Life & Work with Joy Dodson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Dodson.

Hi Joy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
It all started in my mother’s kitchen as a young girl. I loved being a part of making something savory and enjoyed seeing the reaction of anyone who tasted my creation!

Today, I am happily married to the love of my life, James, and I am a mother of two amazing boys, Logan and Will. They all love the aroma of my delicious pound cakes filling our home. The kitchen is my absolute favorite place to be and baking is wonderful therapy for my sweet southern soul!

I am also truly grateful for God placing all of the right people in my life to help my dream of becoming a small business owner a reality!

Every cake I bake is special to me and makes me feel very blessed to be able to do something that I love and that I am truly passionate about! All my “Joy By The Pound” gourmet cakes are special and unique because they are made from the heart!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road! Simply because I did not know where to begin, I loved the whole idea of having my own business, but I had no idea of where to begin! But, with the help of other entrepreneurs and wonderful business coaches, it all seemed to come together.

I personally wish there was some sort of starter kit to make you aware of all the dos and don’ts of the small business world! I also struggle with the ups and downs of making a substantial profit! I am very busy during the holidays but then it seems to slow down in between.

But, oftentimes, I have orders for wedding cakes, fundraisers, and birthdays that seem to fill in the gaps. I have learned through others that I need to take advantage of those breaks and network with other potential clients, pull information from the past, and discover what works and what doesn’t.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the owner/artisan baker of “Joy By The Pound” gourmet pound cakes.

I make several different sizes and around 30 different flavors (the list is still growing all the time). I love receiving cake flavor ideas from my wonderful customers! I am never afraid to experiment and create something new and delicious!

I think of my baked cakes as a blank canvas and I really enjoy designing something amazing with the wonderful glaze that I add to each one!

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
There is truly a silver lining due to Covid-19, I hate that it even came about but if it had not I would have never even considered starting my own business.

It would have been just a lovely little thought in the back of my mind and probably would have never happened! But, God lead me to think differently and helped me to understand that through him I can do anything I put my mind to, even through a pandemic!

He has truly blessed me in so many ways!

Contact Info:

• Email: joybythepound@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.joybythepound.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoyByThePound
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyByThePound

Image Credits
Annascott Cross Photography https://www.annascottcross.com/