Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Clark.
Hi Kristin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to introduce yourself.
Ever since elementary school, I remember having two dream professions: Being a teacher and a baker, and I am lucky enough to have been both. From a young age, I always tried new recipes and enjoyed baking and decorating, but once in high school, I had the opportunity to work at a bakery- The Dessert Lady in Dr. Phillips. It opened my eyes even more to the baking world, and I got to work on my decorating skills. I could work outside my comfort zone and learn things I didn’t even know about. After moving to Tallahassee and graduating with a degree in early childhood education, I started my teaching journey. It was short-lived, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but in January 2021, my son Thomas was born. I decided to stay home with my baby and step back from teaching. I never stopped baking, as I was always the designated baker for all family and friend events to the point where it was unspoken, as everyone just expected it from me! But I didn’t mind. I loved making all the deserts my loved ones asked for, especially when it was something new for me. After deciding that I would take a step away from teaching, the only thing that naturally came to me that I could do while being home with Thomas was baking. From there, Sweets and Treats were created; I have met so many amazing people and have loved creating something special for every occasion, but my favorite part of it all has to be the artistic freedom my clients give me. I have done every theme under the sun but learn something new daily. I have been doing this full-time for over a year, and saying I am grateful would be an understatement. I have come a long way from where I started last year, and I can only look forward to what the future brings and what more this crazy profession can teach me!
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Leaving my very stable career to do something mainly on a whim was a big adjustment at first. It has been scary at times, and I have doubted myself and my abilities, but this is still new to me at the end of the day. Being a small business owner is everything and nothing that I expected it to be. There is always something new to learn, and I am figuring it out day by day.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Baking cakes. Cupcakes, cake pops, and cookies. I specialize in custom-decorated cookies. I have found that to be my favorite and the thing I enjoy creating the most. I am most proud of going out of my comfort zone and trying new techniques to bring a customer’s vision to life. People hear decorated sugar cookies and think of the rock-hard cookies you get at the store. My cookies are nothing like that. It has taken me a long while to tweak my recipe to be a nice thick, tender, perfectly balanced cookie. I love seeing the smile on their faces when they try my cookies, and the “OMG, THESE ARE AMAZING” texts make me feel so proud.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Orlando is huge. The diversity of our city is fantastic and provides me with the opportunity to have a wide variety in my client base. On the downside, it is enormous, making it a bit tough on delivery and pick-ups.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetsandtreatsbykristin/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Sweets-and-Treats-by-Kristin/100070495003182/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Sweetsandtreatsbykristin
Image Credits
Jessica Kovalick
