How One Mom Built a Thriving Business
From Chaos to Cupcakes: Taming the Chaos with Deanna Robinson
by Penny Dawn
Starting a business is never just about the thing you love. It’s about learning skills you never expected—marketing, systems, delegation, and sometimes even damage control when things go wrong. Today, I’m sharing the inspiring story of Deanna Robinson, the powerhouse behind Kid Cakes, and the lessons she’s learned about business, authenticity, and taking the first step.
Passion is Just the Beginning
So many business owners start with a love for something—baking, consulting, crafting, coaching—but soon realize that’s just a small piece of the puzzle. Deanna, a trained chef who swore she’d never bake, found herself running a successful cupcake business. But what caught her off guard? The fact that baking was the easy part—running a business was a whole different challenge.
“I thought I could just make cupcakes and sell them. I didn’t realize there was so much more to it.”
What business owners need to know is that loving your craft isn’t enough. You have to learn social media marketing, financial management, customer service, and operations—all things you may not have planned for.
👉 Action Step: Identify one business skill outside of your expertise that’s essential to your growth. Invest in learning it or find someone to help.
The Power of Showing Up Authentically
Deanna built a loyal following online—not by following trends, but by sharing real moments, including mistakes. Her viral moment wasn’t about cupcakes—it was about a crazy experience of getting pulled over and mistakenly taken to jail.
“I want to come across as a normal person. I think it’s important for business owners to be real and authentic on social media—don’t air your dirty laundry, but don’t be fake either.”
Business owners often feel pressure to present a perfect image. But authenticity builds trust. Customers don’t just buy from brands—they buy from people they relate to.
👉 Action Step: Share something real about your journey on social media this week—whether it’s a win, a lesson, or a funny story.
Entrepreneurs Fall, But They Don’t Quit
One of Deanna’s most defining moments? Dropping an entire batch of cupcakes at an event. Instead of giving up, she wiped them off, re-frosted them, and had her best sales day yet.
“I worked too hard to just go home. I was going to make this work no matter what.”
This is the mindset that separates entrepreneurs from dreamers. Success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about refusing to quit.
👉 Action Step: Next time you face a business setback, ask yourself: “What CAN I do right now?” Instead of quitting, find a solution and keep going.
Stop Wishing. Start Doing.
Too many people say, “I wish I had my own business.” Deanna’s advice? Stop wishing—just start.
“Instead of throwing ‘I wish’ out into the universe, find someone who has gone before you and learn from them.”
You’ll never feel 100% ready. The difference between entrepreneurs and those who stay stuck is taking that first messy, scary step.
👉 Action Step: What’s one business move you’ve been overthinking? Take one action toward it today.Want to Sell Your Business One Day? Start Preparing NOW.
Final Thought: Square Pegs Aren’t Meant to Fit In
Deanna and I both struggled in traditional work environments. But entrepreneurs aren’t meant to fit into someone else’s system—they’re meant to build their own.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in a 9-to-5, it might be because you’re not supposed to. Maybe, just maybe, you were meant to create something of your own.
🚀 Need help getting your restaurant bookkeeping or business finances in order?
Book a Free Financial Check-In today.
Join me every Tuesday for Taming the Chaos of Entrepreneurship, a live LinkedIn/Facebook series where I sit down with entrepreneurs and business owners who have faced the same hurdles—and come out stronger on the other side.
