Meet Kim Folcka of Kim’s Kakes in El Cajon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Folcka.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a native San Diegan. I have always enjoyed baking, dating WAY back to when I was a little girl and used my Easy Bake Oven for the first time! Since then, I grew up enjoying cooking and crafting as well, and while raising a family, I continued to practice these hobbies.

When my children grew up, I had the opportunity to take some cake decorating classes. Nailed it! My love of baking and the ability to be artistic all rolled into one, and the time to do it! I also was astounded at what I had to pay for my grown children wedding cakes! I didn’t have the experience (or the nerves) to take that on at the time. But I knew I could have done better! I started making cakes for friends & family at first. I was elated and humbled by their gracious compliments of both the delicious, moist taste of my cakes as well as their amazement at the look of my creations. So, I began to set up a legitimate business practice from my tiny two-bedroom condo in Del Cerro in 2013. Last year, my fiance and I bought a house, which has a much more spacious kitchen/ work area and has made my life much easier! Although, I’m looking forward to that kitchen remodel like all ladies. 🤣

I specialize in custom cakes and cupcake bouquets for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and special events, that you won’t find at the grocery store or warehouses! I truly enjoy my job and feel so fortunate to provide something that brings people so much joy and delight.

It’s not easy keeping a small business growing, but I hope to do that in 2018 by increasing my marketing efforts. My goal is to provide excellent customer service as well as cakes that are the talk of any party! My repeat customer base tells me that I am doing something right, and just need to reach more of my target audience so that my “part-time” become “full time” doing what I love!

Has it been a smooth road?
There are a lot of details and preparation for starting a small one-person home-based business as I found out! The resources necessary (insurance, licenses, LLC fees) often are more than I have been able to make up for in selling my cakes. I struggled at the beginning with the realization that I was unable to be competitive with store bought or warehouse cakes price wise. I have learned that my customer base includes people that have expendable income to spend on a custom, one of a kind cake, that tastes SO much better than cakes
that are mass produced. I put love and care into every order I make!

The other hurdle that I hope to overcome is my lack of knowledge of marketing. There are so many avenues and ways to market, that I think I have realized that I need to pay someone to design a website and “target” my audience for me! After all, I just want to do what I’m best at…designing and making cakes! I know Facebook well enough, but “Search engines” and such other technical terms etc, are for the younger
generation! Lol!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kim’s Kakes – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in crafting detailed custom-made cakes, cupcakes, and other treats for any occasion, including weddings, birthdays and special events. I’ve chosen to offer my services from my home, eliminating the costly overhead that store front bakeries encounter, allowing me to offer creative and artistic pieces at a much lower price! I wanted to give people an option to have a one of a kind cake that won’t break the bank! I was astounded at what poor brides’ often have to pay, and knew I could do better from my own experiences. I also found that my personalized flower cupcake bouquets are very popular. I invented a handmade support system using 5oz cups to secure the cupcakes in bouquet formation. I then use foil tissue (learned by trial & error that regular tissue absorb oil and doesn’t provide the best presentation after some time😉) and place in a window box…WaLa! A beautiful centerpiece of custom flowers that won’t die and taste delicious too! I also make edible banners to personalize the bouquets, for that added “personal touch” for any occasion. J&W Lumber loves giving these out to their preferred vendors every Christmas!

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Being a native San Diegan, I consider myself blessed to have been raised, and then, in turn, be able to raise my own family in such a spectacular City and setting. I love the fact that on any day, I can be swimming in the ocean, taking walks on the beach, and then, that very same day, I can enjoy the peaceful quiet & beauty of our nearby mountains. And of course, I always have bragging rights about our weather!

As I get older, I think the most difficult thing is to see the struggles that we have as a growing City and the fact that it has become unaffordable for so many. My own children starting their families, have had to purchase homes North of San Diego for this very reason.

But of course, supply and demand plays a role in living in such a fantastic city that has so much to offer to so many! I’d love to grow my business and have the financial means necessary to give back to San Diego even more!

Pricing:

• Cupcakes start at $3 each. Prices vary based on design
• Basic cakes available with filling for $3/serving
• Cake Pops start at $3 each.

Contact Info:

• Address: 13836 Los Coches Road East, El Cajon CA 92021
• Phone: 9517574310
• Email: kimskakesandmore@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/kimskakes_sandiego
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimskakessandiego/

Image Credit:
Kim Folcka

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