Kristin’s Cakes opens storefront in Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT — The old saying, “do what you love and you won’t work a day in your life,” appears to be true for Kristin Woodsmall.

Southeast Iowa native, Woodsmall has been a Mt. Pleasant community member since 2008 where she lives with her husband and children and operates Kristin’s Cakes.

Woodsmall enjoys spending time with her family, going on adventures, coffee, and baking.

“I have turned my hobby into my job,” she said. “I use the word job loosely, though. Is it really a job if you love what you do?”

“I have been a stay at home wife and mom for the last three and half years,” Woodsmall said. “I felt it was time to get out of the house mingle more with the community, and try to grow my little business.”

“I started baking and decorating cakes for the kids birthdays and I always really enjoyed it,” she said. “It started out as a hobby, but I posted some pictures of the cakes I did one day on Facebook and it has just grown from there. God started me on this adventure and I have loved almost every minute of it.”

It certainly has grown.

What started in her kitchen has now expanded into its very own bakery space located near Good Year Tire on East Washington Street.

“What was a hobby has turn in a career,” Woodsmall said. “I planted a tiny little seed on a Facebook post and it has grown into opening a store front. It will always amaze me.”

She has found the community to be supportive and her venture out of the home as a viable business option moving forward.

“I have met some very nice people along the way and have learned so much,” she said. “I feel like I have the potential to continue to grow and build a strong relationship within the community while hopefully bringing in new people.”

Woodsmall would say she has learned quite a bit on this adventure.

“I think it is important for women to build on what they love to do,” she said. “Have the courage to venture out. Be present within the community.”

Furthermore, she offers advice to those wanting to branch out into a similar business.

“Start out slow,” she said “Don't overwhelm yourself by taking too may orders at one time. It's so much more fun if you can enjoy what you are doing rather than feeling rushed.”

Woodsmall began renovating Kristin’s Cakes storefront in 2022 and opened her doors for the first time Sept. 24.

While she is currently working to adjust her family’s schedule to her working outside of the home, she looks forward to continuing to grow her business and meet plenty of new people along the way.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com