Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Lafferty.
Hi Kristen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up I was always the kid who was just overall into everything. I would spend all my time writing short stories, learning a new craft or baking up something fun; not much has changed now that I’m an adult. I still am very much into everything, and if I get it in my head that it’s something I want to do, I give it my all. Over the years I have taught myself to crochet, I have self published two books, I have grown my cake business from the ground up, and I have been a dedicated employee in my position with the Courthouse. I started working very young, and I’ve had many different careers over that time frame but the one I am most proud of is my most current position as a Court Specialist. When I entered into the Court System, I had not an ounce of knowledge about the courts, but I put in the hard work and 11 years later, I couldn’t imagine being in another field. Outside of my professional life I am a bonus mama to a sassy pre-teen, engaged (and getting married at the end of the year), a cat mom to 4 furry boys, and just truly living my dream life.
Alright, 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?
Nothing worth having in life, will come easy. I have had many challenges professionally and personally along my journey to where I am today. With hard work, perseverance, and the passion to fuel your drive you really can take yourself anywhere you set your mind too though. My parents worked hard to provide a quality life for me and my sister, but they also made sure we recognized nothing in life was going to be a hand out, if we wanted something we needed to work for it too.
With my small business I have struggled getting my name out there and trying to stand apart from the big box companies. I pride myself in remaining affordable but when the cost of food and supplies are always rising, it becomes very difficult. If it’s important to you, you just have to stay consistent and keep pushing forward, your work will begin to speak for itself and stand out.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My two careers are very opposite from each other. Working as a family case manager for a Judge, I have to maintain a level of decency and professionalism on a daily basis. That line of work is very stressful and can become very overwhelming when you’re trying to navigate people through some of their worst times. However, after my 8-5, I get to just breathe a little. I can really let loose and let those creative juices flow while designing and decorating cakes. I think that’s what sets me apart in ways too, it’s almost like living a double life but it really is the best of both worlds for me.
I just turned 33 a month ago, which is genuinely crazy to me when I think back to how much I’ve truly accomplished in my short time on earth so far. When I was little I had so many dreams, so many interests and just so much excitement to be an adult and get to live out those dreams. Some people never actually do half of the things they say they will, or dream they will, but I got too. I not only self published two books completely on my own, I have taught myself so many different trades over the years, I have created a successful cake business specializing in all the baked goods and have given 11 years to a career that really drives me to be a better version of myself daily. On top of my professional accomplishments, I get to do life with a wonderfully supportive partner and an exceptional bonus kid. I never could’ve imagined what my life would be like in my thirties, but I really am getting to life out my dreams.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
It’s hard to say where I will be in the next 5-10 years, really. I would like to think I will still be working my career, I think it’s safe to say there will always be a need for family court, but I am not sure I will still be running my small business like I am. The economy really isn’t the best right now, so it’s become harder and harder to find that passion for this area of my life anymore. I think right now some days can be very overwhelming, working a full time job whilst managing a small business, being a mom and wife, and still trying to find time to enjoy this one life we’re given, is truly hard. Most days I feel like a clown on a unicycle trying to juggle it all. Things change so frequently though it is difficult to know what tomorrow brings for anyone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: a_sprinkleofsweetness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092649775492
Image Credits
Professional photos done by Alison Law Photography, LLC.
