Tatiana Boone shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Tatiana, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe many people are secretly struggling with asking for help. In a world that often praises independence and strength, admitting that you’re overwhelmed, confused, or in need can feel like weakness. Whether it’s due to pride, fear of judgment, or past experiences where their vulnerability wasn’t respected, people often choose to suffer in silence rather than reach out. Social media also adds pressure to maintain the appearance of having everything together, making it even harder to be open about struggles.
Asking for help requires courage. It means admitting that we don’t have all the answers, that we’re human, and that we need each other. Unfortunately, many people are conditioned to believe they must handle everything alone. This can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, or even resentment in relationships when people feel unsupported but haven’t expressed their needs.
If we created more safe spaces for honest conversations and normalized asking for help as a strength instead of a flaw, people might feel more empowered to reach out. We all need help at some point, and it’s important to remind ourselves and others that needing support doesn’t make you weak—it makes you real.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Tatiana, and I’m the creator behind Kupkakequeen—a brand that started with my love for baking and has grown into something even bigger. This year marks eight years in business, and it’s been an amazing journey so far. While I began with sweet treats and custom cakes, I’ve recently expanded into cooking soul food through my new venture: Soul Food Saturdaze.
I started out selling simple dishes, just to get a feel for what people liked. Then I thought, why not do soul food? Growing up, my mom didn’t really cook that kind of food, so if I wanted a soul food meal, we had to go to my aunt’s house. Even then, I always knew how to cook, and it came naturally to me. After a full year of doing Soul Food Saturdaze, I’ve created something that I had no idea would be in such high demand.
What makes Kupkakequeen special is the heart behind it. Everything I make comes from my passion for feeding people and seeing their reactions. It’s the most amazing feeling when someone trusts your cooking—and actually loves it. That kind of connection means everything to me. I believe in good vibes, bold flavor, and making every bite feel like home.
I’m also excited to announce that my food truck is almost ready, and the grand opening date will be revealed soon! This next chapter means bringing my cooking to more people, more places, and more plates. Stay tuned—Kupkakequeen is just getting started, and I can’t wait to share this journey (and the food!) with you.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
A moment that made me feel truly powerful was during a time when I was going through some personal hardships but still had to keep pushing and selling cupcakes. My grandma opened her kitchen to me, and I set up shop there. Honestly, I had doubts—I was in a different part of town and kept thinking, What if people don’t want to drive this far? My mind was filled with uncertainty, but I showed up anyway.
And that day? It turned out to be a huge success.
That moment reminded me of my own strength. No matter what I’m facing, I find a way to keep going and do what needs to be done. My business is my baby, and no matter what—I’m going to keep going. That kind of resilience is what keeps Kupkakequeen alive and growing.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be:
“You’re so strong, and everything you’re going through is preparing you for something beautiful.”
There were times I doubted myself, felt overlooked, or unsure of what my future would look like. But looking back, I see how every challenge built me up—even when it didn’t feel like it at the time. I’d remind her that her passion, creativity, and heart will take her further than she ever imagined. Keep going, keep dreaming, trust that you have everything it takes already inside of you, and we can’t give up!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m fully committed to my food truck. I spent years dreaming about it, envisioning every detail, and finally brought that vision to life when I was able to buy it in 2023. A lot has happened over the past two years that’s caused delays, and I’ve had to put things on hold at times—but that’s not going to stop me.
It does get frustrating when people constantly ask, “When is it going to be ready?”—but I get it. The excitement is real. What they may not see is that every single dollar going into this truck is my hard-earned money. When I have extra, I invest it right back into the dream.
This food truck is one of the biggest investments I’ve ever made in myself, and I’m proud of that. I’ve come too far to stop now. The grand opening is coming—and when it happens, it’s going to be everything I’ve imagined and more. I’m trusting the timing, staying focused, and building something solid.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
What I’ll regret most is not fully going after everything I dreamed of because I let fear, doubt, or other people’s opinions hold me back. I don’t want to look back and wonder “what if I had just believed in myself a little more?” or “what if I had taken that chance?”
I’ve come to realize that even when things don’t go as planned, trying—really trying—is better than sitting on the sidelines of your own life. I’d regret not giving Kupkakequeen and my food truck everything I’ve got. I’d regret not using my gifts to create something lasting for me and my family.
I want to live a life where I know I gave my all, even when it was hard. No holding back. No regrets.
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