Today we’d like to introduce you to Kira Simmons
Hi Kira, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my business because I saw a gap in the market that no one else was really addressing. As a Black Female entrepreneur, I knew firsthand how often communities like mine were overlooked or underserved by mainstream brands. Things are either too expensive for people to afford or horrible for your health. I wanted to create something that allowed us to have something affordable and tasted amazing. Food and dessert are things that bring us together. Opening my bakery was a combination of personal passion and the desire to see my community come together over something like that.
The first couple of years were definitely tough. I didn’t have much startup capital, so I had to get creative with how I managed costs. Securing funding was especially challenging. As a Black Female business owner, I often found it hard to get the support I needed from investors or traditional lending institutions, which made it feel like I had to prove myself even more than others. Additionally, there was this feeling that I had to do everything myself—balance the books, market the business, handle customer service—while also dealing with the stereotypes and biases that people sometimes hold.
There was one key turning point when I secured my first major contract with a corporate client. That opened doors to more visibility and credibility. After that, I started really focusing on building my network and working within my community to strengthen relationships. Word of mouth became my best marketing tool. I also found that staying true to my values—supporting Black creators, promoting cultural representation—helped me stand out in the marketplace. Slowly, my customer base grew, and I started to get more recognition for the work I was doing. We were able to grow our social media following from 1 – 32k in 4 years. I experience my share of bad reviews, but the support I received far outweighed those learning experiences.
Today, my business is thriving, and I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve expanded my product line, and I am now looking to expand to a brick and mortar. I am excited at the prospect of working for myself and providing opportunities for members in the community. I’ve hosted and sponsored events, collaborated on projects, and provided mentorship to other small business owners. My company is not just about making money—it’s about giving back and ensuring that people who look like me have opportunities to succeed.
Looking ahead, I want to continue expanding and finding new ways to reach people—especially in areas where Black communities are underserved. I’d love to develop educational programs that can help young people of color learn about entrepreneurship and how to navigate the challenges that come with it. Also, I plan to use my platform to advocate for more support for Black-owned businesses, so we can continue to grow and thrive. I’m passionate about creating a space where we all succeed together, not just individually.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I first started, access to capital was a huge barrier. The traditional funding sources, like banks and investors, didn’t seem to recognize the potential in a business like mine. The fact that I’m a Black woman only made it harder to get the resources I needed. On top of that, without a financial safety net, I was forced to get creative with how I stretched every dollar. I learned how to bootstrap—taking on multiple roles, bartering for services when possible, and relying on personal savings or small loans from friends and family who believed in me.
But even with all the hustling, there was a constant worry. The financial uncertainty weighed heavily on me because, without adequate funding, there’s always that nagging feeling that it could all fall apart at any moment. A lot of times, I was putting in long hours and sacrifices, but still couldn’t see the return I needed because I was working with limited resources. This kept me in survival mode for longer than I’d hoped.
As a Black woman, I found that investors and traditional lending institutions weren’t eager to take a chance on me. There’s already a well-documented bias against minority-owned businesses when it comes to funding, but the extra challenge of being a woman of color in a predominantly male and white space made it even tougher. I remember pitching to potential investors who would nod and smile politely, but there was always this sense that they didn’t truly believe I had the “right” business or the “right” background to succeed. I had to work twice as hard to prove that my idea wasn’t just a passion project—it was a viable, scalable business. Though I have applied for many grants or small loans, I haven’t heard back or been approved for a single one.
I often found myself questioning whether I was good enough to make it. It was exhausting to always feel like I had to convince people of my worth, just to get a small amount of backing. Even when I did secure some funding, the terms weren’t always favorable or fair. The typical investor bias against Black entrepreneurs and women just made it harder to build a strong financial foundation.
Another struggle I faced was the pressure of being everything to the business—chief everything officer. In the early stages, there was no one to delegate to, no one to lean on. I was the one managing finances, creating marketing materials, handling customer service, and building the brand from the ground up. The weight of trying to do it all was overwhelming. It felt like if I didn’t do it, it wouldn’t get done, and there was no room for mistakes. This “do-it-yourself” mentality was partly driven by necessity, but also by the fear that, as a Black woman, I couldn’t afford to make mistakes or show weakness. I constantly had to push through the fatigue and self-doubt. And, in some ways, that hustle became part of my identity, even though I knew it wasn’t sustainable in the long run.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
By Trade, I am a HR Executive. With 13 years of experience in corporate HR, I bring a unique set of skills to my bakery business, especially in areas like team building, leadership, and customer service. My HR background has equipped me with the ability to recruit, train, and nurture talent, ensuring that I hire the right people for my bakery and foster a positive work culture. I am skilled in resolving conflicts, managing employee well-being, and creating systems that promote efficiency—all of which are crucial to running a successful bakery. Additionally, my experience in strategic thinking, data analysis, and business operations allows me to make informed decisions that align with my bakery’s goals while keeping everything running smoothly.
What sets me apart as a bakery owner is my ability to combine a people-first approach with business acumen. My HR background gives me a deep understanding of how to create an inclusive and supportive work environment, which translates into exceptional service and customer loyalty. I’m proud of creating a business that not only delivers high-quality baked goods but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. My focus on team development, strategic operations, and customer engagement helps my bakery stand out, providing both a positive atmosphere for employees and a memorable experience for customers.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I owe so much of my HR journey to the incredible mentors who guided and supported me along the way. Trade Stevens and Francis Kwok, in particular, deserve the highest praise for shaping the professional I am today. Frank was the first to truly empower me with autonomy in my career. He trusted my abilities even when I was just starting out, and as a young, inexperienced employee, that trust meant the world to me. I’d like to think that my commitment to education and certifications impressed him, but more than that, he gave me the space to prove myself. Frank understood that all I needed was an opportunity to show what I could do, and he was the first to give me that chance. Then, later in my career, I met Trade Stevens, who had an equally profound impact. He took one look at my resume and immediately believed in me without question. This was a stark contrast to the skepticism I’d faced from others in the past. Trade reignited a confidence in me that I had nearly lost after feeling invisible in previous roles, reminding me of my potential and pushing me to continue striving for success.
I also owe a deep gratitude to my closest friends—Brianna Mayers, Joseph Halloway, and Kariann Sahadeo—who have been my unwavering support system as I ventured into entrepreneurship. Their belief in me has been a constant source of motivation, and Brianna, in particular, makes me feel like anything is possible. She constantly reminds me that my dreams are within reach, even when the challenges of owning a business seem insurmountable. Their encouragement, wisdom, and constant reassurance have given me the strength to keep pushing forward.
Last but certainly not least, my parents have been my rock throughout everything. Their lessons in hard work, dedication, and perseverance are deeply ingrained in everything I do. They taught me to never give up, no matter how tough things get, and to keep pushing toward my goals. Without their support, love, and sacrifices, this dream of mine would not have been possible, and I owe everything to them for laying the foundation that has allowed me to pursue my passions and succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kiraskupcakekafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiraskupcakekafe
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiraskupcakekafe
