Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Carr
Hi Simone, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I can remember being a little girl, sitting on the counter while my grandmother carefully arranged 10 pie crust pans to pour her famous sweet potato pie filling in. She let me lick the beaters and my love for baking was created. From an early age I would ask my mother for ingredients so that I could try and bake something from one of my grandmothers 30+ cookbooks, some of which dated back to the 60’s. Sometimes she would oblige, and my delight in getting to crack eggs, measure sugar and flour, ice my cakes, and of course, lick the beaters. As I got older, it became my job to make the desserts for all major holidays. My cheesecake quickly became my most requested confection for all family gatherings. As my confidence in baking grew, my creativity started to shine and I started making different types of desserts, including cookies, brownies, cake pops, and different flavored cheesecakes. After developing anxiety a few years ago, I realized that baking was like therapy for me. The more complicated the recipe or design, the better. It forced me to concentrate on something positive rather than putting my thoughts on negative outcomes. I began getting request from co-workers and friends for my desserts, and Sugar Sensations by Simone was created. I take orders mostly from people I know but would love to expand to others in the area. My dream is to have my own cheesecake shop that offers a variety of flavors and sizes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been easy. Cakes are a central part of gatherings and parties so it’s stressful sometimes knowing that I have such a big responsibility to not only make something pretty, but also taste good as well. I’ve also struggled with working a full-time job as a Speech Pathologist, being a mother, and having cake orders. It’s hard to come home and bake after working a full day but I make it work because I love making people happy!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in cakes and I am getting better at my decorating skills. My main specialties are cheesecakes of different types and flavors. I’m most proud of a New Yorker telling me that my cheesecake tasted better than any she’s had in NYC! I’m also proud of my progress as a baker and decorator. I take every order as a challenge to be better than I was the time before and I’m always researching different ways to make my cakes stand out. I’m all about that “homemade” feel; like your grandmother made it for Sunday dinner or it’s that special cake your mom only makes on birthdays. My recipe was developed over years, and I’ve perfected it to my liking: creamy, not too sweet, and thick crust all around! I think a lot of other bakeries take shortcuts because everything is mass produced. In contrast, I make one thing at a time and pour my heart into each dessert. I’m not pulling a cheesecake out of a freezer and customizing it. I’m baking it with love especially for you!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people would be surprised to know that baking is tied to my mental health and my family history. I lost my grandmother when I was very little, and baking is one of the clearest memories I have of her. Like most families, food is our love language and everyone in my family has their special recipes that are a MUST at each family gathering. It’s my outlet during stressful times.I also have many other talents that I’ve explored over the years, including being a make-up artist, an amateur hairstylist, and photography.
Pricing:
- Cheesecake $45-$60
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sugarsensationsbysimone/
- Facebook: http://m.facebook.com/sugarsensationsbysimone/
