Meet Princess Diggs | Home baker and sky goddess (flight attendant)

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

Hi Princess, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Initially, I would have never thought I’d start a home bakery. I’ve always enjoyed making desserts for family and friends but starting a business doing it? Nah, not me. People say it’s in my genes and it just comes natural because my granny was a baker. The part that feels natural to me is creating something that will bring joy and happiness. I enjoy putting a smile on someone’s face. My granny was like that too. I spent alot of time watching her in the kitchen. I was her little helper and taste tester. She absolutely loved making good food and even more baking something sweet for her loved one’s. She would spend hours in the kitchen sometimes cussing and fussing because it was so much work but she did it over and over again for every holiday, special occasion or just because she loved having something sweet for you when you came to visit her. When she got really ill and couldn’t walk around she would have me in the kitchen mixing up stuff. I would have to bring the bowl to her so she could see if I was doing it right. Sometimes she would do a little stir just to have her hand in it. She didn’t follow many recipes and you had to really watch her to learn. I don’t remember seeing her ever use a measuring cup or spoon. So when people say it’s in my genes maybe so but with the genes I need to add the countless videos I’ve watched, numerous clssses I’ve paid for and enrolled in with every intention of taking the class when I have more time, gadgets I’ve purchased to make it easier only to throw it into another bin that I don’t have room for in my kitchen. I’ve had some serious baking disasters. I’ve pulled all nighters, cried on my kitchen floor, remade something 136 times just to get it right. I’ve screamed to the heavens begging to know what it is I’m doing wrong when I’ve followed a recipe exactly right. But when I tell you it’s worth it when I’m done I really mean that,..truly no better feeling. My thought process has really been about feeling connected to my granny. My thought process has been more of a therapeutic journey. It has been a way for me to grieve, a way for me to love, a way for me to do something that brings me joy and put a smile on someone else’s face.

Starting my business came by way of heaven and some pushing from family and friends.

The holidays after her passing my sister asked me to make desserts for her company party. She also told me to bring business cards. Wait, what? I laughed it off at first but after thinking about it I realized I could possibly make this baking thing a legit side hustle. I had the most amazing time creating and baking up a dessert menu for my sisters party. It was so much work and I didn’t sleep a few days while doing it but I truly loved ever second. A couple weeks later we would be celebrating our first family Christmas since my granny’s passing. I informed my family I wanted to make ALL the desserts for Christmas dinner. Every single one. It was a crazy idea now that I think about but again I felt it’s what I needed to do at the time. I’m so grateful I listened. From the beginning it’s been about a connection with my granny. The business part has been my struggle. However, I feel it’s all been a learning process that has pushed me extremely out of my comfort zone. I’m so blessed with support and word of mouth keeps me busy. I’m thankful for the lessons and will continue to truly love what I do. Take a break when I don’t and make enough to buy the sugar. Maybe a little more.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love being able to create something special for someone. I love being given a theme or idea and allowing my creative juices to flow. I spend so much time just doing research on a certain cake or cookie design. There’s so many amazing artists and I’ve never considered myself one. In fact, I used to joke about my desserts tasting amazing but not being the prettiest. Alot of money and time has been spent on learning how to do different techniques. The science behind baking. The different icing consistencies, the millions of different kinds of icing and how different ones taste or work better with what you’re trying to create. It’s so much and I’m sure people don’t even realize how difficult it can be. Honestly, most orders I have are things I’ve made for the first time. So when I’m given a challenge to make something and it turns out wonderful…seeing the smiles and hearing how much it was enjoyed is the true reward for me. I enjoy taking the time to try and make it my own and make it special for that person. Ever order I make has something challenging about it. It’s hard to say no when someone calls at the last minute for an order. It’s challenging saying no when I don’t have the time. It’s challenging charging what I should charge because I feel bad doing so. I think the hardest part for me are those 2 things. Saying no and charging what I’m worth.. those are 2 things I’m still working on. But I have gotten so much better about it.. I’ve learned I have to ask for a deposit or payment up front even from “someone I know”. I’ve learned to create an invoice when the order is placed instead of after I’ve made it.. I’ve learned to say no more and not take every single order especially when it’s last minute. I’ve learned that word of mouth is the greatest compliment. It’s sounds cliche but I honestly put so much love in everything I bake and do. That and real butter sets me apart from others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My mom’s patio is the ideal local spot to visit. Chill, eat, hookah…maybe have a bar b que or seadood boil. I love going out to Lake Conroe for a day trip. Have a movie night at my house with some good food and margaritas. Check out some exhibits at the museums downtown. Hang out at Town lake, City Center or anywhere with some live music and outdoor or patio scene. There’s always a restaurant I want to go to or try for the first time and Houston has some of the best spots for any self proclaimed foodie so I’m sure we’d visit a couple of those as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is a tough one because I’ve been blessed with a village. My family, friends, cohearts and community have all been instrumental in my success. But if I had to choose one it would be my daughter. She’s my biggest critic and my loudest cheerleader. She’s my promoter 24/7. If something is good she will let me know. When it’s not she tells me that too. She’s a tough critic and very hard to please in the dessert area. She’s also resilient and patient and understanding of my passion. She rarely complains. Although, we’ve come a long way with finding a balance that works for us both. When I’m in the kitchen really focused she will ask me something about my granny, if granny taught me how make a certain thing or will want if it tastes like granny’s. In a way letting me know my granny is smiling down on me.

Website: www.princessbakes.com

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