Christie, I looked up one day, and all of a sudden, you had gone from making few strawberries and cake pops to selling cheesecake-filled strawberries, breakable hearts filled with sweets, cupcakes and a business name! It seems as if a full business blossomed overnight. How did it happen? What inspired you to even begin making treats out of your home?
Well, it all happened in my Grandmas kitchen, with a fork and glass bowl. I had seen a post on FB of these filled strawberries, which included the recipe, but so many people were sharing it asking, “Who can make these!?” I understood why they didn’t want to make it themselves, they were nicely presented, they looked difficult, and not just that but why waste time when you can pay someone to do it for you!? Luckily, we had some of each ingredient needed. It took some “elbow grease” because we did not have a mixer (growing up we always used a fork to mix things up), and most definitely a lot of taste testing. I wanted to make sure that they tasted like what I imagined. I was inspired because I was always “money minded.” I was on year 2 of being a single mother and trying to explore ways of making money to get back on my feet. I had JUST met my now husband, at the time he was just a friend… someone I knew I could run to about everything. He had/has always told me that I am capable of so many things, and to him I give so much thanks!
What was the very first thing you made?
My now famous Cheesecake Filled Strawberries! They started plain of course. I now offer them in different varieties, such as white chocolate dipped strawberries filled, Fruity Pebble, Oreo, you name it, I have it!
I can recall seeing sweets on your page a few years back, so making them is not new to you. When did you realize you should dedicate more time creating your treats and becoming more aggressive in your branding?
Honestly, it all started when my brother in law graduated. They had a graduation party for him and I decided that I would make those same Cheesecake filled Strawberries and some Oreo truffles. When the guests had first tried them I could hear them asking “who made these!?” I instantly thought “they must be nasty, people only ask that when something doesn’t taste right”. My bonus mother-in-law didn’t steer away from putting me on blast! Next thing I knew, people were coming up to me saying, “Girl! You can sell these!” At that moment, I took it to the head. I knew that I wanted extra money, so that next Valentine’s Day I made a menu that included heart shaped cakes, cupcakes, and of course, a variety of strawberries, I then posted it on FB. I didn’t think I would get a lot of business because there were/are so many people that would try to knock my hustle. I didn’t let that stop me. In just two days, I made $800+ profit. At that very moment, I knew that I could do it again, and again.
Not only do you create fruit-based treats decorated in various ways, I have seen your beautifully crafted handmade unicorn cupcakes, so you also bake and design! Are you self-taught, or have you received formal training?
I like to say I am a mix of self-taught and YouTube taught lol. Although I have always wanted to take a baking class ever since I was a kid. I was always in the kitchen with my Grandma, but one thing she didn’t do much of was bake, she mainly did Mexican dishes or desserts. As a kid, it was always a dream of mine to be a trophy wife/mom. To me that included being in the kitchen and being able to do it ALL.
Is there anything that you find to be difficult about running a business out of your home, specifically one where you are in constant use of the kitchen?
Difficult isn’t even the word! I’m a wife, and mother of a 6 almost 7 year old daughter that wants to be in the kitchen and “help”, a 2 year old boy that runs around and throws everything and also wants to help, and an almost 5 month old that is excessively breastfed. So, between having to cook for three, breastfeed 1 and make orders, I’m one tired woman! My husband plays a major role in my business. I can honestly say if it were not for him, there would not be a Christie’s Sweettooth Treats! He brings the balance in my life. He makes things easier for me to balance. If he sees that I’m booked or working on orders, he finds ways to entertain the kids and keep them busy so that I can tend to my work. He knows that I cannot stand to have people in the kitchen with me. I like to call the kitchen my Safe place. When I’m in the zone, all worries are gone!
Have you seen the way Edible Arrangements dips their strawberries only half way? Then over charges?
There are some people out there who have baking talent or passion for making sweets, but feel like places like Edible Arrangements or other well-known companies are already saturating the market. Was that ever a thought for you? Did you ever feel like you might not get as much business as you would like?
