Kim Wilcox, "It's All So Yummy," is a champion

By Knoxville Daily Sun Staff

It's not hard to spot a champion. Witnessing someone doing what they were born to do is a gift and a lesson to the whole world. There's usually a smile on their face. They make it look easy and natural. They're grateful, and they're very good at what they do. They captivate me, and I'm grateful to be in their presence.

As simple as it sounds, with any business the key to success is filling a niche in the market. You have to find out what your competition is doing wrong. You have to know what your potential customers want and what they're not getting from the competition. Then you have to capitalize on that and give it to them. Whether Kim Wilcox, owner and founder of It's All So Yummy, knew this and found a way to do it or she just does it naturally, it's what she does and this is what separates her and her business from the rest of the pack.

It's All So Yummy specializes in cakes, seasonal treats, specialized cakes, casseroles-to-go, pet treats, and other treats and gifts. They also cater and deliver with an array of breakfast dishes, appetizers, soups, salads and sides, entrees and desserts.

It wasn't hard to see Wilcox's niche. Unlike most caterers and bakers, she finds the customer's passion and works with it to make it more than an eating experience but a very personal experience. The customer feels like Wilcox took the extra time to get to know them, and they have a unique work of art created just for them. When they imagine her in the kitchen creating it for them, then they actually taste it. The result is more than just a customer. She creates friends.

Once we finally worked out our busy schedules, Kim and I sat down at Carl Cowan Park on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon and talked.

Kim has five children, all girls, and is happily married. "All but my youngest daughter are out on their own or in college," said Wilcox. "I'm from the Midwest. I came to Knoxville in 1997. I've spent most of my adult life (since 1989) in the television industry starting as an entry-level sales person. I moved up the ladder to general manager positions and then on to network jobs until 2009. I was well compensated; however, since I was a little girl, my heart was always in the kitchen. That's where my passion has always been. The TV industry comes with an awful lot of stress and long hours. I got to a point in the middle of my life where it just wasn't worth it anymore. I saw other people around me doing it; risking everything and 'going for it' so they could do the things they were born to do. I was reluctant to leave my job, but, at the same time, I didn't want to spend the rest of my life unhappy. I still have those long hours and stress, but I'm doing what I love to do so it makes life easier."

Wilcox has been in business just a little over one year but had really started considering it and planning it four years ago. "I started with mostly baked goods and cakes. In the beginning I sent out a lot of free samples. Then one day a friend asked me to cater for them. That led to more customers and got me into the catering business. Most is repeat business (to whom I am very thankful), word of mouth and referrals, but I get a lot of business from Facebook and my official web site, www.itsallsoyummy.com, as well. I also do a lot of catering for pharmaceutical reps."

Wilcox uses her own recipes and a lot of family favorites, which makes her food so tasty. "I like to play with recipes and change them up every now and then, and I love seasonal food." Kim's office is at her home, but she has a commercial kitchen at The Orangery. She gets help from a few of her children, her husband, and her friends when she needs it.

It's All So Yummy delivers throughout the Knoxville area. Shipping is also available on selected products, and she ships her cakes throughout the US.

Wilcox believes that quality and honesty are vital ingredients in the way she conducts her business. "I try to keep things light-hearted and not too formal. I think the customer can sense that, and it takes the pressure off them. They tend to trust me, and I do my best to live up to that. My business is controlled, but it should be fun, too. There's a balance."

Wilcox has found that her Facebook page has created a lot of business for her "because it's fast," she says. "I have a lot of pictures there, and you can see how I interact with my customers and friends. The best way to reach me is by phone: (865) 604-1115."

As Kim and I talked outside of the interview and I took some pictures, she stated how blessed she was to be doing something she loved to do and how happy and proud she was that she found the courage to live her dream.

We eventually saw each other to our cars. When we got there, she reached into her car, pulled out some samples, and handed them to me.

When it's all said and done and the food is gone, I can promise you one thing: You'll soon be back for more. Kim Wilcox is a champion. www.itsallsoyummy.com

Published November 15, 2010