Today we’d like to introduce you to Shequeta Rainey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story begins with my love for sweets and baked goods! As a child, I would always be in the kitchen with my grandmother (who is still living) watching her bake cake and pies. I was just so fascinated with how she didn’t read a recipe to create her baked goods but she would just grab her baking utensils and put a little of this and a little of that in the mixing bowl and I always wondered how she knew what to put in there to create the best cakes I’ve ever tasted! In my family, I come from a lot of great cooks but no one took on the ownership of baking. After realizing my love for sweets and baked goods I knew then that I wanted to do.
Several times, I would ask my grandmother for her recipes and I would test them out and share them with friends. It wasn’t until I was asked every Thanksgiving about 4 years ago that I should turn my love of baking into a business. During this time, it was also a breaking point for me professionally because I realized that I was much happier in the kitchen and baking that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I started Cupcake Lodge in 2015.
I did not know the first thing about starting a business so I conducted a lot of research on what to do, how to do it, and where to get started. I also research on the type of products to use to make my baked products with the best ingredients since I already had the foundation of my grandmother’s recipes. I looked up the type of flour, butter, and even vanilla to use in my baked goods to ensure I would be using the best products to represent not only my business but to enhance what my grandmother taught me. I knew that there were several cupcakes and bakery shops in Dallas, so I knew that I would have to create the best and unique cupcakes in the area. I decided to create sweet and savory cupcakes to show how my cupcakes are different from your typical cupcake shop. I experimented with a lot of flavor combinations and finally settled with a few in my rotation to distinguish myself from other like businesses.
After several weeks and months of recipe testing, I looked into how to sell my products to the public. I obtained the appropriate licensure, certification, and insurances to sell at the farmer markets in the Dallas area. I applied for several markets but was denied because of space or the market already had someone selling like products. Finally, I received my first yes from the Dallas Farmers Market and the planning of branding began!
Selling at the Dallas Farmers Market was an experience and a lot of work. Since I continued to work a full-time job, it was very tiresome but I was determined to get my business out there! I did fairly well in the market but more importantly, I was so excited to be out selling my cupcakes. After a few months, I received an email back from a farmers market in Grand Prairie that had an opening and I immediately said yes. I solicited help from friends and family to expand my reach with my business.
During my time at the farmers market, I wanted to reach other avenues of expanding my business, so I started selling on Groupon and UBEREats. The success from those outlets was amazing but because I am a small business owner with minimal staff, I had to pull back from those avenues of selling my products as I could not keep up with the demand. This was not the path I wanted to take as my goal was to create more awareness of my business. It was a hard decision but I know now at the time, it was the best decision.
Currently, I sell my cupcakes as the Grand Prairie Farmers Market, through referrals, and special events. One of my most successful events that I participated in is a cupcake and beer pairing at LUCK Dallas in the Trinity Groves area. The overwhelming positive feedback and the response from those who participated in the event were amazing and it totally solidified my love for cupcakes!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, definitely not a smooth road. This is one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. The obstacles I encountered is time! Because this business is only run by me, I run into several issues of not being able to create brand awareness for the business. I am the baker, promoter, marketer, social media manager, and customer service representative. It is challenging to be all those people in a business all while not jeopardizing the quality of my products. Learning to say no, has helped me overcome some of these struggles, but being honest with myself on what I can take on has helped tremendously.
Cupcake Lodge – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Cupcake Lodge is an artisanal cupcake and bakery that focuses on sweet and savory cupcakes along with other southern comfort style baked goods. One of my most popular cupcakes is pancakes and bacon. I am very proud of this creation because it stems from conversations I have had with customers at the farmers market not wanting to eat a cupcake in the morning, so I created a cupcake that people could eat in the morning or frankly, anytime. I pride myself on using quality ingredients such as European butter, Belgium chocolates, and local products to create my cupcakes. I have found using these products set me apart from others and the quality and taste of the cupcakes and other baked goods I create the taste so much better.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success by having the ability to help others. The ultimate goal of this business is to ensure I have the best products out there but also, being able to bless others with opportunities within my business endeavors.
Perseverance, patience, faith, optimism, imagination, and tenacity are some key identifiers that I would use to also define success. These words have resonated with me on multiple occasions and I know without maintaining these standards in my business mantra I would not still be where I am today. Every day, I think of things on how to further my business as I know that these thought processes will allow me to reach my ultimate goal of a storefront for Cupcake Lodge.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cupcakelodge.com
- Phone: 469-609-7046
- Email: cupcakelodge@gmail.com
- Instagram: @cupcakelodge
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/cupcakelodge
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