Today we’d like to introduce you to Lex Holley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got my start at 16. I wanted to get my mom something nice for Mother’s Day, but I was on a tight budget, not having a job. So, I got a Betty Crocker cake mix and made her a pull-apart cupcake flower bouquet. She loved it, and I loved the joy it brought her. I started to avidly watch Cupcake Wars and YouTube Bakers to learn more and grow my skills; soon after that, a few family members and mutual friends began to ask me to bake for baby showers, birthdays, and other events. I was baking up a storm. I truly believed that I could own my own shop someday. But as soon as I turned 18 and got my first job, the baking became sparse since I had a steady source of income. Each year that went by was another year my passion and belief of owning my own shop weakened. People plagued with a small mindset sowed seeds of fear and doubt in my heart; I began to back out of my dreams and shrink them down to the size of their beliefs. I began to think, “I could work for a bakery and be the head baker; that way, I don’t have to take the risk of owning my own bakery.” I knew that wasn’t for me in my heart, but my fear made a valiant effort to convince my gut and heart that it was our best decision.
Fast forward to age 26 (yes, a whole decade later), and the pandemic hit. 2 weeks in lockdown turned into 3 months, and I felt so lost. I was seeking God for answers, and I remember so vividly Him giving me a dream to quit my job and having a vision of the success my business would have to serve His kingdom. I thought He was nuts because how would I survive being jobless in a pandemic? When we get out of lockdown, I’ll have nothing to return to?! But I texted my then-boss, giving him my resignation. I want to stress how hard it was for me to make the decision to quit because I loved money and did not want to trust God to provide for me, but He would not leave me alone until I quit. After that, He instructed me to start an Instagram for my cakes & cupcakes to get my name out there. Three years later, God has moved so much in my life, growing me into the woman I need to be to carry the anointing He’s placed on me and my business. I’m just excited to see all He does through me so I can help and encourage people who are doubting, lost, and unsure where to start like I was.
“At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” Isaiah 60:22
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?
The best part about being an entrepreneur is doing what you love and having the freedom to do it EXACTLY how you want to do it; the worst part is the journey of an entrepreneur is very windy. There are a ton of twist-turns, sudden stops, and confusing road maps. I have had so many obstacles, and I want to inform all non-entrepreneurs that, being a small business, there is a very real and present human connected to said business. They struggle with business obstacles and personal life struggles. I have had such a blessed season of getting to know Jesus and who He is, but when you get to know Him, He’ll often walk you through struggles that He faced to make you like Him.
I’ve had a lot of heartbreak this season, from being bullied at my day job to wrestling with health problems. It’s taken a toll on my mental health, and it’s bled into my small business; sometimes it’s hard to make the decision to keep going, and for anyone reading who needs to hear this, He’s the ONLY reason why I’m still standing, I was going to kill myself in 2021 because I felt the pressures of life became too much, but God saved me from making that permanent decision, He gave me another chance. He allowed me to see how loved I am by Him and how proud He was of me for being so brave, taking on all the ugly things that life has thrown at me, and still seeing beauty and purpose in it. There is no obstacle in my business or my life that I can’t take on because I have the God of the universe on my side, and His power is ready and available for anyone who wants to accept it; it doesn’t take a grand gesture, just letting Him know you’re ready for Him to transform your life. It was scary when I made the decision, but I can, without a doubt, say it was the best decision I ever made.
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired. Isaiah 40:31
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We’re not your average cake shop. Nope, we’re the masters of handheld happiness, the creators of confectionery comfort, the sellers of sweet satisfaction. We’re all about bringing a little extra sweetness and a whole lot of flavor to your life. So, buckle up and get ready for a cake adventure like no other!
At “Fueled by Flour,” we specialize in crafting delicious and unique cupcakes, cakes, and other cake-related desserts that will make your taste buds bust a move. We’ve turned the classic cupcake into a work of art with flavors that will blow your mind and leave you craving more.
So, what sets us apart from the rest of the cake crowd? Well, it’s all in the flavors, my friend. We’ve transformed the best of beloved desserts into delectable cakes, cupcakes, cakesicles, and more that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Each bite is a little slice of heaven, from our Apple Pie Cupcakes to our Espresso cake truffles. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating yourself, or just needing a little pick-me-up, “Fueled by Flour” has got you covered!
We’re all about spreading joy, creating moments of sweetness, and making life a little bit more delicious. We’re proud to be the go-to destination for all your cake cravings, and we can’t wait to share our treats with you. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into our delectable world of cake, and let us fuel your sweet tooth. We promise once you’ve tasted our creations, you’ll never look at cake the same way again.
What makes you happy?
I’m all about making people smile. It’s my mission, passion, and reason for being. I know it may sound a bit cliché and corny, but sometimes the simplest things in life are the most powerful. Life can be challenging. The daily grind, the never-ending to-do lists, and the occasional curveballs thrown our way can really bring us down. I never want to be a human that makes another person’s experience here on Earth tougher than it already is. I started this business because I wanted to make people happy. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing someone’s eyes light up as they take that first bite and experience a moment of pure bliss. Happiness is contagious. You’re not just sharing a sweet treat when you share a cupcake with someone. You’re sharing a moment of joy, a moment of connection. And that’s precious in a world that can sometimes feel disconnected.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/fueledbyflour
- Facebook: facebook.com/fueledbyflour
- Twitter: twitter.com/fueledbyflour
Image Credits
Lex Holley
