Today we’d like to introduce you to Arionna Morris
Hi Arionna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I dreamt of either becoming an actor or a baker, though many people around me often dismissed these ambitions as unrealistic. As I grew older, I began to let go of those dreams, believing they were unattainable. However, my love for baking remained, especially as I spent countless hours watching shows like Cake Boss, Cupcake Wars, and DC Cupcakes. These shows inspired me to pursue baking as a hobby, and I began experimenting with treats such as chocolate-covered strawberries and Oreos.
In 2020, I graduated high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, which left me feeling isolated and deeply disappointed by the cancellation of traditional milestones like prom and graduation. In an effort to cope, I turned to baking more seriously, and what started as a hobby quickly grew into a small business. Although my early creations were far from perfect—many were rough around the edges—I was encouraged by the positive feedback from customers. Looking back, I can’t help but laugh at how some of those early treats must have looked, but the support I received kept me going.
Initially, I was intimidated by the idea of making cakes, but by February 2021, I decided to take the plunge and officially launched Sweets by Denise, a name that felt personal as it included my middle name. Over time, I honed my skills and saw significant improvement in the quality of my treats. However, it wasn’t until 2023 that I finally took on cake-making. My first attempt was a disaster—the cake I sold literally fell apart on its way to the customer. That moment was disheartening, and I briefly considered giving up, but my passion for baking pushed me to keep going.
In October 2023, we rebranded and became Suggarology, a name I felt would resonate well with customers and fit the vision for a potential storefront. At that point, things began to pick up. My cakes, especially the signature heart and star designs, gained attention and I quickly became fully booked each month. Since October 2023, I’ve experienced incredible growth, and I’m excited for what the future holds for Suggarology.
What started as a simple hobby has now blossomed into a thriving business, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. The journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs, but each step has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and the power of following your passion.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey is not always smooth. There are days when I spend up to 12 hours in the kitchen, and on occasion, I find myself working until 3 or 4 a.m. to fulfill orders, all while balancing school the following day. The business can be unpredictable—some months are slower than others, with earnings ranging from $1,300 in busier months to as little as $150 during quieter periods. However, these challenges have fostered resilience and perseverance, and they continue to drive me forward in my pursuit of growth and success.
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?
What sets Suggarology apart is not just the quality of our treats, but the heart and story behind them. As a 22-year-old Black woman and first-generation college student, I’ve had the privilege of building this business from the ground up while navigating both academic and entrepreneurial journeys. I’m proud to say I’ll be graduating in May 2025 with a degree in Theater Arts, a testament to my dedication to pursuing my dream of becoming an actress. I’ve never given up on that passion, which is why I’m in school for it today.
At Suggarology, we specialize in custom cakes and deliciously crafted treats that turn every occasion into something unforgettable. From our signature heart and star cakes to custom-designed treats for any celebration, our goal is to deliver not just desserts, but experiences that bring joy and sweetness to life’s special moments
While I’ve embraced the challenges of balancing both a baking business and college life, I’ve also stayed committed to my long-standing love for baking. That’s why, after I graduate, I’ll be pursuing my next dream of attending pastry school to further refine my craft as a pastry chef.
I have deep respect for all other bakers and businesses in this industry—each one brings something special to the table. But at Suggarology , we pride ourselves on blending resilience, creativity, and a genuine passion for both the arts and baking. Every treat we create is a reflection of the many dreams I’m chasing and the belief that with hard work, anything is possible
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
At Suggarology, we believe that the most important advice we can give to those starting out is to never give up and to embrace the journey—even when it feels tough. Starting a business, especially in the baking industry, can be daunting, but every mistake and challenge is an opportunity for growth.
Here are a few key pieces of advice:
1. Start Small, Dream Big: Don’t worry about having everything perfect right away. Begin with what you can manage and let your passion and dedication fuel your growth. Over time, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and insight to scale your business.
2. Learn From Every Experience: Every order, every mistake, every success teaches you something valuable. The key is to stay humble, learn, and keep improving. Early on, I made a lot of mistakes—trust me, some of those treats were far from perfect! But I learned from every challenge and continued to push forward.
3. Consistency is Key: Whether it’s perfecting your recipes or your customer service, consistency is what builds trust and loyalty. The more you practice and refine your skills, the better you’ll become.
4. Stay True to Your Passion: It’s easy to get caught up in trends or what others are doing, but remember why you started. Stay authentic to your craft and your story. For me, baking has always been a part of who I am, and even though my path includes acting and theater, I’ve never let go of my passion for pastry.
5. Resilience Will Be Your Best Friend : There will be highs and lows, and sometimes the road will seem rocky. It’s during those tough times that resilience will carry you through. Keep going, even when it seems like things aren’t working out. Every challenge is just a stepping stone to where you want to be.
6. Build Your Support Network: Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and who can offer guidance, encouragement, or even just a listening ear when things get tough. Networking with other business owners can also be incredibly valuable—remember, there’s room for everyone to succeed.
7. Celebrate Every Milestone: Whether it’s your first order, your 10th, or your 100th, take time to celebrate every accomplishment along the way. These moments, no matter how small, are the markers of your success and progress.
Above all, remember that success isn’t defined by perfection, but by your commitment, your willingness to learn, and your persistence to keep going. And finally, never forget that your story matters—as a Black woman, a first-generation college student, and someone pursuing multiple dreams, your journey is uniquely yours, and it will inspire others along the way.
Keep pushing, and don’t be afraid to mix a little sweetness with all your hard work. Suggarology is here to show that dreams can rise—just like the perfect cake! Also! Be on the look out! In the near future we will be reintroducing our sister company, by the name of “KakeKulture” (The ultimate Sip&KAKE Experience) where you can have your Kake and EAT IT TOO!
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