Black-Owned Businesses – And What Makes Them Work: Kim’s Kake’s

Kimberly Thompson

Business Owner: Kimberly Thompson

 

How would you describe your business in your own words?

We are a bakery that specializes in old-fashioned cakes and pies.

 

What industry would you consider your business?

Bakery and catered desserts

 

When did your business open?

I have been in business since 1999. I first started from home selling slices at small businesses and traveling around to different cities and states.

Our first store front is celebrating its 3rd year anniversary.

 

Who started the business? Why?

I did a fundraiser for our church. I worked in a salon and people were ordering the cakes there. From there people started calling for holiday cakes etc. and I turned it into a business.

 

Who operates the business now? (Is it family owned)?

It is family owned and operated by myself, my husband and my daughter.

 

What services do you offer?

We cater weddings, birthdays, corporate events, anniversaries — anything that needs a dessert we’re there for it all.

 

What is your signature item? Bestseller?

We have at least 12  signature items. My first signature is my espresso cake. The second is my strawberry lemonade cake. We play with flavors and try new things. We have customers come in and suggest new flavors and we give it a shot!

            What makes your business unique?

We always come up with new flavors. We have flavor profiles that are like no other.

Everybody is family – nobody is a stranger to us. We do everything with love because we love what we do, and it comes out in the product. We use the freshest ingredients. We don’t cut corners.

Have you achieved the level of success you had hoped for?

I’m not there yet. I’m still striving. I thank God for where I am. I thank Him everyday when I come turn that key [to the bakery] but I’m still striving to get to the level that I want to be at.

     Do you have plans to grow or expand your business in the future?

I would love to have another location and would love to be in restaurants and stores and leave a legacy.

                   What have you learned is the most important aspect of running a business like yours?

To be kind and courteous to people. You never know what a person is going through when they come through the doors. For me, that’s why I greet everybody with a smile and love everybody.  My goal is for you to have an experience with whatever [dessert] you choose that will take you to a happy place.

 

Location: 480 Dixie Hwy Unit B, Rossford, OH 43460

Website: /www.facebook.com/kimskakesllc/

Phone Number: (419) 214-9019