Today we’d like to introduce you to Taquanda Miles.
Hi Taquanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I first started my baking career in 2006. I was newly married and just happened to be at my grandmother’s house, and she was talking with her cousin, Ella Edwards, about baking. I was intrigued by the conversation because I didn’t know how to cook or bake at the time. Mrs. Ella went on and on about how her husband loved her pound cakes. Of course, I wanted to make my husband happy because I was a newlywed, lol. So, I asked her for the recipe so my husband could see me as the best wife ever. I made that pound cake the next day, and to my surprise, not only did my husband love it, but my family did as well! So, I began looking up recipes, trying them, and nailing them every time. With much passion, dedication, and love, I mastered my skills in the kitchen and developed the “Cute” brand you see today. In 2019, I attended a workshop in Atlanta, GA, with an accomplished cake artist named Porsha Kimble. This inspired me to take the leap of faith and turn my hobby into an official business, Ohh! That’s Cute Cupcakes & More! In 2020, God gave me the vision to own a cupcake truck during the pandemic. This would allow me to expand my reach in the central Florida area. Little did I know it would happen so quickly. In 2021, that vision became a reality with the purchase of “CUTIE” The Cupcake Truck.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business and owning a cupcake truck has been challenging. I wear many hats; I’m a wife to Julius L. Miles III, mother to Legaci, Heaven, and Legend, First Lady at Pine Hills Community Church, work as a registered nurse, and so on. So, stepping out there to start my business was very challenging. First, where would I find the time to manage it all? Second, how would I pay for it? And Third, what if I failed due to lack of support? Some of the thoughts I had that almost caused me not to start my business. So much fear sets in when you decide to do something different and new in your life. It will cripple you if you let it! But I had to realize that anything you do in life will have challenges, but you must step out and face it! With God, anything is possible. I still hit bumps in the road but keep my faith close and take one step at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ohh! That’s Cute Cupcakes & More. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
My business name is Ohh! That’s Cute Cupcakes & More, which was birthed in 2019. We serve cuteness to our community by offering custom cakes and cupcakes for many occasions, including birthday parties, weddings, church events, festivals, local events such as Diner En Blanc, and many more. In 2021, we introduced “CUTIE, “The Cupcake Truck, to the world. We can now be mobile, expand our reach in the community, and serve more cuteness at many school events. We also host Cupcake/Cake classes for parties, ladies’ nights, or just because, where we teach you how to decorate your Cupcakes/Cake. I am proud that we have served cuteness to National Recording Artists Wess Morgan, Luther Barnes, Tiffany Boone, and Kim Burrell. I also hold the title of Cupcake War Champion for DeLand, FL. Most recently, in August 2023, I was awarded the “Rich In Spirit “Award from the Rich Girls HQ for my unwavering commitment to outstanding personal performance and excellence in my work for God’s Kingdom. Also, in October 2023, I became a Co-Author in a woman’s compilation book called Re-defined. My chapter titled “Girl, You Are More Than CUTE” discusses my story of becoming who I am today. Although I’m super proud of my accomplishments thus far, I am most proud I get to show my 3 kids that anything is possible with God and hard work! This is just the beginning for me, so continue to follow me on this journey as I serve you, cuteness!
It is often partly due to others that we are where we are. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had many cheerleaders in my corner! My family has been excellent in pushing and encouraging me to step out and start my business. For many years, they told me I could do it before I decided to do it. If you know my family, they will hype you up and make you feel like you can do anything! Porsha Kimble and Kake King, both well-known in the cake community, were very influential in helping develop some of my cake skills and Starr my business. My husband has always been my number one supporter. He pushes and motivates me and often sees things in me that I don’t see in myself. He keeps me grounded. It’s just a good feeling to have a partner with you no matter what, and that doesn’t dumb down your gifts and talents but lights it up so that you can shine! Spiritually, I have to give credit to a few women in leadership in my community who have recently been influential in shaping the woman I am becoming: Pastor Tekoa Pouerie, Pastor Meka Beechem, Pastor Alexis Freeman, and Lady Jocelyn Williams. They have impacted my life in a significant way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ohhthatscutecupcakes.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ohhthatscutecupcakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohhthatcutecupcakes
