Today we’d like to introduce you to LaConda Conrad.
LaConda, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have very early memories of being in the kitchen helping my grandmother bake desserts for our weekly Sunday dinners, which was usually a bundt cake. During this time, I became privy to recipes that I love and still utilize to this day. I took an interest into decorating cakes after watching shows like Ace of Cakes, Cake Boss and later Cake Wars. I was always the person if you had a birthday I would ensure you had a cake on your special day. However, once I had my son I wanted to be the person to bake the cake for him, just like my mom used to do for me while growing up.
So, I like to think my journey to Conda’s Cakes began at this moment because I took on the task of creating a three tier fondant Mickey Mouse cake for my son’s 1st Birthday like I saw Buddy and Duff making on TV. I started by watching numerous YouTube tutorials, then later attended local cake decorating classes at Cake Carousel in Arlington, TX and multiple online classes from Jeromie @iamkakeking, Porsha @yourcakediva, Mirranda @cupcakestudio_ and Jamie @goodnsweettreats. So, what initially started as a hobby has since expanded into Conda’s Cakes.
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?
At times, there is a struggle with finding a balance between being a mom, wife, game day schedules, self-care, growing my business, recipe development and research. I work full time in compliance during the day and bake at night. I have had a lot of late nights, and early mornings but I enjoy every bit of it. It may seem like a one-woman show but I have supporting cast members that assist with deliveries, recipe development, motivation and encouragement.
As a baker there is a lot of trial and error that occurs, it can be frustrating when working on an order. When I start to feel overwhelmed, my support empowers me to push forward. I regroup, sometimes remake the cake, but I remind myself I can do it and reapproach the task, it’s all apart of the process. Every product I deliver is made with a lot of heart, soul and passion.
Conda’s Cakes – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Growing up I stayed busy with sports and academics. I played volleyball, basketball and ran track. I was very goal-oriented and was taught the importance of having a solid education, setting goals and visionary boards. I graduated high school at the top of my class and finished my undergraduate degree in 3.5 years. Upon graduation, I was one of the few who actually worked in their field of study, and utilized my degree to start my career.
I learned my way around the kitchen at my grandmother’s home which was the gathering place for our family. I was always there helping out, and its how I learned a lot of our family recipes. Some of my most cherished memories include learning how to make my Aunt Betty’s 5 Flavor Pound Cake or my Aunt Niece’s Red Velvet Cake and especially my Grandmother Cornbread Dressing.
My artistic side didn’t come through much while younger. It wasn’t until I became engaged and started planning our wedding that I saw my arts and craft side start to develop with lots of wedding DIY projects. Years later, while pregnant and planning for the arrival of our firstborn, I saw it really develop into more while designing his nursery, painting the mural in his bathroom and later my first attempt at a fondant cake for his 1st birthday.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment has been taking the leap of faith to start Conda’s Cakes and to be able to show my family if you have a dream pursue it, its never too late.
Contact Info:
- Email: CondasCakes@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/condas_cakes
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