HER STORY ⟡ Shaucuana Knight
Hello there! My name is Shaucuana Knight, I am the owner of Cora’s Cakery. I was born and raised in Cincinnati. I am a University of Cincinnati Alumni with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Positive Psychology. I worked at Hamilton County Job and Family Services for 6 years in SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid. I left there in December of 2021 to pursue my passion which is baking.
Why I started:
I started Cora’s Cakery for three reasons: 1) to do something that I love which is baking, 2) to honor my grandmother Cora and 3) to make a lasting impact in the community.
What I love about being a business owner:
What I love most about being a business owner is the ability to lead with a purpose. You know working for someone else’s vision is great if that’s what you want to do. But it brings me great joy to know that when I get up to go to work I’m doing something that truly brings me happiness and is according to my vision.
What type of impact do you hope to have on those you meet and/or who purchase your products?
At Cora’s Cakery we specialize in elegantly delicious desserts for you. It’s a customized experience tailored to what you want as a customer. Starting with when you place your initial order. You aren’t limited at Cora’s Cakery by things like flavor. Most bakeries are only willing to offer Chocolate, Vanilla and maybe Strawberry. But at Cora’s Cakery we are able to accommodate your request. At Cora’s Cakery your experience with us is one you have surely never experienced before with any of our competitors. Ranging from order updates, diversity in flavors, and delicious desserts.
Who or what inspires you?
My grandmother Cora is a big piece of why I started Cora’s Cakery. . My grandmother Cora was a great cook which is one of the things I miss most about her. But she liked to focus on the meal she prepared for us and not really the dessert. Many of us can relate to this. And at Cora’s Cakery we want you to focus on creating those lasting memories with your family and let us take care of the dessert.
What is your favorite piece of advice you've ever received or favorite quote?
My favorite piece of advice would be to give myself grace in new spaces. Cora’s Cakery is transitioning into so many new spaces and I have to be able to give myself grace to grow and learn how to navigate these new opportunities.
What does BEAUTY mean to you?
Beauty is more than just our outward appearance. It’s how we feel inside as well. Taking care of our emotional well being so that we can feel beautiful.
What advice would you give your past self just starting your business?
The advice I would give to my past self would be to not be afraid to take chances and to trust the process.
What would you like our Beauty Boost members to know?
Visit us at 1426 Race Street in OTR Tuesday thru Saturday for our delicious made from scratch desserts.
Where can our community find you?
Website: www.corascakery.org
Instagram: @corascakery1
