Priscilla Taylor-Blackwell Petite Cakes USA learned how to bake from her dad and has taken those early lessons with her to start her business. This BSB loves what she does and love making her clients smile. She specializes in keeping her cakes, simple, classic and southern. This Georgia Peach is the queen of bundt cakes and we are so excited to share her gift with our followers and also inspired to get some bundt cake in our life today. Learn more about Priscilla today and make sure to check her out for your next big event.
Your Name:
Priscilla Taylor-Blackwell
Business Name:
Petite Cakes USA
What You Provide:
We specialize in gourmet personal-sized Bundt cakes, that are made from scratch using our family recipes dating back to the 1940’s..
Where are you based?
Atlanta, GA
Why did you decide to start a business?
For quite some time, I’ve had a dream to launch a cake company built on the foundation of family tradition and community. The urge to start the business became more pronounced a few years ago. For my Dad’s 40-year retirement celebration, the company requested that he provide the cake. Needless to say, within minutes his cakes vanished! It was at this moment that I turned to my sister and proclaimed. “We’ve got something special and it needs to be shared with the world!”
What is your favorite client story?
It brings me joy to watch a customer’s reaction when trying Petite Cakes for the first time – the head tilts back, the eyes roll in splendor, and delightful groans of happiness fill the air. We’ve had many customers tell us that our cakes remind them of their Mother’s or Grandma’s baking.
What is your website?
www.petitecakesusa.com
Who are some of your business idols?
Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Corcoran. Neither of them were born into wealth. But they relentlessly forged through obstacles to create a better life for themselves. Both women have used their gifts and strengths to achieve high levels of success. And, they inspire us and give back.
Do you have any mentors?
Yes. My mentors are both virtual and familial. The entrepreneurs in my family have taught me the importance of customer service, integrity and hard work. I also connect with select virtual entrepreneurs who have helped me by providing valuable resources and tools that work for my business.
What is your favorite thing about being southern?
I love so many things about our culture. But if I must choose, I’d have to say … the food!
What is your favorite southern entree?
Fresh greens (turnips, mustards, collards, and kale). Greens are packed with vitamins, offer robust flavor and are very filling, especially when paired with cast-iron skillet buttermilk cornbread :).They can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as; sauteed, steamed, blanched, lightly baked (kale chips sprinkled with truffle salt..YUM) or raw for use in salads. My favorite way to prepare them in the winter is slow-cooked with smoked turkey tails … de-li-cious!
What are your must have bundt cakes?
My favorite flavor is carrot. Growing up, my Dad baked carrot Bundt cakes often. And to this day, he always prepares a carrot cake for my birthday. It is so flavorful, moist, and pairs well with my other favorite … southern butter pecan gelato!
What other southern desserts do you enjoy making?
I enjoy making banana pudding, strawberry shortcake, bread pudding and rice pudding. These desserts bring back childhood memories of spending quality time with family.
Who taught you how to bake and how has that influenced your business?
My Dad taught me how to bake. From an early age, on Fridays after school I could count on walking into a house filled with the sweet aroma of a freshly baked Bundt cake. During the holiday baking season, I looked forward to helping him in the kitchen. He has always stressed the importance flavor, texture, and recipe consistency. Throughout the years, I witnessed how much others delighted in my Dad’s cakes, time after time. This is what inspired me to start a Bundt cake business.
What is the most important thing you have done to build your business?
I have made it a priority to partner with philanthropies that focus on food insecurity and positive youth development. It is important to me that we support their efforts by giving back to our community. These partnerships have created a win-win outcome for my business.
What are your favorite southern brands?
Krispy Kreme …is the HOT doughnut sign on?! And of course Mayfield Dairy Farms Ice Cream!
What are some of your favorite southern food blogs?
Add a Pinch and Biscuits & Such. Both blogs feature practical good ole’ southern recipes that anyone can follow and the lovely pictures are very enticing!
What is your favorite restaurant for Southern or Soul Food?
Busy Bee Cafe. The food is so flavorful and full of soul! If you plan on stopping by, be prepared to wait because there will probably be a line out of the door. They’re always busy, but the food is worth the wait.
Any advice for an aspiring baker?
Keep it simple, flavorful, and put your heart into what you create. Your customers will taste the love and keep coming back for more!.
What is your favorite item or piece of clothing to wear/use while doing business?
My Mom is quite crafty. So when I shared with her that I was starting a Bundt cake business, she made me a beautiful apron. I love to wear it when promoting Petite Cakes.
FULL GALLERY
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