Conversations with Amber Mitchell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Mitchell

Hi Amber, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From Family Recipes to Berry Chic: My Journey as a Home Baker

I’ve been baking for as long as I can remember. As a child, mixing, measuring, and pouring were more play than work. During holidays and family gatherings, when cooking brought everyone together, my grandmother would give each of us a role. My first “dish” was banana pudding—a simple, no-cook recipe. Later, she trusted me with box cake mixes, cupcakes, and cookies. Seeing how much my family loved my creations fueled my passion and kept me baking.

In 2016, my baking journey took an unexpected turn. I posted my chocolate-covered strawberries on Facebook, and one comment asking, “How much?” changed everything. Hesitant at first, I set a price, which was my first step into business. Soon, I posted ads on Facebook Marketplace, and my notifications became a flood of requests. That’s when I knew I had a talent for turning these treats into something more—a business. Overnight, I chose the name Berry Chic, aiming for a brand as classy as the creations I envisioned.

Starting out was tough—I didn’t have startup funds. One morning, I went for a walk, meditating on how I could raise the money to reach my new goal. By a stroke of luck, I found a few stray bills lying under a tree. I took it as a sign, made my first deposit, and soon invested in supplies like edible glitter and custom images for Oreos. This touch of elegance set my products apart and helped me gain traction in the early days.

Over time, listening to my customers helped me find my niche: creating custom desserts that elevate their special occasions. Creativity became my calling card, transforming my business from simple treats to artistic statements that captured attention. The buzz spread quickly, mostly by word of mouth, and soon, balancing a full-time job with my growing business demanded more time and resilience than I’d ever imagined.

After a challenging event, I found myself back in my hometown in North Carolina, where I had the chance to slow down, regroup, and consider my next move. Eventually, I decided to take a leap and relocate to Raleigh, the capital city, where I could start fresh and challenge myself in a bigger market. Starting over wasn’t easy, but with the help of networking and social media, Berry Chic began to find its place in Raleigh, giving me the opportunity to build my brand anew.

Reflection
Looking back, each challenge, unexpected twist, and breakthrough has made Berry Chic what it is today. The journey has been far from easy, but with creativity, resilience, and a deep love for baking, I’ve turned my passion into a fulfilling career. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overcoming Challenges: From Copycats to New Markets

No business journey is complete without obstacles, and mine has been no different. Early on, one of my toughest challenges was finding my target audience. I quickly learned that not all family and friends would be customers; not everyone shares the same interest in desserts. So, I expanded my outreach beyond familiar circles to find those who truly valued my work.

Then came the issue of plagiarism—a painful struggle in the beginning. People would copy my designs or even use my photos as their own to promote their products. This wasn’t just frustrating; it felt like my creativity and hard work were being stolen. Instead of viewing it as flattery, I saw it as a reminder of the respect that artistry deserves. I chose to rise above it, focusing on my unique style and brand. If anyone believes my job is simple, I dare them to walk a day in my shoes. Building something original and consistently high-quality takes courage and perseverance.

Keeping the business funded has been another constant challenge. To bring in extra income with minimal overhead, I turned to e-commerce. After researching online stores, I launched an Etsy shop, opening up my products to a global audience. Success didn’t come overnight—it took over a year to see my first sale. Undeterred, I expanded my offerings, adding both physical and digital items to attract a broader customer base. Today, Berry Chic makes daily sales on Etsy, connecting me with new customers and allowing me to continue growing my dream.

Reflection
Each hurdle has pushed me to innovate and become more resilient. The journey has been challenging, but every step has taught me something valuable. If I can create something meaningful despite these obstacles, I hope it inspires others to push through their own challenges too.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work in catering and custom desserts, specializing in creating unique treats for a wide range of occasions and corporate clients. My expertise shines through in custom cakes for birthdays, baby showers, and weddings, as well as in personalized desserts for clients like real estate agencies and other caterers. Whether it’s custom cakes, cookies, or intricate chocolate-covered strawberries, I am known for making every piece personal and memorable. Im most proud of my work for birthday parties and weddings—moments that allow her to bring extra joy to her clients. There’s nothing like seeing my clients’ eyes light up when they see their child’s picture on a cake or a personalized design on cupcakes. What truly sets me apart is my friendly, dedicated approach and her willingness to go the extra mile to bring clients’ visions to life. She’s open to any creative challenge, ensuring that every dessert is tailored and never cookie-cutter, making her the go-to choice for clients who want something truly special.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Contact me via e mail at ambermitchell87@gmail.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.berrychicnc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berrychic_nc/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BerryChicNC/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BerryChicNC
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/berry-chic-cary