Cake Artist is the coolest career ever. I use cake as my canvas to exhibit my artwork. I can turn edible ingredients such as flour, sugar and fondant into a car, sneakers and a slot machine. What could be more fun than that? I have Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. So, I have no formal training in Art, Baking or Culinary Arts. Being an Artist is one of my gifts from God. When God revealed this gift to me, I had to pursue it with everything in me. I honestly can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I feel free when I create, and I strive to honor God by using my gift to serve and bless others.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner of Sweet Cravings Bakery VA (Virginia), the Cake Art Studio. I specialize in Custom Sculpted Cakes, and I am a dessert wholesaler to local restaurants in my area. My absolute favorite cakes to make are hyper realistic and sculpted cakes. I am most proud of the growth I see in my work. I consider myself a forever student in my craft; I’m always studying new techniques in cake decorating. When I look at the cakes I have completed over the years, I can’t help but smile and feel very accomplished. Years ago, when I started baking in the kitchen with my Grandma Marjorie, I never imagined that I would bake and decorate cakes professionally. I’ve earned numerous awards and recognitions in my community for my Cake Artistry and charity work. I’ve appeared on every local news station in Hampton Roads. I was featured on the front page of our local newspaper, and I was honored to appear on the nationally syndicated program, the 700 Club, to share my baking origin story. During the pandemic my business was awarded multiple grants, with the largest being $10,000 from Beyonce’s BEYGOOD foundation. God has opened doors that I never dreamed of, and I make sure to give Him all the glory. My business is where it is today due to a lot of prayer, hard work, support from my family and friends, and trusting God through it all. I overcome most challenges in my business through prayer, talking to other business owners for advice and taking breaks. Sometimes stepping away for a moment brings a fresh outlook and clarity to most situations. Entrepreneurship has the potential to consume your life, if you do not set boundaries. Work-life balance is essential to prevent burn out, while running your business. I’ve learned that making mistakes is okay and to give myself grace; and, that time is irreplaceable, so I use it wisely. I want the world to know that I’m just a mom who wanted to make homemade beautiful cakes for her babies. But God had other plans for me. I still make cakes for my children, family and friends, but I’ve also been blessed to make countless cakes for clients throughout the 757 and beyond. I consider it an honor when I am chosen to be a part of someone’s special day or event. The faith that my customers have in me is astounding. The year 2023 will bring some new and exciting additions to Sweet Cravings Bakery VA. I plan to launch my first cake tutorial teaching series, along with a few other new services. Stay tuned Atlanta, there may be a Sweet Cravings Bakery GA in the works.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Virginia Beach is our largest tourist attraction, so we will definitely hit the beach for some fun in the sun. We could paddle boat, parasail, take a dolphin tour, ride horses on the beach or just lay out and chill in a cabana. It is a must that we stroll the boardwalk and take pictures in front of the King Neptune’s Statue. Next, we’d walk the strip and stop past Dream the La Cream for a nonalcoholic Strawberry-Mango cocktail. It’s served in a gutted pineapple, topped with pineapple slices and strawberries, garnished with Tajin. Before leaving the Oceanfront, we have to visit Rockefeller’s restaurant to try their famous Oyster Rockefeller. Orion’s Roof is our next stop. We’d experience rooftop dining on the beach while eating amazing Asian-fusion cuisine. Cruising through the city we have to pay a visit to Town Center, to sit around the water fountain, listen to live music and get a bite to eat from The Cheesecake Factory or Ruth Chris. I was born and raised in Norfolk, so we have to visit my city. Downtown Norfolk is the next move. The Neon District is my favorite area to spend time. It is smothered in art; murals, and sculptures literally surround you, As we take photos and record TikToks in the city, we would have 2 huge slices of pizza from Benny Damato’s. Next, we’ll walk to Waterside to visit The Fudgery to pick up some treats. The candy makers actually sing while they make fudge. We’ll stay in Waterside for a bit and watch a basketball game on their huge projection screen. We can’t leave Norfolk without visiting Ocean View. Norfolk also has a beach culture with the best restaurants nestled away near the shoreline. We have to visit the restaurant, A World of Good, to pick up 2 Korean hot dogs, for later. But for now, it is a must that we visit Our Peoples Soulful Seafood, to order a Something in the Water Burger. You honestly can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. Everything is good! Since we’re at Our Peoples, we have to pick of a few desserts made my yours truly. Yes, I sell desserts here, so we’re ordering everything on today’s menu. We’re bringing home Grandma Marjorie’s Homemade Banana Pudding, Grandma Mattie’s Southern Sweet Potato Cake with pecans, Kim’s Honey Bun Cake and my Dark Chocolate Cake with Cookies and Cream Buttercream. After the food and fun, our trip will end at The Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach for some pampering and relaxation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my Grandma Marjorie, thank you for baking with me when I was little. My favorite parts were licking the beaters and listening to your life experiences as we spent time together. You introduced me to baking, but you also taught me about God, making memories, treating people kind, and love. I love and miss you so very much.

To my husband Outlaw and my babies Jalen, Justice and Kira, thank you for encouraging, supporting and praying over me. You are the power, behind the scenes, that keeps Sweet Cravings Bakery VA running. I love you guys and I appreciate all you do. You are my home team. I couldn’t do this without you.

To my Mom, who is also an Artist, publish that book, draw, crochet and continue to create. Artists make the world a little more beautiful. Live life to the fullest, without fear. We are blessed to have you here. Love you!

Website: https://sweetcravingsbakeryva.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetcravingsbakeryva/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetcravingsbakeryva/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@SweetCravingsBakeryVa

Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetcravingsbakeryva

Image Credits
Keith Cephus (Personal Photo Only/ Headshot in Black Chef Coat Outdoors) All other photos are personal photos

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