Crib Sheet #31: CakeVase’s Kathleen Meisinger.

Neiman Marcus?  QVC?  No sweat, says Kathleen.  Read on about how she turns her own talents into a product that anyone can use to look like a pro.

What business did you start up?

I started a custom cake business, Kathleen’s Cakes, with an emphasis on realistic looking handmade sugar flowers.  I made wedding and celebration cakes.  I have since invented a cake decorating too, CakeVase.com, which simulates the same look as my high end and very time consuming custom cakes.  CakeVase® can be used by anyone from beginner to expert.

What motivated you to do it?

I found the perfect combination of small hand work and delicious food and I was completely driven to create.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

Two children: Piper is 15, Blake is 13.

How long have you been running your business?

10 years.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

I used to think that if I reached a certain goal I would be “successful” but I quickly found out that with each goal met, another one popped up.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

Both of my children were under two when I began, so they don’t know anything else, but my husband has always been supportive and helpful.

Easiest part of your job?

Believing in the product 100%.

Hardest part of your job?

Cold-calling buyers.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Communication; I try to listen well, explain myself and the product clearly and to make sure I understand what people need from me.

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

That working out of my home would be, at times, very isolating.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Selling a product in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.  Drop shipping a product out of my basement for such a world renown company made me realize that the sky was the limit.  Presenting CakeVase® on QVC was also a very proud moment.

Favorite part of a typical day?

When the kids leave for school and I sit down to answer emails, make calls and get things started.

Anything else I should have asked you that you should answer?

What is my one piece of advice to any woman who wants to go into any kind of business?

Do one thing everyday that directly relates to your interest, idea  or cake business.  One thing!

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….to become a chef.
Fondest memory….the day I found the cake decorating book, “Cakes By Design,” which literally got me so excited I couldn’t sleep at night.
Indulgence….naps.
Last purchase…..Wisconsin food products to send home with our Spanish exchange student: clover honey, maple syrup, dried tart cherries and cheese.
Favorite magazine…..Oprah’s magazine because it’s inspirational, practical and entertaining.
Inspiration…..everyday women who “do” instead of “say”.
My Life…..changes in ways I never anticipated.  The kids grow and change, my husband changes, I change, the world around us changes and most importantly, plans change.