Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Cromer.
Crystal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My business venture was inspired by my three children, Birthday celebrations and holidays were always very special in my home, and for every birthday my children didn’t hesitate to ask for a special cake. For example, my youngest wanted a cake shaped like a lizard, my middle daughter introduced cake pops to me, and my oldest wanted a cake shaped like a watermelon.
With our middle-class budget I wasn’t able to hire a baker, and the local grocery stores didn’t make the designs that were requested by my children. So I read books on creative baking, cake pops, and holiday treats. I always made sure every birthday was special without breaking the bank.
With already a tight budget, my husband was laid off from his job of 15 years. I needed to find another form of income that wouldn’t take me away from my mother and wife responsibilities at home. With prayer and more prayer, my creative baking became a second income in 2014. I am a full-time educator and everyday after work I come home to fix dinner and bake cakes.
The first two years, I started out making cake pops and dipped treats such as dipped pretzels, Rice Krispies and Oreos. The third year I added cakes and cupcakes to the menu. God has given me a gift that I didn’t ask for or that I never even thought about.
If me and my husband hadn’t gone through the hardship of him losing his job, I wouldn’t have ever found my gift. Baking and creating is the gift I cherish and will continue to always do my very best to improve it so that I can be a blessing to others. The satisfaction and happiness of my clients bring me so much joy.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a smooth ride for me, probably because I’m not a big risk taker. As a cake decorator, most of the orders were a first time attempt because its all custom made. I was not sure I would be able to sell large cakes, not knowing if I would be as good as I am.
My only struggle has been knowing how many orders I can take at one time. I had to realize there has to be time for sleep between baking, creating, and educating children. Having to tell people that I am booked should be positive, but I have a hard time with this, so I’m usually overbooked.
Please tell us about Crystal’s DC Pops.
In the name Crystal’s DC Pops the DC stands for Delicious Cake. I am the baker, cake decorator, owner of this home bakery. I take custom cake orders for birthdays, weddings, and all other celebrations. I specialized in cake pops in all shapes and themed for the celebrations.
I am most proud of the custom cakes and cake decorating, I can take any celebration theme and make it into a great cake. Not only does the cake and cake pops look great but they taste great also. Cakes are moist and baked fresh for every order.
Along with the cake pops, I will also dip Rice Krispies, Oreos, Pretzels, marshmallows, and strawberries. Crystal’s DC Pops is different from other home bakers because I refuse to price my items to high that a working mom can’t afford it. All of my treats are made with love and God on my side.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood would be the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. I baked my first cake with my family at age 14 for the Thanksgiving meal, everyone loved it.
The cake was Devils Food Chocolate cake, it’s still my favorite cake. My family was so proud of the cake and how good the cake tasted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ccromer133.wixsite.com/crystalsdcpops
- Phone: 469-556-8225
- Email: ccromer133@gmail.com
- Instagram: @crystals_DC_pops
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystalsDCPops/#
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