Meet Lola McCabe | Mom, Wife & Sugar Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lola McCabe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lola, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, my first thought when it came to starting my own business was ‘I don’t know how to run a business!!’ That thought was immediately followed by, ‘I’ll never know if I don’t try!!’ Starting your own business sends a whirlwind of emotions, thoughts and even butterflies throughout your soul!! I was lucky enough to have so many people, especially my husband and kids, supporting me 1000%! This was fortunate for me since they are the ones who drive me and factor into every decision I will ever make for the rest of my life!! And almost 2 years into this new adventure, they prove it every day with their understanding & willingness to help where they can!!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Considering myself an ‘artist’ isn’t something that feels appropriate since it wasn’t the life I originally set out to live. I was dead set on becoming successful in the finance world. I mean, I went to college and earned a Finance degree; doing anything else felt like a waste of my years spent in college and the single track my career was geared towards. However, when my daughter was born, the extensive cost of daycare drove us to make the decision for me to give up my near 20 year career in the finance world to be a stay at home Mom. Even though this change was extremely difficult for me the first 3 years or so mentally (relying on my husband for financial support of our family, feeling like I wasn’t contributing enough and so much more), I found a passion for decorating cakes. This is where my life changed again. I found joy and growth in making & decorating cakes. Originally, years before this, I got into decorating cakes as a way of bonding with my stepdaughter since she loved watching Cake Boss and other shows like it at the time. My favorite dessert is cake so I thought this would be a fun thing for the two of us to do together and I could get some cake out of it (insert awkward giggle). Even though she didn’t end up getting into it, I found it relaxing and it brought light to my soul!! I thought of how it could also help contribute financially (eventually) and I could do it from home since my kids are still small. Fast forward to July 2020, I got online and started the process of making this dream a reality!! I registered my business name, got tax licenses, etc. and made it real!! My first introduction as a new business was joining a small local farmer’s market. I got to meet a lot of people, put my name and brand out into the world and have learned so much since!! From marketing to pricing to building my skills to accommodate the needs/wants of the customer world, I have come very far but have such a long way to go!! Learning and growing is an ever evolving process but I am always in awe of those who put their faith in me to give their celebrations that little extra touch and make memories with their loved ones!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow, I don’t get out enough for this question to be relevant from me. I still have small kids and running my small business has taken over our lives. Yes, we desperately need a date night!! LOL

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I know it sounds cliche but to be completely honest, I would not be where I am at without 3 things.

#1, the endless love and support of my family. I am talking about the span from my husband and kids to my brother & his family, my Dad & Stepmom and the extended friends and family that I have built over the years!! It goes without saying that their love and support for me in this adventure has been overwhelming!!

#2, the life lessons leading up to this point!! From growing up so poor that ketchup sandwiches were the norm and free school lunches were a lifeline, to dropping out of high school to jump right into college to earn a Finance degree and then finding a job to sustain me and help me grow as a functioning adult.

#3, a positive attitude. It’s a conscious choice that is made every single day!! Being grateful to God for what I have and still yearning for more is a balancing act but it all starts with your attitude!! I am fortunate to have created a disposition that allows me to see the cup as half full in almost every situation despite the constant negativity in the world today. I honestly believe that a positive attitude has gotten me this far in life with a smile on my face despite the things that have happened throughout my journey as a woman.

Instagram: @lolassweetsbydesign

Facebook: @lolassweetsbydesign