Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Reed.
Hi Andrea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started SweetCakes in 2004, but my passion for cake design began long before that. My mother used to throw us Pinterest-worthy parties before Pinterest even existed. She would bake themed cakes to match our costume parties, making every celebration special. Inspired by her, I decided to try my hand at cake-making when I was just 10 years old. The result was a chaotic mess of purple icing—but I was hooked.
My husband, Allen, and I married young and started our family early. I carried on my mother’s tradition of elaborate themed parties, designing cakes as the centerpiece of each celebration. That passion quickly turned into a craft, and I found myself constantly challenging myself to try new techniques and push creative boundaries. Back then, without the internet as a resource, I relied on my own imagination and problem-solving skills to bring my designs to life.
As word spread, people began asking me to make cakes for their children’s birthdays and even their weddings. At the time, I was in school studying pre-med, working at a hospital, and raising three children. Balancing everything became overwhelming, so I made the bold decision to start SweetCakes full-time. The business took off and thrived—until the 2008 economic downturn. My high-end clientele were hit hard, and my once-busy bakery became eerily quiet as customers canceled their orders. I considered shutting down completely, but in 2010, I got an unexpected call from the Food Network to compete on Halloween Wars. It was an incredible experience, but the economy was still struggling, and ultimately, I decided to step away from the business.
With three teenagers at home and my husband running his own business, I pivoted to corporate work, where I could have stability, insurance, and a predictable schedule. Though I never fully stepped away from cake design, I kept it as more of a hobby—taking on select weddings and special orders for friends and family.
Then, in 2022, the company I worked for was unexpectedly sold to a larger corporation, leaving me and many colleagues without jobs. Faced with a crossroads, I realized that instead of helping build someone else’s business, I wanted to return to my own. With all my children grown and out of the house, I finally had the time to fully dedicate myself to my passion again. With Allen’s support (and some investment, of course!), we built out a small bakery space, and I’ve been hustling ever since!
I officially relaunched SweetCakes in the summer of 2023, and 2024 marked my first full year back in business. Now, as I head into 2025, things are growing fast—I’m on track to double my first-year revenue, and by 2026, I hope to bring on my first part-time employee! While running a business can be stressful, the fulfillment I get from creating and seeing the joy my cakes bring to others makes it all worth it.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating economic shifts. Custom cakes are a luxury, not a necessity, so when the economy takes a downturn, they’re often one of the first things people cut from their budgets.
Balancing family life with the demanding schedule of this industry has also been a struggle. Creating high-quality, custom cakes requires long hours, often taking up nights and weekends, which can make it difficult to maintain a social life or have the flexibility that many people take for granted. Another challenge has been finding the right niche—offering a product that is both profitable and high-quality while staying competitive in a constantly evolving market.
Additionally, relying on two incomes from small business ownership comes with its own set of financial uncertainties. Despite these challenges, I truly love working for myself and having the freedom to set my own schedule—though I’ll admit, I’m probably the toughest boss I’ve ever had!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in custom cake design, with a strong focus on wedding cakes, though I also create groom’s cakes, birthday cakes, anniversary cakes, corporate event cakes, and other celebration cakes. I’m known for my distinctive flavor profiles and the exceptional quality of my cakes. Unlike the typical dry, flavorless wedding cakes that only look beautiful, my cakes are both visually stunning and absolutely delicious.
I believe that a special event cake should be a gourmet experience—something extraordinary that you wouldn’t find every day. What sets me apart is not only the unique flavors and high-quality ingredients I use but also the personalized experience I provide. For large events and weddings, I offer a custom tasting consultation that elevates the process. I serve my clients in an elegant setting with fine china, linens, and handcrafted mini cakes, ensuring a truly special experience.
What I’m most proud of is maintaining the integrity of my products without compromising quality. In this industry, it’s easy to cut corners to reduce costs, but I refuse to sacrifice taste or craftsmanship. I see many beautifully designed cakes, yet I often hear that they don’t live up to expectations in flavor. While aesthetics and design are essential to me, I care just as much—if not more—about the taste and quality of my cakes.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Although I originally started Sweet Cakes in 2004, I spent about a decade in the corporate world before returning to manage my business full-time after COVID-19. While I didn’t personally have to navigate the challenges of the pandemic as a business owner, I closely observed friends in the industry and saw firsthand the impact it had on small businesses.
One of the most important lessons I’ve taken away is the need for adaptability. Success in any industry—especially one as dynamic as custom cake design—requires the ability to evolve. Being willing to shift perspectives, adjust business strategies, and adapt to changing client needs is essential. Trends, customer preferences, and cultural influences are always evolving, and staying ahead means embracing change with creativity and resilience.
Pricing:
- Custom cake designs start at $8/slice
- average custom cake designs fall between $8-12/slice
- sculpted or heavily designed cakes can run upwards of $20/slice
- Pricing is based on number of guests served, number of tiers, flavor profiles, and complexity of design
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makeyourdaysweet.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetcakesbyandreareed/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetCakesLLC/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sweetcakes-lakeland
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/sweetcakes-lakeland/afa15a4a1d641abf.html
