Meet Alexandria Clifton | Baker and Caregiver

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandria Clifton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In early 2020, I was laid off from my super awesome career as a Textile Designer due to Covid-19. I returned to part time work as a caregiver after a few months of searching for more design work with no luck. Suddenly my cat, Korra, fell ill and I had to get emergency surgery for her; then also found out she is diabetic. I needed a full time job or something supplemental to support paying for her medical supplies as I am not willing to give her away or do anything less than she deserves, of course! I decided it would be more fulfilling and exciting to work for myself in this turn of events so I looked to my hobbies for inspiration. Baking was the clear answer! I have always loved to bake for birthdays, family gatherings and events hosted by friends with requests for more treats or a recipe; which makes me so very happy! Thinking of all the baked goods I have ever happily devoured, I knew macarons were not offered at many places in town; so I set about learning to make them. Once I finally mastered them I knew it was time to make a menu featuring my favorite things to bake and share my love of pastries with my community. It has been a wonderful journey and though starting this business has been challenging; it has also unlocked another side of my creativity that was merely waiting to be awakened!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Loafing Around Confections has brought me a lot of joys and frustrations as I work through the details of entrepreneurship. It has taught me to be more patient, boosted my networking skills and has shown me boundaries and limits through custom orders. It has been a year of self-discovery alongside this creative endeavor and I am so very grateful to have this opportunity to explore what beautiful food is to me. I make a point to use natural ingredients with no artificial flavorings so that each and every dessert I put into this world is as fresh and delicious as possible because I have always appreciated high quality ingredients over convenience.

As a self-described introvert, the biggest challenge has been to advertise myself as I struggle with talking to people and feeling like posting on social media is a chore, but my mindset toward sharing my work with others is evolving into confidence and pride rather than discomfort and anxiety and that is a really big deal! Going to markets to sell has especially helped with that as it forces me to be in the moment and push myself out of my comfort zone. Through this experience, I have learned so much about providing good service and what it means to support local as a member of my community.

As a small business owner with an emphasis on customization, it has been extremely fulfilling to work directly with customers and bring their vision to life; but also eye-opening to what my capabilities are and how to be humble without taking things to heart. Sometimes it is just better to refer a customer out and accept that I am not the best option for their vision which has actually strengthened my fervor for honing my craft. It makes me strive harder and provides me with the inspiration to be a better baker!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since there is so much to see in Denton, a visit to Goldenboy Coffee Co. is the first stop is for fuel as they have absolutely gorgeous coffee. Plus it could be a later stop too when you find out what events they have going on. They host karaoke, markets, dancing and tons of other things that make it my absolute favorite place to go! Nearby is a super cute store called Sleeping Lizzards for unique jewelry enthusiasts and trinket lovers. It’s a great place to buy gifts! For lunch, Boca 31 has amazing empanadas and yucca fries that make my mouth water to even think about! Then visiting the square for a variety of shops and more food or bars could fill several days of exploration. My favorites on the square are the Mini Mall Antique shop, Beth Marie’s Ice Cream, Atomic Candy, Recycled Books, Loco Cafe, Greenhouse Restaurant, Harvest House, Rubber Gloves and Juliet’s Jewels. My favorite dinner places are Thai Ocha and Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant because nothing compares to their food! If it’s a Saturday morning, the Denton Community Market has tons of local vendors and farmer’s market goodies, It is nothing short of exciting when visiting Denton!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jennifer Davidson, my mother and mentor, The one who taught me to bake and provides undying support and advice on all things ambitious.

Instagram: loafingaroundconfections

Facebook: Loafing Around Confections

Website: loafingaroundconfections.carrd.co