Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Smith.
Hi Joyce, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Yes, absolutely! Well, my name is Joyce Smith. I am Haitian and was raised in Miami, Florida. My business name is Doux Anni. It’s pronounced Doo Ah-nee. As a child, I grew up watching my mother bake cakes for the Haitian community. I would often flip her cake pans upside down and practice pipping around the edge of her pans. Eventually, I became as good as her or as she would often say “better’. By the time I was twelve years old, she would let me decorate all of her cakes for her. My mom was often sick, in and out of the hospital and eventually couldn’t continue with her cake business. She asked me to take over but as a teenager I didn’t want to. The late nights, cleaning, etc..Of course I didn’t want the responsibility. I eventually graduated high school and went on to become a nurse. I primarily worked with diabetic children. By 26yrs old I was expecting my first son. I became a stay-at-home mom. My mother passed away when my son was 7 months. Her husband called me a few months after and asked me if I wanted her mixer and cake stuff. Initially, I turned the offer down. I hadn’t touched a cake since I was 15 years old. One day, I decided to go get her mixer and cake pans. I began telling my close friends and family that I was going to start baking Haitian Cake like my mom as a hobby. They all looked at me like I was having a mid life crisis lol but, they were very supportive. I started baking for my best friends and my cousins. They would take the cake to their friends and families. Within 3 months I was receiving at least 2 orders a week. I only knew how to make haitian cake with minimal piping skills. By 6 months I began receiving cake requests with intricate details and different flavors as my clients were no longer just Haitians. I began looking up videos on youtube to teach me how to execute certain designs and learn how to bake different flavors. By year one, I was booked 3 months out and began to take baking seriously. It was no longer a hobby. By my Son’s second birthday, I made my business official by applying for an LLC and never looked back. After moving to South Carolina, I stopped renewing my nursing license and continue to learn to new techniques by watching tutorials and experimenting with my skills.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like everything in life, nothing comes easy. There are always lessons that are here to help you grow and develop! My biggest struggle has always been finding balance between motherhood and business. The reality is, you only have 100% to give. My business requires 100% and my kids require 100%. In the past, I’ve found that if my business was thriving, then usually Im dropping the ball with my children some where and vice versa.. I’ve learned over the years that we are not meant to do it all and thats okay. I’ve learned that it is okay to ask for help. Get the assistant, invest in a mentor, don’t be afraid to admit that you are struggling and need advice. There are so many people like you and they have found a way to make it all work. So can I!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a High-end cake designer. I am widely known for my intricate cake designs that are both beautiful and delicious. As my clients will say “Your cakes are not only beautiful but very moist and delicious”. What sets me apart from others is that I am always learning so I can bring something new to the upstate. I observe and I study to see whats trending in other areas. Then I learn it and bring it here. I take pride in my work. I don’t believe in cutting corners. I am also very honest and transparent with my clients. If I am not able to execute a design concept, I will tell them that and help them find someone who can. Honesty and integrity are huge for me! Before I am a business woman, I am a human being. I respect all of my clients.
What are your plans for the future?
When I think of Doux Anni’s future, I see new and innovative designs. Of course I will forever be a student continuing to learn and excel in my craft. My dream would be to re-open my cake shop in the heart of Greenville. A place to bring family and friends together. A place that inspires creativity in our locals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://douxannicakes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douxannicakes/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doux.anni.2025/
