Today, we’d like to introduce you to April Reed.
Hi April, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is April Reed. I am a small-town girl from the city of Benton Harbor. I am a mother to three beautiful children, and I am also a Registered Nurse.
All of my life, I’ve had a passion for food, people, and art. Growing up, I fondly remember my mother and her baking cookies and other desserts for friends and family. Unfortunately, her baking journey was short-lived; when I was nine years old, she passed away. Linda Carol’s Kitchen is named in her honor.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I was trying to grow a successful bakery business, I did face some challenges. I am a self-taught home baker with no business background, so learning how to go from a home baker to a professional baker with a successful business was a challenge. Being a solopreneur and managing all of the different roles of the business is challenging at times. Accessing capital for the business has also been a challenge.
Lessons that I have learned on this journey is that you have to stay true to who you are at your core because imposter syndrome is real. I’ve learned to view failures as lessons, to lean on my community/family of entrepreneurs for support, and that it takes a lot of faith in yourself and God to build a successful business. My faith has grown tremendously on this journey!
We’ve been impressed with Linda Carol’s Kitchen, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Linda Carol’s Kitchen is a custom dessert bakery that I started in 2019. We specialize in custom cakes and cupcakes for your most memorable occasions. We are known for our unique flavors, artistic designs, and how we can bring real objects like your favorite purse, shoe, or flower to life as a cake or cupcake.
I am most proud of the work that we are able to do in the community, like the teen baking class, and the impact that it has on the lives that we are able to touch through baking. Our brand is fun, inviting, and creative, and we really take time to get to know even the fine details of your event so that we are able to bring your vision to life and even exceed your expectations.
You can find us at the Fulton Street Farmers Market at 1145 E Fulton St. E Grand Rapids, MI 49503 on Saturdays from 10 am-1pm. You can also book us for special occasions and events on our website Lindacarolskitchen.com or message us on our social media platforms.
What’s next?
Future plans for Linda Carol’s Kitchen are to offer more baking classes. Currently, I volunteer at a local non-profit called SWAG and teach a teen baking class there. I also offer classes around certain holidays, but this year, the plan is to expand the offerings and have more baking classes available virtually and in person. I love to teach. The ultimate goal is to open a bakery studio!
Contact Info:
- Website: Lindacarolskitchen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindacarols_byapril?igsh=MTdiNmJwcWJodTJ3MQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindacarolskitchen?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lindacarolskitchen?si=slw4jjP98Is033ZS
Image Credits
Kendra Lynece Intricate and Exposures The Rachel Skye
