Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Herrod.
Kellie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Prior to making edible art I was a faux finisher for 20 years, specializing in murals and specialty plasters. I loved what I did but the ladder work started taking its toll and I always looked for new outlets for my creative energy. Now, ironically, some of my cakes are so tall I have to use a ladder!
My niece was adopted when she was two and I vowed to make her birthday cake every year. That was 14 years ago. With each new year my cakes became more elaborate and I started making them for family and friends. I now specialize in edible art pieces and am blessed to have amazing clients. I love what I do! I get to celebrate people and their milestones every single time I create a cake. I’m privileged to share in their joy from the first second of consultation to watching their faces light up when they see the final result.
My company name is incredibly special to me. When my kids were very little I read them a book called Is Your Mamma A Llama. They have always called me Llama, my grand daughter calls me Llama….it was the perfect fit.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was the transition from interior design work to cakes. After a couple of cake deliveries that brought me close to tears I thought…nope, this stress level isn’t for me. I first started the cake business without learning the building blocks I needed to be successful in every aspect of cake making. I decided to put it off for a couple of years. Trials and tribulations have taught me a great deal. I learn something new every day and I am blown away by the gracious cake artists who share their knowledge and experience online. I now have a thriving business and look forward to the next chapter.
The Chocolate Llama Cake Company – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am known for delicious cakes that don’t look like cakes. I strive for realism, creativity and excellence in everything I do. I love my clients and collaborate with them to make their passions and vision edible.
I am most proud of my attention to detail and the quality of my work. I have had people refuse to cut their cake. Just this weekend a sweet lady tried to open a jewelry box cake…she thought it was real. I have had staff put a pile of table cloths on my cake because they thought it was a stack of books…at the time I was furious but then it dawned on me that it was a huge compliment. I HONESTLY love what I do and I feel I put my heart and soul into every project.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Honestly, as cheesy as it sounds, the look on people’s faces when they see their cake and the pure joy of it makes me proud.
Pricing:
- I do have a minimum of $250
- While planning your special event I do encourage you to schedule a tasting. Tastings are $100 for up to 4 people and 4 flavor pairings. Each additional person and flavor is $25.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7923 Clarion Way, Houston TX, 77040
- Website: chocolatellama.com
- Phone: 832.372.8701
- Email: kellie@chocolatellama.com
- Instagram: @the_chocolate_llama
- Facebook: @TheChocolateLlama
Image Credit:
Compliments of The Chocolate Llama
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