Hidden Gems: Meet Asia Thomas of SWEET SAVOUR CAKERY

Today we’d like to introduce you to Asia Thomas

Hi Asia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The seed for becoming a baker was planted by my mother. She would always make custom cakes for mine and my sibling’s birthdays. It always made me feel so happy and special on my big day! Then, when my siblings had children, she would make their birthday cakes as well. By that time, I was 19 and old enough to bake on my own. Watching her be so creative in the kitchen, sparked a curiosity in me to see if I could do it too. I remember it was my nephews 4th birthday, I asked my mom if I can decorate the cake that she had baked. She agreed and handed me a butterknife, canned frosting, and food coloring. The theme for the party was Spider-Man so, that’s just what I made. My family and I were highly impressed at how good I actually was. I, then, became the “cake lady” for all my family members. I went on to make the birthday cakes for all my nieces and nephews as a hobby but, believe it or not, I didn’t become a “baker” until 7 years later. I didn’t take baking seriously and I definitely didn’t think that I could have a career from making cakes.
During that same timeframe I was going to college to become a doctor. I was attending a community college to knock out all my prerequisite courses when my father became seriously ill. From the time I was 8 years old, I watched my father start from a big, strong, healthy man to progressively becoming worse and worse each year. None of the doctors in Wyoming, Colorado, or California knew what was “wrong” with my dad. I felt that none of them really cared so, I was determined to be the doctor that did!
When I was at the age of 19, my father became a quadriplegic. I immediately became his power of attorney and caretaker. He needed 24 hour care and I was the only one willing to take on that responsibility. Long story short, My father and I fought 5 long years together, in and out of hospitals, nursing homes, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, etc. On April 25, 2017, he passed away. Although I was deeply saddened, I also felt a HUGE weight lift off of my shoulders. I knew my father was no longer suffering in that body. From that moment on, I decided that I didn’t want to work in hospitals because it would only make me relive the harshest memories that I had caring for my father. I decided that I was going to focus on the happy things in life. That’s when my mother quickly reminded me of my love for cakes, stating “Your face lights up every time you see cake stuff! I’m telling you! Cakes are what you’re called to do! Go back to your first love”.
So, I finally listened to my mom and started practicing cakes again. I started with family’s birthdays, then my friend’s birthdays and quickly gained traction. I had a few people who I didn’t know start to ask me for cakes. I am a self-taught baker and decorator but, I would take on the challenge and start selling to the public. I remember doing my first wedding cake for a co-worker’s daughter and had to deliver it up the mountain. I was so nervous but, it came out great!
Less than a year later, I met a man, whom is now my husband, who saw my talent and saw the potential in me. He encouraged me to take this thing seriously and start a business. Three months into dating him, he bought me a Kitchen Aid Mixer and from that point on, I knew he was going to be my husband. lol He introduced me to his two older sisters who are wedding planners and also own a local wedding gown boutique. Those wonderful ladies helped me establish my business legally and helped me gain some of their brides as my clientele.
Today, I have been in business for almost 4 years and things are going well. I am a one-woman team, working diligently to grow this business from the ground up. Every day I strive to develop a better version of me, both from the personal and professional standpoint. Whether that’s by brushing up on my baking, decorating, communication, and networking skills or taking self-care days to sit and reflect on where I’m at and where I want to go. I want to make sure that all my aspiring entrepreneurs know that it’s not easy but with God, all things are possible. If He put the idea in you, He will equip you with everything you need to make it happen.

Thank You!

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?
It has not been a smooth road. I don’t think anything worth having is ever a “smooth” road. I’ve struggled with the Imposter syndrome, feeling like I’m not good enough. I’ve struggled with rude customers who made me feel like quitting. I’ve struggled with staying motivated because my business was growing “fast enough” or I wasn’t receiving a lot of orders. I struggled with my vision for my business, feeling like other baker’s are better than me or that I’m not special/different like the other bakers. Looking back on this, all my “struggles” were my own thoughts! I am my own worst critic! Wow!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sweet Savour Cakery is a faith-based, women and minority-owned business that specializes in custom luxury wedding and celebration cakes in Denver, Colorado. We pride ourselves in the ability to provide an unlimited amount of flavors and various designs tailored to our client’s requests. We aim to exceed our clients expectations both in flavor and design by using only the best ingredients and staying up-to-date with all the new and trendy techniques in the market, all while ensuring their cakes are fresh, flavorful, moist and unique.
Our clients often express how our cakes are both BEAUTIFUL AND DELICIOUS! We are often told that not many cake companies can accomplish this. I have heard time and time again how “most cakes” either look pretty and taste terrible or they look terrible but taste good. We are proud to be known as one of the few cake companies that can accomplish great looking as great tasting cakes.
At Sweet Savour Cakery, we love to focus on the customer and putting smiles on their faces. We believe that everyone is special and unique so, why shouldn’t their cake be? With everything happening in the world today, we choose to focus on the “happy things” in life. Why not sweeten it up with some cake?

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the youngest of 3. I was very sensitive, yet very friendly. I always loved helping others and was a bit of a “people pleaser”. I loved making people happy and I especially loved making my parents and loved ones proud of me. I was always a good kid both at home and at school. I did not like getting in the slightest bit of trouble or feeling like I let somebody down or disappointed them so, I was always on my best behavior and I encouraged other kids to do the same. My brother and sister often labeled me as a “tattle-tale” and a “crybaby” because when things didn’t go my way, I threw a fit. I didn’t take rejection or criticism very well either. I expected everybody to love me the way I am like I did them.
I have always been interested in being creative/artsy and making things by hand. I loved singing, dancing, playing the violin, playing sports, and anything else that involved being with my peers. I loved being with family and playing with friends. I was a very extroverted child who loved everyone and wanted everyone to love me. You can imagine the hurt I experienced growing up and finding out that life isn’t like that. Although I’m still sensitive, I’ve had to grow “thick skin” and learn not to take things so personally.

Pricing:

• Cupcakes start at $48/dozen
• 6″ Round cakes start at $150
• 8″ Round cakes start at $200
• 10″ Round cakes start at $250
• 12″ Round cakes start at $300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweetsavourcakery.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sweetsavourcakeryllc
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/sweetsavourcakery