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

Hi Waverly, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is, without a doubt, passion. Passion is not only what started my business, but what drives my business, and I believe that people can see this shine through each of my products. Also, as much as you want to believe otherwise, owning your own business and working for yourself is not always sunshine and rainbows. You HAVE to have passion behind what you do, or you won’t have the drive to get through the hard stuff that owning a business throws at you. There is a fine line between passion and burnout, because when you are so deeply passionate about what you do, it is easy to overwork yourself. I have had to learn to make time to nurture my passion by taking breaks to creatively re-energize and keep that flame lit.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Cake Flower is a raw vegan bakery creating desserts naturally free from dairy, gluten, soy and refined sugar. We use only the highest quality ingredients that not only taste good, but make you feel good. The base of our desserts are fruits and nuts in their most natural forms, making them great for those with and without food sensitivities. Our treats are so delicious you would never know they are actually healthy! Cake Flower was originally created to fulfill a personal need. I am lactose intolerant, so I have never been able to eat the classic desserts from brownies to birthday cake and anything in between. I am also very health conscious because of my struggle with digestive issues and strive to nourish my body with only real, whole foods. I knew I wasn’t the only one struggling with food intolerances and allergies and wanted to share my desserts with other people who couldn’t usually partake in the best part of holidays and birthdays (or those that just wanted a sweet treat without feeling guilty). Thus, Cake Flower was born. I originally started with the cakes, but have expanded into some classic nostalgic treats that I missed from childhood, and am excited to release some new items very soon! My favorite thing about owning this business is getting to be a part of others celebrations. The thing that makes me the happiest is when I get orders like “I am so happy to have found your business, my sister is gluten free and she will be so excited to have a cake!” or “my son can’t have dairy and he’s so excited to have brownies again”. That is why I do what I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d probably start the day at Ponce City Market with a vegan donut from Five Daughters Bakery and a latte from Dancing Goats. Then I’d walk the Beltline, maybe stop for a mimosa at one of the cute spots like Lingering Shade, and then keep walking to Krog Street Market. Once I got to Krog I’d get lunch at Recess (one of their vegan bowls, so good)! Then after lunch I’d probably walk the beltline back up to Lady Bird and spend the afternoon hanging out there, preferably with my pup by my side! That’s a lot of eating a drinking… but hey, thats what makes me happy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It is hard to dedicate my shoutout to just one person! So here are a couple – first of all, my husband, for being so supportive and happily unaware that he was also signing up as #1 employee and CEO of the support team when he encouraged me to follow my passion. And for always pushing me to be the best I can be and follow my dreams. I also want to dedicate this shoutout to Kellie Bernardi, firstly because she introduced me to Shoutout Atlanta, and also because she is someone I look to for advice and support as a fellow entrepreneur and business owner. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her support!

Website: cakefloweratl.com
Instagram: @cakeflower.atl
Other: cakeflower.atl@gmail.com

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