June 15th 2023.
Shana McDowell has always been an entrepreneur. Growing up in Asheville, North Carolina, she sold cosmetic products and cleaned houses for her mother's friends. She wanted to help her mom, a single parent, out as much as possible. Now, McDowell is the one-woman baker of Asheville Cake Lady. She's known as "The Cake Lady" in town and her cakes are renowned for their looks and taste.
When customers celebrate a life event, they send McDowell a photo of their vision. She then carefully weaves artistry into her baking expertise to create a personalized touch for each order. LaVie Montgomery, an Asheville native, has known McDowell for several years and has ordered a range of sweet treats from her. Montgomery says McDowell's treats are "simply amazing" and she often recommends her to colleagues.
What started as a side hustle has quickly become a full-time business. McDowell left her full-time job to become her own boss and opened her LLC in 2018. She opened her first brick-and-mortar store in 2019, and opened a second one in 2021. Her daughter, Lizzy, has also become her business partner and makes vegan treats upon request. Asheville Cake Lady sells roughly 20 custom cakes and 1,000 cupcakes each month.
McDowell is proud to run her own business in the city where she was born and raised. She hopes that Asheville can continue to grow with minority-owned businesses. Visitors can discover the unique Appalachian culture while supporting Black-owned businesses in Asheville.
McDowell's advice to folks who look like her, particularly single moms and Black women who want to launch their own business: “Yes, you can, and I'm proof," she says. “Don't let anyone tell you what you can't do.”
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