Meet Kimberly Richardson | Bakery Owner and Educator

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

Hi Kimberly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind Kim’s So Sweet Creations, LLC initially was meant as an escape from my stress. I was and still am a full time teacher and when I finally took the leap to making my dream a reality, I did it with the intention of having that outlet and also getting a chance to make other people happy with food. I enjoy making others feel good and food has always been a universal language that breaks barriers and cheers people up. Almost all holidays surround food and family so getting to create sweet creations to share at different mile stones and events was a bonus to helping have a stress outlet outside of my normal days. Taking some ones ideas and making them come to life is just so much a fun thing to me.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I remember growing up that my parents bought my Sister and I an easy bake oven, and from there my love for baking began. My Dad would let us help make brownies and cakes with him all the time and it is still some of my favorite memories. This grew in college when we would have events for campus life or my sorority (shout out to Zeta Phi Beta) and I would always be asked to bake something. Baking has always been my way of making others feel better when they were sad and doing the same for myself when things got to be too much. My outlet to be creative and have fun. I did most of it for free or if they bought the ingredients I would make it for them. I was pushed by many of my close friends and husband to stop doing that and actually make it a real thing. Having my business has not always been easy and each day is a new challenge to overcome. I am still learning the business end of managing finances and paperwork, from friends that are more well versed, and then I invest in myself with other classes for both business and baking techniques. Looking to others to ask questions is something I enjoy because you can not be an expert at everything and closed mouths do not get fed. You learn when you ask questions, though asking questions and asking for help are different. Asking others for help has always been something I have struggled to do. I am learning through this process that having a strong village will get you through anything and will help push you to be the best you can be. Through my baking I want to give others happiness, even if it is just a small part of their day. I want to help create memories and one day have the space to give back more to my community. Teach others the joy of creating with edible items and the fun that comes with doing for others. I am most proud of not giving up through this journey because giving up can seem so much better at times when you haven’t slept well or feel like things are not coming together as they should. Juggling my full time job teaching middle schoolers, my health, my family and my little one is not an easy task. God has allowed many people to touch my life and blessings to push me forward. I would not be where I am without him and those that he has placed on this journey with me.

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 love visiting food spots and doing anything that gets you active. Brunch is a must with spots like Forks and Flavors in Kennesaw, Nouveau Bar & Grill in Downtown College Park and the Breakfast Boys. Then heading over to TopGolf, or PuttShack, or hangout at Ponce City Market. We would also go hiking at one of the many amazing hiking trails or even head to Stone Mountain to get some fresh air. Dinner and hanging out would include heading to J.R Crickets for wings and drinks or to the Havana Cigar Lounge for dancing and drinks.

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?
There are so many people that have helped me and pushed me my husband, mom and dad and so many others I wish I could list and name all of them. I will say when I started teaching I had some amazing people that surrounded me and pushed me to find something else to do outside of teaching and lesson planning all day. I was assigned a mentor and my Mentor Dr. Ronnie Taylor along with Mrs. Felecia Franklin were such integral parts in me starting my business and continuing to grow myself personally and on a business level. They would listen to my random thoughts during the day and help me organize the chaos.

Website: www.kimssosweetcreations.com

Instagram: @kimssosweetcreations

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