Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Ekpin.
Joy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
By education, I have a master’s degree in Social Work from Baylor University. I am also licensed to practice in the state of Texas. Although when it comes to baking, I do not have “credentials” from a prestigious school. Nor have I stepped into a culinary arts institute. Mini Indulgence, LLC was birthed from a place of need. I was struggling, still do from time to time, with autoimmune issues, which kept me from working a traditional full-time job. Money was tight due to paying out-of-pocket for every medical appointment I had. With all of this going on, I wanted to contribute to my sister’s youngest daughter’s first birthday party by providing cupcakes. I wanted to give boutique style cupcakes but did not have boutique money! So I prayed and was lead to use what I had. I had a hand mixer and one twelve-count muffin tin. Long story short, I whipped up a delicious buttercream to adorn two-dozen cupcakes and received rave reviews from everyone in attendance! Stepping into an area/field of little familiarity takes faith. I say that to say, BAKING WAS NEVER MY THING! Sorry, I do not mean to yell. I need you to understand how God places gifts and talents within us which can be discovered outside of our academic pursuits. Baking cakes or any other desserts, aside from cheesecakes and crème puffs, used to intimidate me. I saw it as a special skill given to a few chosen folks. I laugh at this thought process now. The very thing that would intimidate me, I now create for others to enjoy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! I had to get over trying to please everyone’s palate. In this business, you want people to like everything you create but this is not realistic. Understanding that people like what they like is actually freeing. The struggle to make each order “perfect” was also present. Pursuit of perfection would limit my flow of creativity. Struggling to come up with new designs would then lead me to procrastinate on starting the process. I would delay even making cake batter until I had a “perfect” cake design. There was also the struggle of building community. Although I do not see other cake/cookie artists as competition and love to collaborate, many do not share my views. So grateful for Ana Hester of “Tere’s Cake Face” and Lisa Taylor of “Mama’s Girl Custom Creations.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in creating custom buttercream-designed cakes for any occasion. However, I offer a variety of desserts as well: cakesicles, decorated sugar cookies, cupcakes, and more. Oh and I forgot to mention, delivery is provided as well. Creating and seeing concepts become a reality is my passion and I look forward to enhancing future events/celebrations throughout the Houston area.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Wow! I really had to think on this one. I would say our summer trips to Austin, Texas. We would stay with a family who had children our age. It was so much fun to discover Austin as a kid and to make crispy rice treats every night!
Contact Info:
- Email: joy@minidulgence.com
- Website: minidulgence.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/minidulgence
- Facebook: facebook.com/minidulgence
Image Credits:
@alextongolphotography @kayinbloom and @justtheflats @minidulgence
