Kira Simmons is the proud owner of Kira’s Cupcake Kafé. After years of building a career as a corporate HR executive, she made a bold leap of faith to follow her passion, officially opening her own bakery and café.
Kira’s journey into the baking world started long before the doors of her café ever opened. Unofficially, she has been in business since 2010, forming her LLC in New York by 2013 and later expanding to New Jersey in 2015. Baking runs deep in her family—both her grandparents and aunts on her mother’s and father’s sides were passionate bakers. From bread and sweet rolls to coconut bake and currant rolls, the kitchen was always filled with something delicious. Her interest sparked at just five or six years old, and after the passing of her grandmother a few years ago, Kira decided it was time to turn that lifelong passion into a full-time venture.
Launching her business was not without challenges. Finding her niche in a crowded market was one of the biggest hurdles. With so many talented bakers offering everything from home kitchens to full storefronts, Kira had to figure out how to stand apart. She found her unique space by focusing on serving single mothers and families looking for affordable, high-quality treats. Crafting a product line that met both their expectations and their budgets became her key to building loyalty and lasting success.
Among her offerings, the mini cupcakes have become the undeniable stars. Customers love the variety and the opportunity to sample different flavors, with Kira’s menu boasting over 75 regular flavors and 12 seasonal options rotating throughout the year.
For Kira, the best part of running her business is the feedback she receives from her customers. Whether it’s praise or constructive criticism, she takes it all as motivation to grow and improve. Knowing that her creations bring joy to others keeps her inspired every day.
Although Kira’s brand has already achieved notable success, she has her sights set on even greater heights. Plans to open a New Jersey location this summer were temporarily delayed due to permit issues, but her team remains focused on expanding through digital orders and product development. An exciting lineup is already in motion, including the launch of a new ice cream line, Tazo teas, and a special flavored cupcake paired with a new drink release coming this fall.
Navigating the business world as a Black woman has presented its own unique set of challenges. Early in her journey, Kira often found that people did not take her seriously—sometimes business meetings turned into inappropriate advances. Raising capital was another uphill battle; grants and loans were largely out of reach, leaving Kira to self-fund her venture entirely. The struggle to build capital, she says, was one of the hardest parts of her entrepreneurial journey.
Balancing business and personal life remains a work in progress. Laughing, Kira admits, “Balance? I don’t know what that is!” Though she has two assistants helping with scheduling, she acknowledges that her personal life often takes a backseat to the demands of running a growing business.
When it comes to building a team, Kira looks for individuals who truly believe in the mission of her brand. She values hard work, initiative, positivity, and a spirit of collaboration. For Kira, it’s important to have team members who are not only capable but who also make the workplace fun and vibrant.
For aspiring entrepreneurs considering the baking industry, Kira offers clear, thoughtful advice: do your research, understand the full scope of the commitment, be prepared to wear multiple hats early on, and make sure you have the capital you need to survive and thrive. Many businesses fail simply because they are underfunded, and preparation is key.
Customers can find Kira’s Cupcake Kafé through Instagram, TikTok, and her website, KirasKupKakeKafe.com. Word of mouth remains one of her strongest tools, and her team continues to invest in creative marketing efforts like flyers and QR code campaigns.
When it comes to pricing, Kira has learned not to waver. She credits advice from Melissa Ben-Ishay of Baked by Melissa for reinforcing the importance of knowing your value: “If people believe in you, they’ll pay.” Kira stands firm in her pricing and refuses to overexplain, emphasizing that small businesses deserve the same respect as major brands.
Her final words for readers are a powerful reminder of perseverance and self-belief: “Follow your dreams, especially as a Black woman—it’s hard, but find your tribe. Learn as much as you can, and go all in. Even failure is success because it teaches you what to improve.”
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Special Thanks to Benjamin Moody for conducting this amazing interview.
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