The Cake Don: From Spray Cans to Sugar Sculptures | Don Donneruno - The Cake Don

From graffiti-covered subway cars to fondant-sculpted Louis Vuitton cakes, The Cake Don takes us on a wild ride through reinvention, resilience, and raw hustle. In this episode of Staying Hungry, we sit down with the former shoe company personnel turned fondant phenom to unpack how one favor for a friend sparked a culinary empire - powered by Queens grit and social media savvy.

If you're a restaurant owner, food entrepreneur, or simply someone who values a no-nonsense approach to success, this conversation is tailored for you. We dive into the graffiti roots that led to an education on the legendary 7 Train “art school,” and explore how something as simple as your “first cake” could become a life-changing moment. You'll hear how social media, when used strategically, can serve as a powerful and free tool for acquiring customers. We also discuss how to transform casual patrons into devoted advocates - pro tip: never underestimate the influence of local moms’ Facebook groups. The story includes lessons from running a bakery driven by both heart and hustle and ultimately, building a legacy business designed for the next generation.

This episode is a masterclass in brand building, storytelling, and staying relentless - even when you're icing cakes at 2AM.

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Nostalgic Beginnings: Jones Beach Memories

[01:05] Generational Differences in Upbringing

[05:58] The Journey to Becoming 'The Cake Don'

[12:21] Discovering a Hidden Talent for Cake Making

[14:35] Building a Cake Business from Scratch

[31:27] The Power of Social Media and Networking

[49:42] Instagram Insights and Posting Strategies

[57:50] Collaborations and Business Growth

[01:00:29] The Power of Social Media Trends

[01:04:18] Unexpected Opportunities and Success Stories

[01:20:39] The Importance of Networking and Kindness

[01:29:16] Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement