April R. McClung, owner of Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes, found her Big Mama’s recipe to be the sweet secret to success.
Tell me about Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes.
Our business started as a fundraiser. We needed $14,000 to send one of our sons to Europe for 20 days and our older son to China for 17 days during the summer of 2014 as part of the student ambassador program through People to People. We prayed as a family and the Spirit led us to Big Mama’s (Mrs. Emily Magnolia McClung) pound cake. Within nine months after we began, all $14,000 was raised, and July 2014, Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes was born.
Why did you decide to start the company?
We raised all the money by communicating what we were trying to accomplish to family/friends and began marketing on Facebook. This led to me shipping the cake all across the country. Then we went to a couple of small farmers markets and always gave samples. After raising all the money, customers recommended we start a business because they were hooked on the cake and kept coming back.
What can clients expect when they purchase a cake from you?
Clients can expect a quality pound cake that brings back precious memories of childhood.
What is the best part of owning your own business?
The best part of owning my own business is the flexibility afforded and being able to utilize God-given talents to control my destiny.
What is the hardest part?
The hardest part of owning my own business is the trial and error that comes with finding what works. When you own your own business, mistakes are costly.
What is the biggest lesson you want people to learn from your business and your life?
The biggest lesson I want others to learn is that God is no respecter of persons. What He will do for one, He will do for another. Have faith, use God-given talents and master your craft. Your gift will make room for you.
What advice do you have for women who are juggling raising a family with pursuing their dreams?
The advice I have for women juggling a family and pursuing their dream is this: Know that everything is in God’s timing, not ours. Strive to be the best in whatever you do (employee, wife, mother, friend). Associate with people you admire because they are making it happen. Stay positive and always keep the faith.
What’s next for April Collins McClung and Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes?
Our next big move is to acquire our own kitchen so we can handle large production orders for corporate accounts. It’s coming.
Do you have any events/promotions coming up in the next few months you would like for readers to know about?
At the end of September, we will be at the Southern Women’s Show and late November Market Noel. Both events will be held at BJCC.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’d like to invite everyone to visit our website, www.emilysheirloompoundcakes.com, and like us on Facebook… Last thing: Don’t forget to pre-order your Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes.
Editor’s Note: Magic City Momma readers can initially get 10% off any order by texting the word EMILY’S to 57711. You will also get firsthand information on pre-ordering for holidays and special rates/discounts.
