Coming Out Strong: From Leukemia (ALL) to Launching Her Dream Cake Business
“Through my recovery, I doubted if I’d ever reopen my business. In a business where the products (cakes) are creative and handmade , sustained health issues felt like an impossible obstacle to overcome. I remained determined and restarted my business in Oct 2017. “ Today’s woman dreamer, Rachana Cherry, shares her story of resilience and personal strength, in how she pushed through a battle with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, one of the most serious illnesses, and got back to running her dream cake business! (yes, she even has an Among Us, Friends, and Angry Birds Cake) Enjoy her inspiring story below!
Tell us your background and what prompted your interest in baking?
I’m a self taught cake decorator, who loves to craft and learn new skills from the internet. It started with my son's 5th birthday. He wanted an Angry Bird themed cake. Being a crafty mom, I made a functional angry birds cake. The entire set-up was edible, making it a complete angry birds' experience. The kids had a wonderful time launching the edible birds from the slingshot. While my son enjoyed his birthday cake, everyone was in awe of my creation. This led to me receiving orders from family and friends, and then friends of friends, and thus, Edible Perfections was born. What started as a hobby to impress my kids, is now a growing business. I’ve always loved cooking and crafting, and my business now helps me pursue my interests professionally.
In March 2016 you were diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). Tell us about your journey through that and the lessons you and your family learned through that experience.
The first year of running my business was an expected slow growth, which also helped me spend time with my then four-year and six-year olds. Things were starting to pick up and in early 2016 I'd just crossed a milestone of a couple of hundred sales. Less than a month later, in March 2016, I was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). The only symptom was tiredness that just wouldn't go away. Without any warning, our lives completely changed.
After completing intensive chemotherapy at UT Southwestern Hospital in Dallas, I was following an outpatient chemo regimen when we hit another roadblock. In Oct 2016, I contracted an infection due to my compromised immune system and ended up in the ICU. I was in the ICU for three months, on a ventilator, and underwent a multitude of emergency procedures and resuscitations. When I finally left the hospital in April 2017, I was a shadow of my previous self. The intensive chemos, prolonged ICU hospitalization, and multiple surgeries left me wheelchair-bound for a long time. After undergoing months of physical therapy, I learned how to walk again. And, began rebuilding my life.
Through my recovery and physical therapy, I doubted if I’d ever reopen my business. In a business where the products are creative handmade objects that require hours of detailed work, sustained health issues felt like an impossible obstacle to overcome. I remained determined and restarted my business in Oct 2017. It took me a few months to re-establish my presence. It was a much-needed exercise in regaining my sense of independence and self-worth. Today, I ship my handcrafted edible creations across the US and offer custom cakes for local customers.
What advice would you give to families and/or women going through similar circumstances?
“NEVER GIVE UP” Life can be tough sometimes but if you are courageous and ready to take whatever comes in your way, nothing can stop you. Listen to the people who encourage you, support you, stand with you. Things can be difficult but never impossible.
Despite this adversity, you used your creativity to start "Edible Perfections". Tell us about Edible Perfections and how you get your inspiration to create these unique cakes. What would you tell someone with similar aspirations?
Finding the right inspiration and design can be tricky. In my business it’s usually about reading my customers mind, understanding their idea and theme for the event, and then suggesting a few options for them to choose from. My clients' thoughts provide me with inspiration; their invitation, party decor, a specific character, flowers, attire are the most common sources. Once the theme is locked, I usually add my personal touch to create the final product.
As a dreamcatchers platform we have to ask, what is your next big dream?
I’ve recently started exploring creating party decor, expanding beyond edible creations. My next step is creating unique party decor that complements the central theme and becomes a keepsake to cherish for many years. I want to continue to learn new skills and apply them to expand my business from home, while balancing time with my friends and family.
Thank You Rachana for Sharing Your Inspiring Story With Us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
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