Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Davis.
Marissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My business began about 6 years ago when I brought a funny little dessert called “cake balls” along to my best friend’s family BBQ. When I arrived with my treats everyone was so curious about these sweet, moist, bite-size balls of cake they started asking questions and placing orders. MY Cake Bite Delights was born on that day May 5, 2011. I started bringing free samples to surrounding local business of friends and family leaving behind my business cards. Once anyone tasted my treats, they wanted them at their next event. The rest is history as some would say. Every time an order was placed I found a way to match a new theme, create a new design and/or make a new flavor. With orders flowing in most of my creativity is due to my customers’ request. As a self-taught baker and food artist every order is a new challenge that forces me to become creative and push past my own expectations. My best friend also began a cake pop business of her own called Cake Bite Delights based in Southfield, MI. We consider ourselves sister businesses and continually help each other and inspire each other by coming up with new ideas, creations and flavors. MY Cake Bite Delights specializes in cake bites, cake pops and cake bite cakes.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part it has been a smooth road and the business has driven itself. The challenge is being a single mother who works full time as a Marketing and Pricing Analyst for a chemical company with two young children who are active in sports while managing my own side business. I am a bit of a one woman show. It’s a blessing and a curse. I have always had the spirit of an entrepreneur and anyone that falls into that category understands how hard the journey can be when you decide to start a business of your own. When you put that on top of being a single mom and holding down a full time career, it is often just short of a miracle that I make it through each day. (Lol)
I am a huge advocate of women in business and definitely surround myself with inspiring women who have gone before me. I believe in mentorship and networking groups full heartedly. There are SO many people that I have networked with that have taught me many of the things I didn’t even know that I needed to know. Whom have influenced my business decisions and who have encouraged me through many sleepless nights.
The largest lesson I have learned through it all is how to say “No”. The beauty of owning your own business is you are in total control. I have found ways to set boundaries and keep balance in my easily overwhelming life.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is a specialty dessert company that specializes in Cake Bites, Cake pops and Cake bite cakes. Anyone who has ever attempted to make cake pops themselves immediately has a new found respect for the amount of work and efforts that go into these special creations. Many bakeries do not make cake pops due to how much work and labor that goes into these bite size cakes. For this reason it is a niche business and I pride myself on customizing each order to my customers’ needs. I make them fresh to order and each creation is handmade and detailed with love to meet the individual needs of each customer.
As a self-taught women I am the most proud when I deliver the final product and watch the clients eyes light up and know that I have nailed their vision or exceeded their expectations. It’s always a compliment when my client give me full creative freedom to match their theme. Whether it’s a simple color theme or a specific and unique design I love to take on a new challenge and impress our customers.
The thing that I am the most proud of is that my desserts are as tasty as they are exquisite to look at. I believe desserts are the sweetest part of the day and they shouldn’t just look good but taste great!
What were you like growing up?
I was always an independent and strong willed little girl that enjoyed challenges and always wanted to learn about something new. I grew up in a tiny town in Northern MN and always felt like a bit of a black sheep. I was the girl that was friends with everyone never belonged to a “click” and couldn’t wait to explore our wide-wide world.
My personality has always been open and friendly and curious. I loved basketball, and sports-in-general were always a huge outlet for me. However, growing up in such a small town my curiosity to explore the world took over at a very young age and I became a flight attendant right out of high school. The opportunity allowed me to see the world for the first time at a very young age. It increased my sense of independence and the cultural experience is something I am extremely thankful for. I believe that my travels have a lot to do with the woman I am today.
I believe each of my experiences traveling around the world before settling in IL have impacted my creativity, my personality, my taste buds and my endless curiosity.
Pricing:
- Cake Pops start at $2.00/pop and upcharges are applied for customization
- Cake Bites start at $1.50/bite and upcharges are applied for customization
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mycakebitedelights.com
- Phone: 630-991-1914
- Email: mycakebitedelights@gmail.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
