Today we’d like to introduce you to Alona Pressley
Hi Alona, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My love for baking began when I was just a little girl. My sister Katrina and I used to spend hours in the kitchen making boxed cakes, brownies, and muffins for friends and family. We were also huge fans of the cake challenges on Food Network and were amazed by the incredible creations these bakers would produce in such a short amount of time. Watching those shows inspired me, and I dreamed of becoming a cake decorator.
However, like many young people, I felt unsure about pursuing my passion after high school. I grew up in a household where financial stability was emphasized—my dad, a retired Navy veteran and a 2nd engineer on a U.S. Merchant Marine ship, instilled in my sisters and I the importance of finding a high-paying career. My parents, like most, wanted me to choose a path that would allow me to provide for my future family, and unfortunately, being a cake decorator didn’t seem like the most “practical” option in their eyes.
While I was in college, I kept baking as a hobby. It wasn’t until 2012, when my eldest sister, Chassie, gave me a chance to make my caketots (what I call cake pops without the stick) as wedding favors for her big day, that I started to see my potential. She encouraged me to take my talent seriously, and that’s how the idea of Alona’s Caketots was born. At first, it was a small operation—I relied on word-of-mouth and shared my creations with friends and family. Eventually, I started an Instagram account to showcase my work, and that became my main platform for connecting with customers.
At the time, I was only 21 years old, and my priorities were all over the place. Throughout my 20s, Alona’s Caketots stayed on the back burner as I navigated college, adulthood, and figuring out who I was. After finishing college and gaining experience in customer service, management, and marketing, I realized I had the skills I needed to run my own business.
In 2019, I officially launched Alona’s Caketots as a licensed and insured business, which also marked the beginning of my cake decorating journey. I moved on from boxed cake mixes to perfecting my own recipes and creating premium, custom cakes. It’s been an incredible, sometimes challenging, journey, but I’ve grown so much along the way. Today, I’m proud to say I have hundreds of clients a year, my weekends are booked, and I’m living the dream I had as a little girl.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggles have been very real—and they still are at times. Over the years, I’ve learned that as your business grows, so do the challenges, and they evolve alongside your personal growth.
One of the first big hurdles I faced was getting my business registered and licensed. It required a lot of focus, patience, and attention to detail to navigate all the paperwork and ensure everything was done correctly. But once it was complete, I felt an immense sense of pride and peace of mind knowing my business was legitimate.
Another challenge in the early years was finding the time and resources to develop my craft. Like many self-made entrepreneurs, I often worried about how I could make something out of nothing. I worked corporate jobs to fund my business, which wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Being a local home baker also required self-confidence—something I didn’t always have. Marketing my business, putting my work out there, and building trust in my product was daunting at first. I dealt with imposter syndrome for a long time, questioning if I was good enough or if this was a “real” career.
But as my business grew, so did my confidence. With each new client, glowing review, and returning order, I started to believe in myself and my craft. Seeing how much people valued my work reminded me, ‘I’m actually doing this. People trust me.’ That realization was—and continues to be—so empowering.
Now, as a mom, my biggest challenge is balancing motherhood with running a successful business. It’s a whole new level of juggling, but I wouldn’t have been able to navigate it without the incredible support of my parents, sisters, and my husband. Despite the challenges, 2024 was my most successful year yet, all while raising a newborn. Heading into 2025, I feel more confident in my ability to balance both roles and continue growing my business.
Through all the struggles and challenges, I’ve learned to stayed grounded by remembering why I started. It was never about the money. Baking and cake decorating are my creative outlets and my source of joy. Nothing compares to the fulfillment I feel when I see my clients’ smiles as they receive their cakes and I am so thankful for them that they see my worth and continue to book me for their events.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a custom cake decorator and baker, specializing in creating beautiful, personalized cakes and desserts for all kinds of celebrations—birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and more. My work is all about turning my clients’ visions into delicious, edible art. From moist, flavorful cakes to intricate, hand-decorated designs, I pride myself on delivering both taste and aesthetics.
One of the things I’m best known for is my ability to create one-of-a-kind designs. Whether it’s a vintage heart cake, a whimsical birthday creation, or a sleek and modern wedding cake, I take great care in tailoring each cake to my clients’ needs and personalities. I’m also known for my attention to detail and my commitment to using quality ingredients to ensure every bite is as memorable as the design itself.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. Many of them return year after year for their special occasions, and hearing how much joy my cakes bring to their celebrations is the most rewarding part of my job. I’m also proud of how far I’ve come as a self-taught baker and entrepreneur, growing my home bakery from a hobby to a thriving business that not only supports my family but also inspires others in the baking community.
What sets me apart is the genuine care I pour into every single order. For me, this isn’t just about making cakes—it’s about creating experiences and memories for my clients. I think my ability to combine creative expression with personal connection is what makes my work stand out. And as someone who started from scratch, I know what it means to hustle, learn, and adapt, which has shaped my journey and my approach to this craft.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
There are a couple of important lessons I have learned along my journey. I think the most important is the power of perseverance and staying true to your ‘why.’ There were countless moments when self-doubt crept in, when obstacles felt overwhelming, and when giving up seemed like the easier option. But I’ve learned that the key to overcoming challenges is to keep moving forward, even when it feels like progress is slow. My business is over 15 years in the making and always remembering my “why” is why I am still here today.
I’ve also realized how important it is to stay connected to the passion that started it all. For me, that’s the joy of creating something meaningful for others and seeing the happiness my cakes bring to their lives. When I focus on that, it grounds me and reminds me why I chose this path.
Another valuable lesson has been learning to embrace the process, mistakes and all. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and I’ve come to understand that setbacks are just stepping stones. Each challenge has taught me something new—about myself, my craft, and my business—and those lessons have made me stronger and more resilient.
Finally, I’ve learned the importance of balancing work and life. Running a business you love can easily take over your entire world, but finding time for family, self-care, and rest is just as important. It’s what keeps me motivated and allows me to show up as my best self for both my clients and my loved ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alonascaketots.com
- Instagram: @alonascaketots
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alonascaketots/
