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

Hi Sheena, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Love inspires me. It’s so fulfilling to pour your heart into your craft & share it with others. “There is only one happiness in life- to love & be loved.” So, if I can attribute to even just a tiny bit of love that another person feels- then I’ve done my job.

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.
Sugarboxxx/The Love Desserts strives to inspire love through every dessert we create! Each dessert has a unique name inspired either by love, Atlanta, or music. Some of the most notable names are “Kiss of Life” (Strawberry Cheesecake), “Banana Fana Atlanta Pudding” (Banana Pudding), & “Slum Beautiful” (Dark Chocolate Cupcake). I leave a handwritten love quote with each dessert- to help inspire others to love! Something I’m most proud of is the genuine love & authenticity that goes into everything I create. You can trust that you’re getting a delicious, quality dessert- that I put my all into! I started baking in 2007, when my daughter, my 1st born, was a baby. I wanted to figure out a way to stay home with her every day, instead of sending her to daycare, & teach her & give her a loving foundation- while still making money. I’d been watching my mommy bake for years, so one day I picked up a bowl & a mixer & made some cupcakes! I realized I was pretty good at it & decided that would be my temporary money maker. It started as just a hobby… Then side hustle… Til finally, I decided to make it my full time. It hasn’t been an easy journey. I’ve burned cakes, left out ingredients, & just flatout couldn’t get certain recipes right. I’ve underpriced, overpriced, lost money… All on top of some very difficult personal things. I’ve spent many nights crying… & wanting to quit. But I’ve managed to keep going, even when times get tough, by taking time to rest & step away for a moment… & lots & lots & lots of cries to my family & friends. Sometimes you have to remind yourself (or be reminded) that YOU ARE THE SHIT! And YOU GOT THIS!

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?
Day 1: My house. It gets live. Lol! We’d blast BTS, then watch rom com kdramas & order out. (Wing-a-Ling, Moe’s, or Panda Express) Day 2: Go to breakfast. (Kupcakerie, D’Essence, or Flying Biscuit) Then find a dope art show or head to the museum. (Petie Parker is a dope artist to keep your eyes on.) Might even get our painting on when we get back to the house. Day 3: Cook breakfast. (I can make a mean French Toast!) Eat outside & enjoy the Sun kisses. Then we’ll nap. Lol! Wake up & play Mario Galaxy on the Nintendo Switch. (I’m a big kid at heart.) Pizza for dinner. Day 4: Order smoothies. (Arden’s Garden or Smoothie King) Skate at the Beltline. Find a good sandwich spot… Eat outside. Come home, shower, & knock out. Day 5: Outkast concert! (I’m being optimistic, here.) We’re too excited to eat breakfast… So, we’re just making it off adrenaline at this point. Lol! Then, gotta hit up Waffle House afterwards. Go home & relive the concert in our heads til we doze off. Day 6: Spa Day. JeJu Spa. We’ll get much needed pampering & rest after skating in our 30s & screaming like banchees over Andre 3000. I suppose we’d eat light- fruit, water, tea. Day 7: *sigh* Last day of vacay. We’d go visit with family & friends we didn’t see prior to this day- before my friend heads back home.

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?
I have experienced many downfalls throughout this baking thing… & life in general, but thanks to these undeniably brilliant, & beautiful people for believing in me, uplifting me, & loving me through it all: My mommy- Will drop any & everything to support me in any way. She believes in me… More than I believe in myself, sometimes. And she loves me beyond words. Staci & Samantha (my sisters)- They always have listening ears… & helping hands whenever needed. And they share their wisdom & love daily. Darryl, Dominik, & Irie- My baby loves. Knowing they’re watching… & knowing they’re proud of me motivates me to be great. Friends that have been extremely supportive- Mirrissa, Savol, Tiffany, Adam, Antonio, Ali, Brandon, Farod, Jamieson, Jonathan, Jonathan, Jonathan (Lol!), Mike, Trenton, Zapta- Some have listened to every cry… Every praise… They’ve all kept me uplifted & continuously showered me with love- just as my family has. My ex bosses from Kupcakerie, Henry & Kascha- I’ve learned so much from working with them. They believed in me & supported me in ways that I can’t thank them enough for.

Website: www.thelovedesserts.com

Instagram: @thelovedesserts

Facebook: Sugarboxxx/TheLoveDesserts

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