Business Spotlight: Cakes Beyond the Realm
November 6, 2020
This month’s business spotlight shines on Cakes Beyond the Realm. We sat down with owner Alicia Garland to learn all about her unique business!
What is your primary product or service?
My primary products are “faux” cakes for any occasion!
“They are covered with real icing, real gumpaste sugar flowers, smell delicious, and are less expensive than real cakes” – Cakes Beyond the Realm Facebook
What do you think makes Central Florida a special place to do business?
By Central Florida being the home of Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and a host of major hotel chains, it is one of the event meccas of the US. This affords businesses an awesome opportunity to be innovative and creative while prospering in the special event/hospitality arena.
Who is your target market?
My target market includes individuals and organizations seeking beautiful cakes that are beyond the ordinary. Creations that exceed the creative boundaries of traditional cakes, while saving money at the same time.
In your opinion, what makes Central Florida’s business community special?
Central Florida’s business community has a unique opportunity to take advantage of an event-driven industry that has a host of opportunities for businesses to provide products and services many other communities aren’t privy to. Also, there is a strong Chamber presence in the Central Florida area (such as the African American Chamber), thus allowing great networking experiences (within your chamber, others outside of the chamber, and between chambers).
Central Florida’s business community has a unique opportunity to take advantage of an event-driven industry that has a host of opportunities for businesses to provide products and services many other communities aren’t privy to. Also, there is a strong Chamber presence in the Central Florida area (such as the African American Chamber), thus allowing great networking experiences (within your chamber, others outside of the chamber, and between chambers).
What is the most exciting thing you see happening in your industry?
I see an immense opportunity for the “faux” cake industry to expand for several reasons:
- The ability to use decorations that are prohibited on traditional cakes (ex, crystals, metals, & other organic materials which can illuminate and heighten the cakes)
- The ability to see the final product far in advance of your event to assure satisfaction
- The structural integrity makes the cakes stronger and less susceptible to cracking or falling providing sustainability in inclement weather
- Average of 40% in savings to the customer
- Gift as a keepsake or sell your cake (as opposed to walking away from the investment in a traditional cake which is rarely consumed entirely).
What is the biggest benefit of joining the AACCCF?
The biggest benefit derived from joining the AACCCF has been the ability to meet so many kinds of considerate and truly caring individuals who show a sincere interest in your success by introducing you to others and providing resources to help you advance.
Do you have any current promotions, upcoming events, or recent accolades that we can promote?
I was recently featured in Mr. Russell Drake’s #BHMUpgrade (October 2, 2020), and I have taken advanced cake decorating certification courses from the world-renowned pastry chef and artist Nicholas Lodge.