Meet Shelly Borders: Sugar Artist

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

Hi Shelly, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is consistency and delivering a great product. I pride myself on continuing to perfect my craft. I want to ensure that each and every customer I come into contact with leaves with a product that makes them happy. I realize the product that I’m creating is to celebrate something or someone and it is important to me to make sure that my product meets their expectation and also looks great. Every customer is treated with the same level of respect whether they are a celebrity or not. When you get a cake from Cake Flare you are also getting great communication and customer service. 

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a home-based cottage food business. Many bakers believe they can just go get a business license and start baking cakes but it’s not that easy. You have to become Serv-safe certified, go through your county’s zoning and planning department to have your home approved, and have your home inspected by the Department of Agriculture. I was initially denied in the beginning because the County Commissioner at the time didn’t want any cottage food businesses in his district.. Through my determination, perseverance, and after waiting a year, I was finally approved. I am most proud of the way my business has grown due to referrals and word of mouth. I want the world to know whatever you dream, it can be achieved. It takes hard work and consistency along with a can do attitude. I love to see the smiles on my customer’s face when they received their cakes.

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?
In Atlanta some of the best things to check out when visiting are going to be the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Civil Rights Museum, and the Georgia Aquarium. Right outside Atlanta in Braselton, GA there is Chateaux Elan where we can relax and enjoy some great wines. Some of my favorite eateries are Rock South Cuisine, Highland Bakery, and Houston’s.

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 want to give thanks to my husband Warren for supporting me on my cake journey. Starting a Home Bakery is not easy. When I first decided to take classes on cake decorating, I never thought I would be where I am today. I thought it would just be a hobby. There were and still are countless days and nights where I am still working after 12 hours straight. His hands-on support and advice have come into play whenever I need him.

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