Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Villegas.
Hi Kelly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2015, I found myself at a major crossroads. I was a newly divorced single mom working in accounting at a start-up electric vehicle company, raising two young boys—one in kindergarten, the other in fifth grade. Life was already challenging, and then one day I received a call every parent dreads: my youngest had fallen at school and split his head open on a door hinge. After the medical emergency, we discovered he was also experiencing absence seizures, which meant I needed to be at the school often to support him.
At the same time, the company I worked for was shutting down, and I was among the first to be laid off. It felt like everything was unraveling at once. To top it off, my son’s birthday was approaching, and the baker I had relied on canceled at the last minute. But instead of giving in to the chaos, I leaned into my creativity. I decided to make his cake myself—along with treats for his YMCA class and his party at home.
What began as a desperate solution quickly turned into a discovery of passion and purpose. I brought some of my creations into the office, and the response was overwhelming. People not only loved them—they started asking if I could make cakes for their own celebrations. Just two months later, when I was officially laid off, I realized I had been given an opportunity disguised as a setback.
What started in my kitchen became the foundation of a business I’ve been building ever since. Out of one of the hardest seasons of my life came something beautiful: a career that allows me to create, to celebrate others, and to show my children the power of resilience, faith, and never giving up.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what has made the journey so meaningful. In the beginning, I was balancing being a single mom, caring for a child with health challenges, and trying to build something out of nothing after losing my job. There were times when I stayed up all night decorating cakes, only to wake up a few hours later to get my boys ready for school. Financial uncertainty was always in the background, and there were moments I wondered if I was doing the right thing or if I should just go back to a “safe” job.
Another challenge was being completely self-taught. I didn’t have formal training or a business plan when I started—just determination and creativity. That meant a lot of trial and error, and learning everything from pricing to customer service the hard way.
But through every obstacle, I found that the struggles pushed me to grow. They taught me resourcefulness, resilience, and how to trust myself. Most importantly, they allowed me to show my kids that even when life knocks you down, you can rise again—and create something beautiful out of the chaos.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create custom cakes and desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. My work is all about turning celebrations into unforgettable moments through edible art. Over the years, I’ve become known for bringing clients’ visions to life—whether it’s a child’s dream birthday cake, a wedding centerpiece, or unique treats that make an event feel truly special.
What I specialize in is the personal touch. Every cake I design tells a story, and I take pride in capturing those details that mean the most to my clients. I’ve always believed that desserts aren’t just food—they’re memories in the making.
What I’m most proud of is how this business was built from such a difficult chapter of my life. What began out of necessity has grown into something that allows me to support my family, express my creativity, and bring joy to others. I’m proud that my boys have watched me build this from scratch, and they’ve seen firsthand the power of hard work and resilience.
What sets me apart is my ability to combine artistry, flavor, and heart. Every order is treated with the same level of care as if it were for my own family. My clients don’t just get a cake—they get a piece of my story, my passion, and my dedication to making their moment extraordinary.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor or building a strong network is one of the most valuable things you can do, but it doesn’t always look like the traditional path. For me, I didn’t have a single mentor guiding me step by step—I had to piece together inspiration from different places. I leaned on other small business owners, connected with people in my community, and wasn’t afraid to ask questions or seek advice from those who were a few steps ahead of me.
One thing that has worked well is showing up authentically and being willing to give as much as you hope to receive. Networking isn’t just about asking for help—it’s about building real relationships, supporting others, and creating connections that go both ways. I’ve found that when you share your story openly, people naturally want to support you and cheer you on.
My advice is to stay curious and never be afraid to reach out. Sometimes the best mentorship doesn’t come from one person, but from a collection of experiences, conversations, and even setbacks. Be humble enough to learn, brave enough to ask, and generous enough to give back when you can. Those qualities will naturally attract the right people into your corner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kissmycakestx.com
- Instagram: kissmycakestx
- Facebook: kissmycakestx
- Twitter: kissmycakestx
