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

Hi Shannon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always loved baking, though I never thought of making it my career when I was younger. I went vegan in 2010 and I loved making delicious vegan baked goods. When I would bring desserts to gatherings, people would always tell me, “You should open a bakery!” That always sounded like a lot of fun, but I didn’t take it seriously. I had worked an office job for many years and I was used to that kind of structure. Then in 2012, I gave birth to twins and decided to stay at home with them. After they started first grade, in 2018, I decided to get a part-time job. I was working at a start-up in Seattle making plant-based chicken nuggets. I eventually changed to full-time because I was having so much fun there. But working at a start-up can be intense and I was wearing many hats. It didn’t take long for me to burn out, in spite of working with such wonderful people on a mission that meant so much to me. I decided to leave that job and I knew that after that, I really wanted to work for myself. So I started taking some business classes and taking steps towards starting a baking business in Seattle. Before I could really get that going, COVID-19 struck. That put everything on pause indefinitely. Then in the spring of 2021, my husband and I decided to make a big change and move our family to Colorado Springs. It took some time to get fully settled in here, and I worked a part-time job last year to save up money to start my business. Then in January of this year, I decided it was now or never. I wanted to start small since this is all new to me and I’m learning as I go. It is my hope to eventually have a store-front, but I know I have a lot to learn before I get to that point.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a vegan baker offering custom cakes and cupcakes. Even though it is wonderful that you can now find vegan treats at many regular grocery stores, the choices are quite limited. I wanted to offer a variety of choices to the vegans of Colorado Springs. Though it should be said that you do not need to be vegan to enjoy my cakes. My business is still very new. I sold my first cake in March and things have been fairly steady since then. I wouldn’t say it has been easy, but I am learning more with each passing week. As an introvert, it is a bit of a struggle for me to promote myself and I am working on that. What I want the world to know is that veganism does not mean deprivation. You can still have beautiful, delicious, and decadent treats.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For anyone visiting me in Colorado Springs, I would definitely take them to Garden of the Gods. It is always impressive and I never get tired of it. For food, I would definitely take them to Monse’s Pupuseria for the most delicious vegan pupusas! And for breakfast, Fern’s Diner in Cascade. It is an all-vegan diner and it is the cutest! Of course, walking around Old Colorado City as well as Manitou Springs is a must. Hiking in North Cheyenne Canyon is also at the top of my list. And if you’re physically fit, the Manitou Incline is a fun challenge. It might not feel fun when you’re doing it, but what a great feeling when you reach the top!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely want to thank my family for all their support! I truly appreciate my husband, Shawn, for his support and willingness to help out. My son, Arthur, is always an enthusiastic taste-tester. And my daughter, Sadie, loves to help me sell at markets and events. She wants to be a vegan pastry chef when she grows up and I definitely want to pave the way for her. I also want to give a shoutout to my sister-in-law, Kelly, and niece, Gabrielle. They are always willing to lend a hand at markets and promote me online.

Website: www.plantedcakery.com

Instagram: plantedcakery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090216155271

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