Meet Mia Newkirk | Cake Designer/Cakeologist

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

Hi Mia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My oldest is almost 18 and I can remember ordering his first birthday cake. It was your basic sheet cake from Walmart that had a cake topper on it, some sprinkles and some writing. I went to the same book every other customer did and the only difference about his cake was the name and picture on it. There was nothing really memorable about it. I didn’t start making cakes and treats until about 4 maybe 5 years later but when I did they never had to have the same cake as anyone else.

I’m really big on family and friends so I wanted my business to bring people together. I want to be the one they turn to for birthdays, just because it’s Tuesday and they wanted something sweet. I want to be the one they call for the engagement cake, pre-wedding celebrations, the wedding, baby showers and then for all the birthdays and celebrations for years to come. I wanted to be included in all of their happiest moments and memories.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Decorating cakes and treats has been a love of mine since 2009. What started out in late 2008 as a hobby quickly turned into a new business venture and I’ve been learning and growing more and more each year ever since.

I believe providing a high level of customer service has gotten me very far in my business and being completely transparent and honest goes very far as well. There are just certain things I will not commit to doing no matter how much money I can make doing it. If I don’t feel comfortable and it’s beyond my skill set I quickly let the customer know and offer an alternate way of doing it or refer them to someone else who may be able to do exactly what it is they’re looking for.

Being in business for myself full time has not been easy at all. It has its perks as well as high and lows but all very much worth it when you get to see the smiling faces and sometimes tears of joy.

I’ve learned what my strengths are and try to build on those while also working on new ways to become stronger in the areas I’m weak. Setting boundaries has also been a struggle but very necessary. When you work or run a business from home you have to create a work and home life balance so that you don’t become overwhelmed and burnt out. Knowing when to walk away and take a break is always important and although it can be an inconvenience to my customers if I don’t I won’t be any good to them or myself.

Never be afraid to pursue your dreams regardless of how old you are and don’t be afraid to start over as many times as you may need, just don’t give up. To some I started a little later in life working towards following my dreams. My business has given me an opportunity to meet some amazing people and it’s also afforded me the opportunity to do something that I love and share it with others and sometimes it doesn’t even feel like I’m working because I’m doing something that I love. Sweet-N-Sassy Treats will be a household name for years to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a lover of good eats and brunch is my absolute favorite! So we would definitely have to visit my favorite brunch spot, Tupelo Honey Cafe in downtown Raleigh. Another Broken Egg is a favorite of mine too and it’s in the North Hills area of Raleigh along with some of my other favorite places. Yard House has some of the best cocktails and appetizers so we would definitely have to put that on the list. I’ve become some what of a home body so we would definitely have to indulge in some rest and relaxation so a massage and seeing a movie at Frank’s Cinebowl in Cary would be a must. I also like visiting local shops and buying homemade goods so that would be on our lists as well to visit any local markets or the Farmers Market my favorite is the one in Raleigh. Casita Brewing company in downtown Wilson has wine slushes and a very relaxing outdoor area for you to sit out and soak up some sun and fresh air. Although Wilson is where I currently reside Raleigh is also my home so we would spend most of our time there. Charlotte also has great eating spots and nightlife so we would have to travel there for a few days as well.

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?
My mother and my children

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