Rising Stars: Meet Stephany Flowers of Wendell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephany Flowers.

Hi Stephany, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My mother and father came to the United States to live the American dream. My siblings and I are the first generations to be born in the United States in my family. My parents are from the Dominican Republic, and growing up, I saw my father work hard in his family-run business. I never imagined that I would ever be running my own business one day! I always admired how hard he worked to put food on the table for us.

When it comes to careers, baking is not my only love. I graduated in 2013 with my Masters in Social Work. I have worked with the adult and geriatric population since obtaining my master’s and now am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I love helping others and helping people prioritize their mental health. Baking came later and has been a way to express me creatively while also very therapeutic.

I started baking for family and friends about three years ago. I knew nothing about baking and never owned any baking equipment. I remember the first time I made banana bread, and the recipe said to “cream the butter and sugar.” I had no idea what that meant. I must have read about five different articles explaining what this was before attempting the recipe. This was my first experience with making any dessert from scratch. After that, I wanted to learn more. The first cake I made was a red velvet cheesecake cake for Christmas, and IT WAS DELICIOUS. I couldn’t believe that I MADE THAT! From there, I was hooked.

Made with Grace Cakes and Sweets LLC was started in honor of my Aunt Cecelia Grace. When she would visit us from New York, I would make her a new dessert to try, and she would always say, “Add this to the menu, Steph!” When she passed away unexpectedly in October 2020, I decided to start baking for others in her memory. Baking, for me, is a way that I can express myself and be creative. Art that you can also eat is the BEST!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road! My biggest struggle, I would say, is balanced. Running a business as a baker, marketer, accountant, and social media manager is tough. I had to learn how to manage my business and still have time for my family. Like any job, it is important to take some well-deserved time off! I still struggle with this, but I now block out time when I am not in the kitchen to spend with my family.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
In my work, I specialize in custom cakes and treats that are beautiful and delicious. I also offer vegan cakes that I am working on expanding to one day include vegan treats. I have had many clients tell me that they often have beautiful cakes but lacking in the flavor department. This is what sets me apart from all of the others.

I love working primarily with buttercream for my cakes and am obsessed with getting a smooth, clean finish. I am known in my neighborhood for my hot chocolate bombs! That is what I first started selling when I started my business, and every year they are my best sellers.

I am most proud of my work with 3D cakes this year! I wanted to get a little outside of my comfort zone and started making cakes to resemble everyday items. It is fun to see your creation come to life!

What are your plans for the future?
I one day would love to combine my love for helping people in my role as a social worker with my passion for baking. I’m not sure what that would look like just yet (I have a few ideas), but I plan to make this happen one day!
I am looking forward to offering items for preorder, especially my delicious gourmet cinnamon rolls! I plan to provide a new item each month that will be available for preorder on my website later in the week.
I constantly think of ways to elevate my client’s tastebuds, so look out for new flavor combinations!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mycustombakes.com/madewithgracecakesnsweets
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/madewithgracecakesnsweets
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Chocolate-Shop/madewithgracecakesnsweets/posts/