Life & Work with Cydney Ellis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cydney Ellis. 

Hi Cydney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi! My name is Cydney Ellis. I am 24 years old and I am from Detroit, Michigan. It really began just by participating in bringing a dish to family events. I love sweets and when I was younger, I always remember it not being what I wanted. Pecan Pie, Trifle Cake, and peach cobbler was fine but where’s the chocolate cake?! Lemon Cheesecake or anything for that matter. As I got older, I began wanting to participate in the festivities my family would have. My first dessert was a 3-layer Lemon Cheesecake Cake and it lasted all of 15 mins. I enjoyed making it so I decided to keep going. 

Fast forward a few months later people began to encourage that I should start taking my craft seriously. Immediately I thought to myself “Of Course Not” because this was just a hobby. In my free time, it’s something I just did but after really thinking about it, I can say it was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

I went from making one cake to being booked for weddings and several other events. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Just like any other business you know life happens. My road has been pretty smooth besides a few interruptions but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t bounce back from. When I first began, I struggled with gaining customers. I realized that in order to be out there I needed to put myself out there. I began using all social media platforms, family and friends began to share with others and even made posters to post around on campus. 

I joined different organizations and began participating in different school events so I could make those necessary bonds and networking connections. Once I got passed that hiccup everything was smooth sailing until the pandemic. 

During the pandemic, I did struggle a bit because I was so use to hosting pop-ups shops and being face to face. I wasn’t sure if I needed to take a business break or what. I had to be extra careful with coming into contact with people because the way Covid had been spreading. I didn’t really get down about this but I did find another way to still give the people what they wanted so I created my website for shipping. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I am a senior at Western Michigan University so I am a full-time student and part-time self-taught baker. I specialize in a variety of different desserts but I’m most famous for the cheesecake jars I offer. I have a huge selection of flavors but the most popular would have to be the Strawberry Shortcake and Oreo. 

I can say that I am most proud of me in general and how I’ve managed to do everything I’ve set my mind to. What sets me apart from others is that I work extremely hard. I’ll go to class 3-4 days out the week, work between 2 cities, study, have a social life, and still manage to give my all baking. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Of course, my family and friends. I am so thankful to have been blessed with a HUGE support system. Specifically, my little sister, she is literally a walking commercial for Cidy’s Treats. It doesn’t matter where or who she is with Cidy’s Treats will come up in any conversation. I can list everyone but I’ll probably need another page to do it. However, they know exactly who they are and I appreciate them so much. Whenever there are opportunities, they make sure I’m the first to know and advocate for me constantly. 

Pricing:

• Cheesecake Jars $12
• Custom 6” Cake $45+
• Custom 7” Cake $50+
• Custom 8” Cake $55+

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cidystreats?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CidysTreats/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cidystreats?s=21