Meet Alyssa Chareunsouk of Lyss’s Delish’s in Thornton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Chareunsouk.

Alyssa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was about ten years old when I became obsessed with Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes and have always wanted to become a baker. I first started off making amateur cakes and cupcakes from a cake box, but what I found I enjoyed most was decorating them! I have always been creative and loved art, so applying my art skills to edible items made it even better! I was set on becoming a baker and owning my own bakery ever since then. I had played basketball for just as long as I’ve been baking, and my senior year in high school, I was recruited to the women’s basketball team at Johnson & Wales University. I saw this as an opportunity I always dreamt of because while I got to play my favorite sport, I was also working towards my dream career, majoring in Baking and Pastry Arts. It has been a roller coaster ride since the beginning.

The scholarships I received were supposed to pay for my entire first year in college. Unfortunately, one of my scholarships did not apply to my third trimester since it was for two semesters only, leaving me with a balance I couldn’t afford. My account was placed on hold until I could pay it. At the time, I was living with my grandparents and provided for myself, and since I was playing a college sport, I had no time to work, which means no money to pay for the rest of college. So I did not finish the program and lost hope in ever becoming a business owner of my own bakery. I thought to myself, “baking is just a hobby anyway.” I had felt as if I wasn’t getting a real education. I became very discouraged and gave up baking for years. Then one day, during quarantine, my sister in law asked me to make a cake, and I did it for fun and realized how much I missed baking. My skills never left me! This was around Mother’s Day, and after posting a picture of the cake I made for fun, I got my first order! It has been a full force ever since then!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I remember one time, while I was at Johnson and Wales University, I was asked to make a cake for someone, and I was so excited because this was my first real customer. I had absolutely no supplies and obviously wanted to make this cake from scratch, so I went to the store and bought all the ingredients and tools I needed. Because I’ve always provided for myself and played a college sport, I hardly had time to work to have any spending money to jumpstart my small business. But I thought to myself that after making this cake, it would eventually pay itself back. Then after getting all the supplies, this person canceled their order. I was so crushed and contemplated if this is something I wanted to do because at this point, I wasn’t enjoying it anymore. I was worried that people wouldn’t believe in me. I was so lost with myself and that feeling of not knowing if you’re good enough just tore me apart. I was never able to afford a kitchen aid either, which plays a HUGE role in baking. I am now the mother of a one-year-old and I work full-time while going to school part-time. So I juggle a lot, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Now I struggle with staying up all night to finish a cake. What people don’t realize is how long the cake process actually is, especially for a personalized cake. There were times where I never thought I’d finish, but I always seemed to pull through! However, all these struggles have been a blessing and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

We’d love to hear more about the business.
My business Lyss’s Delish’s is a home-based bakery or dessert shop, as I like to call it, that I run all by myself! I specialize in all types of personalized cakes in the Denver metro area along with my personalized treat box which includes macarons, chocolate covered strawberries, and cakesicles. I’m most proud of my growth since this is what I’ve always wanted since I was 10! I love that on my Instagram you can see my progression. When I first launched my business, I had a huge amount of support that I never had and I wasn’t the greatest to start off, but the support system I had pushed me to continue making cakes and I would even surprise myself by creating a cake I didn’t know I was capable of. What sets me apart from others is my need for perfection and my dedication to every cake. I put a lot of thought into my cakes and try to put my own spin on it to make it unique and set it aside from others. I use to draw and paint a lot and so when I make my cakes, I try and make them as realistic as if they were an actual painting or drawing.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would make sure I was more organized and didn’t take too many orders at once. At first, I was afraid to turn down business since I had just started. But after going through the ropes, I know now what is a comfortable amount of cakes I can make per week. I also would have practiced making more cakes before advertising them. I think I jumped the gun too quickly on certain things, but I have no regrets. My mistakes are what helped me be where I’m at today.

Pricing:

• 6in cake starts off at $45, but does not include cost of design
• 8in cake starts off at $55, but does not include cost of design
• 10in cake starts off at $65, but does not include cost of design

Contact Info:

• Phone: 7205970740
• Email: lysssdelishs@gmail.com
• Instagram: @Lysssdelishs
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/LysssDelishs/

Image Credit:
Anthony Seth

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