Daisy Cakes is a gourmet cake company that was founded by Kim Nelson in 2009 in her home kitchen in South Carolina.
Despite the initial boost from the exposure on Shark Tank, Daisy Cakes struggled to keep up with the high demand for its cakes. The company had to hire additional staff and invest in new equipment to scale up production, which put a strain on its finances. Furthermore, the cakes’ short shelf life made it difficult to expand into retail stores, which led to limited distribution and sales.
The challenges continued when the company experienced a devastating setback in 2012 when its production facility was destroyed in a fire. Nelson was forced to temporarily shut down the business and rebuild from scratch. The incident further depleted the company’s finances and caused delays in fulfilling orders, which led to a significant loss of revenue.
No matter these setbacks, Nelson was determined to keep her dream alive. She continued to bake cakes from her home kitchen while working on rebuilding the business. In 2013, Daisy Cakes relaunched with a new production facility and a streamlined product line. The company also expanded its distribution channels, partnering with QVC and HSN to sell its cakes on national television.
Today, Daisy Cakes has grown into a successful company that ships its homemade-style cakes nationwide. Nelson has become a successful entrepreneur and a sought-after speaker, sharing her story of resilience and determination. This article explores the challenges faced by Daisy Cakes after Shark Tank and how the company overcame them to become a thriving business.
What Is Daisy Cakes?
Daisy Cakes is best known for its signature 7-layer caramel cake, which is made using a secret family recipe that has been passed down for generations. The cake is made with all-natural ingredients and baked to perfection, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert that has won over the hearts of many [1].
In addition to the caramel cake, Daisy Cakes also offers other types of cakes, including chocolate cake, red velvet cake, lemon cake, and coconut cake.
The chocolate cake is made with high-quality cocoa and all-natural ingredients, resulting in a rich and decadent dessert that is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover. The red velvet cake is a classic Southern recipe made with buttermilk and a touch of cocoa, and it is topped with cream cheese frosting. The lemon cake is made with fresh lemon juice and zest, and it is topped with a lemon buttercream frosting.
One of the newer additions to the Daisy Cakes menu is the coconut cake. This cake features four layers of dense and moist cake, which is perfectly complemented by layers of fresh coconut milk butter icing. The cake is topped with toasted coconut flakes, which add a crunchy texture and a delicious flavor to the dessert [2].
All of Daisy Cakes’ cakes are made from scratch, using only the finest ingredients. The company prides itself on using real, simple ingredients, and avoiding any artificial flavors or preservatives. They also offer a variety of cookies, brownies, and other baked goods, all of which are made with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality.
About The Founders of Daisy Cakes
Daisy Cakes is a specialty cake business that appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank in 2011. The company was founded by Kim Nelson, who had always dreamed of owning her own bakery since she was a child. After years of working in the corporate world, she decided to pursue her passion and founded Daisy Cakes in 2009 [3].
In 2009, Nelson decided to turn her passion for baking into a business and started selling cakes online from her home in South Carolina. She initially focused on selling her signature “Old-Fashioned Southern Layer Cakes”, which were made from scratch with high-quality ingredients and decorated with simple yet elegant designs.
She appeared on the TV show Shark Tank, where she impressed the judges with her cakes and was able to secure an investment from investor Barbara Corcoran.
Since then, Daisy Cakes has continued to grow, and Nelson has expanded her product line to include a variety of other baked goods, such as brownies, cookies, and cheesecakes. The company also offers baking classes and has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including Oprah’s O Magazine and Food Network’s “The Kitchen” [4].
Nelson, a former wedding cake designer, aimed to create homemade-style cakes with fresh, natural ingredients that tasted like they were baked in grandma’s kitchen. The company gained national attention when it appeared on Season 2 of the popular reality show Shark Tank in 2011. Nelson impressed the sharks with her pitch and landed a deal with investor Barbara Corcoran. However, after the show aired, the company faced a series of setbacks that threatened its survival.
The Pitch Of Daisy Cakes At Shark Tank
Kim Nelson’s pitch for Daisy Cakes on Shark Tank was an emotional and heartfelt one that showcased her passion and determination for her business. She began by sharing her family’s secret recipe for the 7-layer caramel cake, which had been passed down for generations. She then explained her background in corporate America and her decision to follow her dream of starting her own bakery.
Nelson’s pitch was particularly compelling because of her personal story. She spoke about the struggles she faced as a single mother, and how she used her passion for baking as a way to cope during difficult times. She also shared that she had started Daisy Cakes with just $9 in her pocket and that she had put her heart and soul into building the business from the ground up [5].
In addition to her personal story, Nelson also emphasized the quality and uniqueness of her cakes. She highlighted the use of all-natural ingredients and the fact that each cake was made from scratch in small batches. She also offered samples of her cakes to the Sharks, which helped to showcase the delicious flavor and texture of her desserts.
