Today, we’d like to introduce you to Tasha Boone.
Tasha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Initially, I planned to just sell on a small scale, enough to have supplemental money for bills. But before I began anything, I did tons of research.
I searched for what I was allowed to sell from home based on state laws. Then, I researched local city laws. I visited the commissioner of revenue to find out what licensure was needed to allow me to sell legally. I didn’t want to run into issues with taxes or being shut down without the proper paperwork in place.
I also researched websites on pricing and the average price for items I wanted to sell. Launch day was on a Sunday (June 9, 2012). I was able to announce at church where my first sale came from without the person ever sampling my cakes. Most of my initial customers came from the church by word of mouth.
After launching, I joined a few groups on social media and found a few people to follow that focused on both the business side as well as the sweets side. Both are as important as the other. In 2016, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management with a concentration in Small Business & Entrepreneurship.
The more I learned, the more I was able to pivot and grow not only in customers but financially. Over the next several years, I learned about creating an LLC, creating a website, and other things that made my business structurally sound. My original name was Ms. T’s Sweet Treats, but in January 2021, I rebranded to Sweet & Elegant Delights to give a more upscale feel since I transitioned away from small treats, focusing on cake and cupcakes.
Originally coming from Emporia, VA, I spent 30 years in the nursing profession, transitioning from an LPN to an RN. I decided to pursue my passion for baking full-time in March of 2021 and then relocating to North Carolina in late Oct. 2021.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road had not been smooth. As with any business, there are ups and downs, good and bad. I understand that I am not in everybody’s price range. Not all recipes work exactly as planned every single time for one reason or another.
Sometimes, customers can be difficult, but that’s why policies and procedures are very important to have in place.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I initially created my sweet treats business almost 12 years ago to have supplemental income, and then it became a passion. It was all I could think about. It became my creative outlet and stress reliever. Creating a sweet treats business put my knowledge & love for organization, time management, and science into edible creations.
I specialize in wedding cakes, custom cakes, and cupcakes in Charlotte, NC.
My personalized and intimate approach to baking and cake design. As a home-based business, every creation is a personal work of art, offering a unique “sweets experience” to each customer. The commitment to collaboration ensures that each cake tells a story, whether it’s a tale of love for a wedding or a representation of an individual’s personality or passion.
Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
Starting a home-based baking business is an exciting journey where your kitchen becomes a hub of creativity and deliciousness. It’s about more than just baking: blending your passion with top-notch quality, understanding your market, and sprinkling in some savvy marketing.
Connecting with a mentor who is committed to helping you grow and encouraging you to show up for yourself and your business. But choose wisely by looking to see if they are doing what they are preaching. You want to align with somebody who has been where you are and has achieved some of the same goals you aspire to achieve.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetandelegantdelights.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sweet_elegantdelights
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetelegantdelights
Image Credits
E.J. McDuffie Photography – https://www.instagram.com/ejmcduffiephotography/
