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

Hi Kendra, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I feel like the biggest factor behind my success is the quality and consistency of my work. I strive hard to deliver an exceptional product not once but with every encounter with each of my customers. I feel that this is the number one reason my business has been so successful. I have built lasting relationships that has turned my hobby into a reputable business! I have a loyal group of supporters that have referred me to all of their family and friends creating a family of amazing customers that return year after year allowing me to be a part of all of their unforgettable memories! I’m so grateful!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been and artistic person and loved the ability to express myself through various forms from drawing to singing, cooking to cosmetology but I NEVER even thought about baking or making custom cakes! I was working from home for one of the top companies in the world and I lost my passion for the position. I had always been a charismatic and outgoing person and after 8 years in my home I found myself feeling trapped and depressed. I gained tons of weigh and I was at a point where I didn’t feel good about myself and needed a breakthrough. At the time l lived across the street from an elementary school so I figured I would start selling snacks and candy for the kiddos, Somehow that turned into baking cupcakes and it took off from there! All of my coworkers and highschool friends started purchasing them and before I knew it I was receiving weekly orders! One day a few months in one friend asked me to make her a birthday cake. She sent me a picture of a round pink cake with black polka dots and stripes on it! I was so shocked and confused! I instantly replied telling her “GIRL! I can’t do those types of cakes! She responded with 2 simple words: “Just try! It’s just cake we’re gonna eat it anyways!” Lol I was never one to back down from a challenge, I did a little research watched a few YouTube videos, bought supplies and set out to complete this mission! After several failed attempts, sleepless nights, repurchasing supplies over and over I delivered what I thought was a HORRIBLE attempt at this cake! She was so pleased and grateful! The very next day I received a call from an unknown number and the person on the line said “Hello there! I was at Liz’s birthday party and she told me you made her cake! I would like to place an order for next week if you’re available?” I was flabbergasted!!! This continued to happen every week! Who was telling these people I could do this! I had no formal training or even knowledge that this was even a THING!!! But GOD!

Week after week I kept going. Kept trying and I just got better and better. I feel my attention to detail and need for perfection sets me apart. I’ve been told by several other bakers that I’m too meticulous for this line of work but I believe that’s my super power!

I’ve learned to be true to myself and follow my own heart! Your gift will make room for you! Even the ones you didn’t know you had!

I want the world to know that God had a purpose and and plan for your life and most of the time it has nothing to do with the plans you have made! Once I was able to be obedient and live in my purpose, I have never felt so accomplished and fulfilled!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely start by visiting downtown dallas preferably the deep ellum area where we can bar hop and try a few different scenes before making our decision on where to turn up! Lol Some of my favorites spots down there are Stirr, Vidorra, Harlowe and Oni Ramen! I am a lover of live music and local artists so we would definitely hit up The Freeman! The next day we might return and browse a few of the local museums and then take in the scenery at Klyde Warren Park! The next few days we would take some time and visit the Bishop Arts District and stop in a few of my fave spots like Paradiso and Vegan Food House! I am also a advid karaoke singer so we would definitely go to The Balcony Club and stop in at the Fivee Bistro, then end the week with my all time favorite Bobbisox Lounge!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to acknowledge all of my amazing customers in which I call my Cake Family! They have pushed me into my purpose and believed in my gift when I didn’t believe in my self! Their loyalty and support literally keeps me going and I do not take it for granted! You never know how great you can be until you have to be! They won’t let me fail or quit! Lol Thank you all for supporting me year after year, and through every transition! I’m forever indebted!

Website: Www.shortcakesconfections.com

Instagram: @shortcakesconfections

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/shortcakesconfections

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