Kandi Kakes, LLC Approved for VCEDA Seed Capital Grant
: Kandi Sigmon turned her long-time passion for baking into a full-fledged business in Tazewell County, opening Kandi Kakes, LLC, a recent recipient of a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Kandi Sigmon has always had a passion for baking and cake decorating but took things to a new level earlier this year when she opened her new business, Kandi Kakes, LLC in North Tazewell, specializing in made-to-order cakes and sweet treats.
Kandi Kakes, LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“Kandi Kakes, LLC, is a small commercial bakery specializing in the manufacture of custom cakes, cupcakes, cake pops and other specialty desserts,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects four full-time employees and three part-time employees within five years.”
The business is located at 2831 Fincastle Turnpike in North Tazewell and is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturdays, by appointment. Cake testings are scheduled in the evenings by appointment.
In addition to specialty made-to-order cakes for weddings, engagements, baby showers, birthdays and more, Kandi Kakes also offers mini-cakes and cake slices throughout the week for in-store pick-up by walk-in customers.
“I’ve been decorating cakes for as long as I can remember and what started as a passion quickly became a lifelong dream realized,” Sigmon said. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching Wilton cake decorating classes, as well as classes at Hobby Lobby and Michael’s, helping others discover the joy of cake artistry. Through it all, my dream has always been the same -- to open my very own bakery.
“For years, I baked for family and friends and finally decided to take the step and open my own business,” Sigmon added. “I feel honored when people trust me with their special events.”
Sigmon plans to use the grant primarily toward equipment purchases, including a large commercial mixer, fondant sheeter, cake pop tying machine and labeling system for product packaging.
“The VCEDA grant has helped me to expand and scale at the right pace to position Kandi Kakes for long-term success,” Sigmon said. “This is more than a bakery to me; it is an investment in Tazewell County and keeps local dollars here and creates opportunity.”
Sigmon worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing her application to VCEDA. She received a letter of support from the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
“From our first meeting, it was evident that Kandi possessed the determination, talent and work ethic needed to succeed,” said SWCC SBDC Executive Director Denise Harmon. “She has spent years perfecting her craft, creating beautiful cakes for her customers and took a courageous leap of faith to turn her passion into a full-time business. Throughout the planning process, Kandi embraced every step, asked thoughtful questions and built a strong foundation for long-term success. Her hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence have already proven successful and we are excited to see Kandi Kakes continue to flourish. We wish Kandi many years of success as she continues making Southwest Virginia a little sweeter.”
“Kandi Kakes is a small bakery focused on high-quality desserts prepared using carefully developed recipes and professional baking techniques,” said Tazewell County IDA Executive Director Tim Danielson. “We look forward to Kandi's continued success in Tazewell.”
