Meet Kenny Hibbler of Hey Suga! in Irving

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenny Hibbler.

Kenny, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began my culinary journey as a suggestion while producing a fashion show for local designer Antonio Wingfield. I was one of the creative directors on the project and my team and I were visualizing the VIP reception area. There was mention that hors d’oeuvres should be served and several people highly suggested that I do It – as I was known for creating tasty dishes for all meetings and events.

After a few discussions with my friend Crystal Carter, we decided to create the company Desserting You! We catered weddings, birthday parties, company meetings, private dinners, banquets etc. It was very fun yet tedious and tremendous work. The profit margin was not high enough for two young full-time workers so I switched my focus to desserts ONLY.

With a name change, Sweet Suite, I created cakes and other desserts for the Dallas-Ft Worth metroplex from 2008 and on. Juggling a full-time finance career, model bookings, working for a magazine AND making cakes – It was all quite intense!

After some serious deliberation, I decided to leave the magazine and model casting ventures and focus on my full-time career and cakes! The final name change – Hey Suga! – is a true representation of my southern style and the essence of my business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth? Road? HECK NO! 🙂

It’s been more like an unfinished roller coaster ride to the moon. So many highs yet so many terrible lows. The main struggle is always trying to give the client what they want – within their budget!

The cake shows today (Cake Boss, Ace of Cakes, all the cake/cupcake wars shows) don’t truly illustrate the time and attention It takes to make these cakes. Those shows and businesses have a whole slew of personnel to help create their offerings.

Being self-taught has also caused me a bit of grief as I do not always know how a technique is achieved. But I try my best and I am transparent with my customers. I mainly create everything alone but I have learned to depend on assistance when possible. 🙂

Hey Suga! – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Hey Suga! Is a custom cake business. I create cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, bars, cookies and myriad other treats for all events:
-Weddings
-Quinceañeras
-Meetings
-Birthdays
-Baby showers
-Divorce parties
-Banquets
-Baptisms
-Grand openings
-Book signings
-Company launches

You name It. I can create something sweet for It! The specialty is custom cake designs that not only wow you visually but electrify your palette. I am most proud of being a fair, yet creative cake artist. So many people have become accustomed to dry, bland YET beautiful cakes. I want the world to know that you DONT have to settle!!

You can have a beautiful cake and eat It (while enjoying It) TOO! 🙂 I believe one of the unique things about me is that I’m not classically trained and my imagination and creativity drive the majority of my designs.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
The definition of success for me is the ability to live well, enjoy life and experience the world whilst having the capability to pay for expenses and bills AND the ability to create wealth opportunities for your family and others.

For me, there is no joy In simply making tons of money and spending It alone. I want to create income avenues for my family and future generations.

I also collaborate with friends on business ventures and while MONEY doesn’t always mix well with friends/lovers – clear and concise understanding of deliverables and boundaries truly helps and lends to drama-free success!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heysuga.com (Coming Soon)
• Phone: 2149897679
• Email: kenny@heysuga.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/heysugaphotos
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/HeySuga

Image Credit:
Allison V Smith

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