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

Hi Leah, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe the most important factor to my business’ success is passion and discipline. As a business owner you are completely in control of how much you can make and how successful you can be. It all depends on the work you’re willing to put in. It’s not a 9-5 job it’s a 24/7 job. It’s easy to want to slack off when “you’re the boss” but if you slack so does the business. That’s why discipline is so important. My passion for baking and discipline with keeping up with ALL aspects of the business are the biggest part of my success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Cake Decorating is an art form that has become more and more popular through recognition in entertainment/social media. I remember watching all the food network shows where they made the CRAZIEST cakes, and I remember thinking “I wish I could do that”. And now I can! That’s probably one thing I’m most proud of, watching my childhood dreams come true. I am constantly amazing by what I am able to create with edible forms of art. Baking/decorating has always come naturally to me. I feel like this is one of the gifts God has given me. I am constantly growing and constantly learning new things. Over the years I have learned many things in the different programs I’ve been enrolled in, from a culinary program in high-school, to culinary school for college, and SO MUCH on the job experience. Dates Delights is my childhood dreams becoming a reality and I couldn’t be more proud of how far I’ve come and I can’t wait to see how far I’ll go!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Despite the fact that I’m a millennial, I don’t really “get out much” lol! But, If I was going to show my best friend around for the week the top spots to go would be the national harbor and D.C. These are the hot spots for great restaurants, nice views to walk around and experience, as well as great bars/lounges to experience night life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The biggest shout out I can give, would have to be to my parents. I started my business when I was 13 years old. At that age I certainly didn’t have the money to jump start the business with all the supplies needed, nor did o have my own kitchen. That’s where my parents come in! They invested in me and helped me fund my business way back then. Now that I’m older (23) my business has become sustainable enough that I make enough to cover all business expenses as well as being home enough revenue to have this be my main source of income!

Website: https://datesdelights.shop/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/datesdelights_?utm_medium=copy_link

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