Meet Shannon Stevenson | Custom cake and cupcake baker/decorator

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

Hi Shannon, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing about the baking industry outsiders are unaware of is the time and effort bakers put into their work. I believe people have the misconception that custom baking is the same as baking some cupcakes with their kids. Mix some cake batter, put the batter in a cupcake pan, bake them, take them out the oven, slap some icing on them, and eat your heart away……..LOL. True enough the baking time is about the same, but when it comes to doing a customized cake/cupcakes that time is extended. Some people think that a homemade, customized cake can be done for same day pickup. Unfortunately, it can’t be done………let me put it like this, I won’t do it. And the reason why I say I won’t is because with customized cakes I feel like something is going to go wrong and I won’t have time to correct the issue and also, the designing process takes time in itself. It’s almost like if you want a customized dress/suit, you can’t go to a dressmaker/suit maker and expecting them to have you a quality dress/suit the same day. When I do my customized cakes I take my time and put my heart into what I do, not only because I love doing it but because I want to contribute to my customer happiness for their special day or event. When customizing cakes/cupcakes, it takes, time, effort, attention to detail, and it also puts a lot of on your legs, back, and feet. But us bakers sometimes endure that pain because we love what we do and fills our hearts when we see the smile and joy on our customers faces when they receive their customized creations.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I recently switched careers this past June. I transitioned from being in medical field after 16 years to being an administrative assistant. I loved being in the medical field, however after COVID hit, it took a toll on me mentally and I was finally able to go on a different career path. Since changing careers, I have had to put my baking on the back burner for a little bit, but once I get acclimated to my new work schedule I will be able to get back into it like was before.

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 would take them to Edgars Grille with unlimited mimosas for brunch, I would take them to Aqueduct Park to walk off some the calories we previously consumed from brunch. The park features a 19th century granite aqueduct, plus a waterfall, swimming, and rock climbing. For dinner I would take them to Frog Hollow………they have the best and I mean the best shrimp and grits. All of their menu items are made from regionally grown quality ingredients. For a little adult fun we would make our way to Dave and Busters or Top Golf.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If it wasn’t for my grandmother I don’t think I would be baking. As a little girl I would watch her make her famous pound cakes and sweet potato pies and would just watch her as she would put her love into what she was doing. But of course, I could not do any of this without GOD, my mom, and my best friend. They both give me encouragement, the drive, and the criticism I need to do what I do as a baker and entrepreneur. I also would like to give credit to my mentor, Rosetta Brown. When I need advice or even need product I have ran out of she is always there, no questions asked.

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