Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsie Delisle.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved flowers and desserts! In high school, I taught myself cake decorating and accidentally turned that into a career. With a business management degree and a lot of experience in different bakery settings, I started to focus in on solely creating Sugar Flowers. I started my business on Etsy in 2015. I created Sugar Flowers and sold them online (and all over the world) for bakers creating wedding cakes, plus working directly with brides and clients who were DIYing their cakes. Over the years, I’ve expanded my business to my own e-commerce site, and custom design orders. My motivation waxes and wanes over the years. At the heart of my motivation is knowing the challenge I’ve set out for myself: to create a business to bring financial security to my family, economic growth to my community, and to stand up fully as a role model for my children and for everyone who dreams of having their own business. Plus, I really love getting to play with sugar and color every day! It’s fun!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest struggle has been managing my expectations after my son was born in 2021. I love what I do, and I also love being a mom, so finding that balance between taking care of him and making sure I’m still having time to take care of myself and my needs– and running a business! – has been a huge struggle. I developed postpartum depression and anxiety, and I needed a lot of time to heal and rest. That was hard for someone who is used to being a workaholic! Motherhood also revealed the challenges that ADHD can present, as I struggled to learn new routines and take on new responsibilities in all areas of my life. I cut back on the work I was doing and finally put my pride aside to ask for help, and I started to focus on the really, really important work. In 2022, I rebranded and launched a gorgeous new website highlighting the quality of work and service I provide to my clients. The last few years have not been smooth sailing, but the obstacles and struggles, especially with my mental health, have become building blocks for creating a business that lets me focus on my creative strengths while still leaving me time to spend with my family and to take care of myself.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sugar Flowers by Kelsie Cakes is the only online Sugar Flower shop that creates a nature-inspired selection of Sugar Flowers for cake decorators and bakers, plus brides, planners, and clients looking to create gorgeous floral arrangements for their cakes. I make every flower by hand in my Tampa, FL studio. Whether providing ready-to-ship flowers on my e-commerce site or creating a fully custom design, Sugar Flowers by Kelsie Cakes delivers expert guidance, sturdy packaging, and reliable shipping in addition to the beautiful, handcrafted Sugar Flowers we’re known for. Lately, we’ve also begun offering educational materials for artists wanted to learn more about the art of sugar flowers and more support for clients who are planning their weddings and want a really personal, unique wedding cake to be the centerpiece of their wedding.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Taking care of people is what matters most to me. I absolutely love the artistry and the beauty of the flowers I created but the part that makes it worth it is seeing happy clients. Especially when their floral designs are inspired by flowers in their grandma’s garden or a sentimental bloom from a first-date bouquet. I have the opportunity to bring beauty and joy into people’s lives, and I do not take that for granted. At the same time, the people in my life matter to me too. That starts with me learning how to be self-compassionate and to not overwork myself to the detriment of my health and happiness. I also hope the business I’m building will be a legacy that inspires my children, and even my younger siblings, to follow their passions and not settle for mediocrity. And to use my business as a catalyst for giving back to the community and modeling excellence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kelsiecakes.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kelsiecakes
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/kelsiecakes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsie-delisle/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelsiecakes
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/kelsiecakes
Image Credits
All images except #2 are credited to Christina Jones Photography image #2 (the white cake with blue flowers) is credited to Kelsie Delisle