The impact of the Shark Tank pitch was significant for Daisy Cakes. The exposure and publicity from the show helped to increase the company’s visibility and sales, allowing Nelson to devote herself full-time to the business. The investment from Mark Cuban also provided valuable resources for expansion and growth.
Kim Nelson’s pitch for Daisy Cakes on Shark Tank was a powerful and inspiring one. It showcased the importance of passion, hard work, and determination in building a successful business, and highlighted the value of quality and uniqueness in a crowded market. Today, Daisy Cakes remains a thriving business with a loyal following of customers who appreciate the homemade taste and quality of its baked goods.
Daisy Cakes After The Shark Tank
After the episode aired, Daisy Cakes experienced a surge in orders, and Kim Nelson was able to quit her job and focus on the business full-time. The company has since expanded its product line to include other flavors of cakes, as well as cookies, brownies, and other baked goods. Daisy Cakes has also gained a loyal following of customers, who appreciate the homemade taste and quality of the products.
Appearing on Shark Tank in 2011 was truly a turning point for Daisy Cakes, as it helped the company gain national exposure and secure an investment from Barbara Corcoran. After the show aired, Daisy Cakes experienced a surge in orders, and Nelson had to hire additional staff to keep up with demand [7].
In the years since appearing on Shark Tank, Daisy Cakes has continued to grow and expand its product line. The company now offers a wider variety of baked goods, including gluten-free and vegan options, and has a dedicated following of loyal customers.
However, the company has also faced some challenges. In 2018, Daisy Cakes was forced to recall some of its products due to potential salmonella contamination. The company responded quickly and transparently to the issue, issuing a statement and offering refunds to customers who had purchased the affected products.
Despite this setback, Daisy Cakes has continued to thrive and is still in business today. The company’s cakes and baked goods remain popular with customers across the United States, and Nelson has become a successful entrepreneur and role model for other aspiring business owners.
In 2020, Daisy Cakes was featured in Oprah’s Favorite Things list, which further helped to increase its popularity and exposure. The company has continued to grow, with its products being sold in various retail locations and online. Today, Daisy Cakes remains a family-owned and operated business, with Kim Nelson as the CEO and her daughter as the chief baker.
The Net Worth Of Daisy Cakes
With a net worth of $3 million, Daisy Cakes has become a highly successful domestic bakery. The company experienced a surge in popularity after its Shark Tank episode, with its website crashing after receiving 75,000 hits in just three minutes. In the first 24 hours after the episode aired, the company sold over 2,000 cakes, despite the website being inactive for four hours. In fact, Daisy Cakes had already sold over 5,000 cakes within two months of its Shark Tank appearance [8].
One of the reasons for Daisy Cakes’ success is its commitment to domestic production. Even its pans are made in New Jersey. The company now has over 240 employees and has expanded to multiple locations, including Savannah, Nashville, and The Bronx. However, the company eventually relocated back to South Carolina due to quality and contract issues.
In 2021, Daisy Cakes’ net worth increased to $1.2 million in sales per year, with the company now selling 18,000 cakes annually. With a promising future ahead, Daisy Cakes is expected to continue its success and expand even further.
Daisy Cakes On Social Media
Based on the search results, it appears that Daisy Cakes has an active presence on social media. Their social media accounts are likely used to promote their products, share news and updates, and engage with their customers.
According to one search result, Daisy Cakes has a social media presence that currently includes at least two platforms: Facebook and Instagram. On these platforms, they may share photos and videos of their baked goods, customer reviews, and testimonials, information and insights about their baking process, and more.
Social media can be a valuable tool for businesses like Daisy Cakes to connect with their customers and build their brands. By using social media to share its story, showcase its products, and engage with its followers, Daisy Cakes can continue to grow and thrive in the competitive world of baked goods.
Alternatives To Daisy Cakes:
- Magnolia Bakery is a popular bakery with locations in several cities across the United States. The bakery is known for its classic American baked goods, including cupcakes, cakes, and pies;
- Milk Bar is a trendy bakery chain with locations in several major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. The bakery is known for its unique and creative desserts, such as its famous “crack pie” and cereal milk soft serve;
- Carlo’s Bakery is a family-owned bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey, that has gained national recognition thanks to its appearances on the TV show Cake Boss. The bakery offers a wide range of cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods;
- Nothing Bundt Cakes is a bakery chain with locations across the United States. The bakery specializes in bundt cakes in a variety of flavors, including red velvet, lemon, and chocolate chip;
- The Chocolate Room. This Brooklyn-based chocolate shop and bakery offer a wide selection of cakes, pastries, and treats made with fair-trade chocolate. Their hot chocolate is also a must-try;
- Sprinkles is a popular cupcake bakery with locations in several major cities, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The bakery is known for its cupcakes, which come in a variety of flavors and are topped with the bakery’s signature “modern dots” decorations;
FAQ:
-
Where is Daisy Cakes located?