Have you seen the way Edible Arrangements dips their strawberries only half way? Then over charges? Not to mention there isn’t a variety of different flavored goodies that you can get from them. In my mind I have always been like “who’s going to overpay a well know business?” I don’t see them as competition, I am confident in my work!
I recently saw that your business performed exceptionally well on Valentine’s Day, however, there was a demand for your products before and after Valentine’s Day. How did/do you market yourself for consumers to know that you have a product available?
FB and Word of Mouth is definitely how I get most of my customers. My dad has always told me “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. I have lived by that for the longest, with no regrets.
Would you officially say you found a lucrative business endeavor in Christie’s Sweettooth Treats?
- To be honest, I’m not sure. People see it as “beautifully displayed” strawberries, cupcakes and such but the amount of time, and money that goes into supplies is A LOT. There are times I don’t make much profit, but I keep going because I feel it in me that one day my business will be where I dream of it being!
Have you ever experienced feeling as if you are overbooked or overworked? Do you give yourself a cap on the amount of orders you accept/fill at any particular time?
- LOL, all the time. I work for my husband’s uncle as a front desk representative/administrator. So, between work, my personal life, and my business, I feel like I’m always drained! However, I do have a full time menu, so with that I typically take orders daily with at least a 24-hour notice; the max amount of orders for a workday is three customers. For big orders, I need at least 2 weeks’ notice just to make sure that I have all of the supplies needed. The thing about being my own boss is that I can choose to not take orders. I can make my own schedule. If I have several orders during the week then I don’t take any for that weekend. My time with family and mental health is important to me.
Have you had any experiences with rude customers, or, being that you are a small business, customers who want “hook-ups” or discounts because you are a relatively new business and maybe they feel like you need their business?
No rude customers yet. But those that know me, know I don’t and won’t tolerate that. My art and talent is to please others, not to deal with people that feel the need to try and get over on me. Of course I’ve had several friends ask for “hook-ups,” some that I trusted to pay me and never did, or some that try to make a difficult order and get a variety of things but want to pay for the simple/classic price. A few times, I have “hooked it up” and thrown in a little extra, but I have learned my lesson from that. People should understand that “Nothing is free” family and friends. When I do my orders people do not realize that I run up my light/ water bill, stand on my feet until I cannot feel them, and stay up until 2-3 in the morning just to perfect my craft. No more “hook-ups” from me!
How do you believe you stand out amongst your competitors? What do you believe will keep your customers coming back?
Flexibility, I feel that no matter what I have going on that I manage to make time to fit someone in my schedule. I deliver, and I meet people. I try to make things convenient for my customers at all times.
As of now, Christie’s Sweettooth Treats is based at home. Do you see yourself possibly expanding?
You know, it’s funny that you ask this. My husband’s cousin is actually willing to invest in my business. He knows what I’m capable of. So in the future if you see Christie’s Sweettooth Treats rolling around, feel free to stop and order. AKA, I will have my own dessert truck! My husband has always told me he can see me owning my own dessert truck and that he believes in me. It is not in my plans now but most definitely in the future. My husband is also willing to invest in my business or anything that I want to accomplish because he knows that NOTHING will make me quit.
Is there anything you would like the readers, someone who would like to start a small business or business out of their home, or anyone who has an interest in business ownership in business in general or baking to know? Is there anything you would like to add?
Have faith in yourself, and don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith. Even if it means quitting your full time job, (which I did, working for my husband’s uncle is part time). Just make sure you are in the space you need to be financially because starting your own business isn’t always sunshine and butterflies. You never know what you’re capable of until you invest your time/money into it. Growing up my dad used to tell me that if I wanted to make money then I had to spend it. I live by it. Let me not forget Support, whether or not you have support from family/friends, at the end of the day the only person you absolutely need support from is YOURSELF (and your significant other of you have one). Everyone else is just a bonus and a little more push. Believe in yourself!
