Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhesa Marie
Hi Rhesa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Yes! I am Rhesa, owner of Reesezcakes. My passion for baking started as a little girl growing up on the little island of St.Croix. My grandmother “Mama” who absolutely loved to bake, baked hundreds of cakes throughout the years for the community. I admired her before I even understood that baking would become my passion. I found a profound joy in helping my “Mama” make the cake batter and then being able to lick the bowl after. Mama’s cake batter was the Best! As I grew older, I struggled to find my purpose in the world but I knew that baking was the only thing that I felt comfortable making a career out of. I decided that it was time to pursue my career in baking and here I am today living in my purpose and I love every moment of it!
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?
Like anything else in life, I have definitely had my struggles. I think my biggest struggle was moving from Orlando to south Florida. I lost all of my customer base and had to start from scratch. It was hard and I had no clue that I had entered a much more competitive market. I felt very discouraged and pretty much put my passion on the side to pursue a 9-5 job because the bills had to be paid but I had never been more miserable. A few years later I decided it was time for me to be happy again so I quit my to pursue my passion for baking.
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?
I love to call myself a cake artist. Baking to me is an art. I love being able to create flavors that not only taste good but look good as well because people eat with their eyes first. I am most known for my cakes that are packed with flavor but delicately sweet and for my butter cookies that are filled with fruit centers. I am most proud of my resilience because although there were many times that I wanted to quit, I chose to keep going. I’ve also recently competed in America’s largest dessert festival/competition, “DESSERT WARS” where I placed in the top 25 with 50 competitors. Super proud of this. What sets me apart from others is the fact that for me baking is my passion I absolutely love what I do. When something is your passion you do it with love. I bake with all my heart! You can literally taste the love. lol
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Well, I’m such an introvert and I had to realize that in this field of work you have to put yourself out there. So that means walking up to complete strangers and selling your business to them. I walk up to people anywhere and give them a business card and brief them on my business. I apply for festivals and shows that allow free sampling and paid vendors. The thing is, you have to get people to try your product, once it’s good it will self itself. This has helped my business grow tremendously.
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