We had the good fortune of connecting with Lex Holley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lex, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
You know, I didn’t really have a grand plan when I first started. It was more about the joy of baking and seeing people light up with every bite. I was just a 16-year-old dreamer, imagining what it would be like to have my own bakery. But as I got older, doubts crept in, and everyone around me seemed to think it would be too much work.

I even considered just working for someone else, thinking it would be easier. But deep down, that desire to have my own business kept growing stronger. It scared me at first, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was my path. It’s funny how partnering with God can give you clarity and remind you of those childhood dreams you’d almost forgotten.

I remember the moment when I finally took that leap in 2020. It felt risky, especially during a time when jobs were scarce. But trusting in Him was the best decision I ever made. Owning my own bakery has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me in the next five years!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from other cake artists is my unique and drool-worthy flavors. These ain’t your grandma’s cupcakes! From a festive Egg Nog cupcake or our sinful cinnamon churro cupcakes, I’m so excited that I’ve been able to bake such fun and delicious treats that you can’t get anywhere else.

Honestly, I got here because of the pandemic. I would’ve never pursued entrepreneurship if it wasn’t for being furloughed from my job during the lockdown. Being unemployed left me lost without a purpose. So I started baking a ton, trying new recipes, taking courses to build and market my business.

The biggest challenge I faced was myself. I struggled a lot with imposter syndrome. Even though I had plenty of people telling me how gifted I was and how delicious my cakes were, it didn’t matter because I didn’t truly believe that I could be as successful as the other bakers I saw on social media.

I wouldn’t say I’ve fully overcome my imposter syndrome, but I’ve made a conscious decision that I won’t let it stop me. If there’s anything I’ve learned from pursuing my dreams is, the journey doesn’t get easier. You get stronger.

What I want the world to know about my story is that you can’t give up, it’s cliche, but it’s definitely what’s gotten me this far. Don’t get me wrong, it is 100% okay to take breaks but giving up is not an option. People need your gift; people need to see you win to know that it’s possible for themselves. Don’t be selfish by playing small or giving up.

I was 16 when I started baking. I dreamed of owning my bakery, but my confidence in building a business from scratch began to shrink as I got older. I was afraid of failure. I now realize there’s a need for my business and my unique talents, and with hard work, consistency, and Jesus, I got this!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I would stay in Carlsbad Village. It’s a fantastic community full of small businesses. You’ll find cute boutiques with unique clothing and small mom-and-pop eateries. My favorite place to go for breakfast is “The Goods” they have the best artisan donuts with tons of options for your dietary needs, such as gluten-free and vegan.

Since southern California is known for its beaches, I would spend an entire day dedicated to enjoying the great weather. La Jolla has gorgeous beaches. You can lay out, enjoy the sun, surf, hang out and look for sea creatures in the tide pools or even watch the seals.

Day 3 I would take you to the Santa Monica pier; they have loads to do there. They have fair rides, food trucks, palm readers, and so much more. Day 4 Disney will be a day of fun and adventure, and so we’re headed to Disneyland / California Adventure. Disneyland will be a full day of magic! I would show you all my favorite spots to shop and eat. Ride loads of rides, making the best of our wait times using my trusty Disney app.

Day 5, after all that excitement, you’re going to need some rest, so I recommend heading down to Encinitas to the botanical gardens and taking a yoga and meditation class.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge shoutout to my mom and sister! They’ve been my rock throughout this crazy journey called life, and now with my business, their support has been next level. Through the highs and lows, they’ve always been there, lifting me up, cheering me on, and giving me the strength to keep going.

I honestly can’t imagine where I’d be without them. On those tough days when I felt overwhelmed, they were there to pick up the pieces and keep me going. Their unwavering love and encouragement have been a blessing that I’m truly grateful for. Having them in my corner has made all the difference, allowing me to focus on my business and chase my dreams. Here’s to the incredible women who’ve had my back every step of the way!

Website: fueledbyflour.com

Instagram: @fueledbyflour

Twitter: @fueledbyflour

Facebook: @fueledbyflour

Other: TikTok: @fueledbyflour

Image Credits
Lex Holley

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