Daisy Cakes is based in Durham, North Carolina, USA.
-
Is Daisy Cakes available for nationwide shipping?
Yes, Daisy Cakes ships its baked goods nationwide in the United States.
-
What kinds of baked goods does Daisy Cakes offer?
Daisy Cakes offers a variety of baked goods including layer cakes, brownies, cookies, pies, and cake jars.
-
Are Daisy Cakes baked goods made with all-natural ingredients?
Yes, Daisy Cakes prides itself on using all-natural and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
-
Can I customize my order?
Daisy Cakes offers some customization options such as writing or a touch of sprinkles on certain items, but custom orders are not currently available.
-
Does Daisy Cakes offer gluten-free or vegan options?
Yes, Daisy Cakes offers some gluten-free and vegan options on its menu.
-
How can I order from Daisy Cakes?
You can order Daisy Cakes online via their website or over the phone. You can also find them at select retailers across the country.
-
How does Daisy Cakes ensure freshness and quality during shipping?
Daisy Cakes uses special packaging to ensure that their baked goods arrive fresh and intact, and they recommend storing the items in the refrigerator or freezer upon arrival to maintain freshness.
-
What is the shelf life of Daisy Cakes’ baked goods?
The shelf life of Daisy Cakes baked goods varies depending on the item, but, generally, they recommend consuming the items within a few days of receiving them or storing them in the freezer for longer-term storage.
-
How much does Daisy Cakes make a year?
According to an article in Entrepreneur, in 2012, the company’s revenue was about $500,000 annually. It is possible that the company’s revenue has changed since then.
-
Who are the owners of Daisy Cakes?
Daisy Cakes is owned by Kim Nelson, who also founded the company. She is a self-taught baker and entrepreneur who started the business in 2009.
-
What is the richest cake company in the United States?
Some of the largest and most well-known cake companies in the US include Sara Lee, Hostess Brands, and Bimbo Bakeries USA.
-
What is the highest bakery owner’s salary?
The salary of a bakery owner can vary widely depending on factors such as the size and location of the business, the owner’s experience and skills, and the overall success of the bakery. It is difficult to determine a specific salary for a bakery owner.
-
What is the highest-paid baker?
The salary of a baker can also vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer. According to Salary.com, as of 2022, the highest-paid bakers in the United States make an average salary of around $45,000 to $50,000 per year [9].
-
What is the lowest salary for a baker?
The salary of a baker can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer. According to Salary.com, as of 2022, the lowest-paid bakers in the United States make an average salary of around $22,000 to $25,000 per year [10].
-
Does a bakery business make a profit?
The bakery business has the potential to be profitable if it is managed effectively. However, profitability can depend on factors such as the quality of products, location, marketing strategies, and overall demand for baked goods in the area.
-
How much does a bakery make a day?
The amount a bakery makes per day can vary widely depending on factors such as the size and location of the business, the types of products sold, and the overall demand for baked goods in the area.
-
Who made Kim Kardashian’s cake?
Kim Kardashian has been known to use the services of high-end bakeries and pastry chefs, such as Hansen’s Cakes and Cake Life Bake Shop.
-
Why is it called Lazy Daisy cake?
According to some sources, a Lazy Daisy cake is a type of cake that is named for the simplicity of its preparation. The cake is typically made with a light sponge cake base and is topped with a sweet coconut and brown sugar topping that is broiled until it becomes caramelized. The topping is said to resemble the lazy daisy flower, which has a simple yet beautiful appearance. The cake is often served for special occasions and is popular in the Southern United States.
Useful Video: Big Dreams and Hustle! | Daisy Cakes on Shark Tank
- https://www.mashed.com/797451/heres-what-happened-to-daisy-cakes-after-shark-tank
- https://bizzbucket.co/daisy-cakes-shark-tank-update/
- https://www.sharktankblog.com/business/daisy-cakes/
- https://gazettereview.com/daisy-cakes-update-happened-shark-tank/
- https://2paragraphs.com/2020/11/daisy-cakes-what-happened-after-shark-tank-barbara-corcoran-deal-updated/
- https://sharktanktales.com/daisy-cakes-shark-tank-update/
- https://www.sharktanksuccess.com/daisy-cakes/
- https://www.ilovedaisycakes.com/
- https://insidergrowth.com/daisy-cakes-net-worth/
- https://leedaily.com/2022/06/29/daisy-cakes-net-worth/
