I am originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana and grew up in the Russell and Shawnee neighborhoods of West Louisville. I grew up in the time of hip hop and computers built for desktops. In this era, we had a strong sense of community. My life revolved around friends and family hanging out in Shawnee Park or at the Galleria downtown.
I graduated from Central High School and Jefferson Community College. While employed by the Jefferson County Schools Head Start/Early Childhood department, I ultimately earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Spalding University all while raising my two sons. I worked there for 12 years.
I have always had an entrepreneur in me. In 8th grade I learned calligraphy. At 15, I used that writing talent to create patron pages for local church celebrations. I grew this service to include occasion programs as well as church announcements. While in college I proofread and/or revised papers for my fellow students. Around 30, I briefly had a part-time coordination service for children’s parties. I was always looking for the passion that could hold my attention and create products consumers would want. I believe I have both in founding Seductively Sweet Confections.
In the future, I want this company to become a regional rock star like Big Red soda. Once you taste it, you want it but you can only get it in certain parts of the country. In the next five years, I want my packaged products to have a presence in the surrounding states.
Seductively Sweet Confections opened for business in 2013, but its genesis dates back to 1979. I was 10 years old and a member of Girl Scout Troop 148. I decided to earn a cooking badge and asked my mother to teach how to make chili. I earned the badge (that chili was amazing) and that Christmas, my mom taught me to bake oatmeal cookies, my favorite.
I am a good cook but an even better baker. I have taught myself several techniques since that time – from working with fondant to making breads and rolls. As time passed, friends, family and co-workers would buy my tasty treats to serve at their holiday gatherings. The extra money was great and I loved serving my customers.
In 2011, I was searching for a new career path. My oldest son and I were talking one day and he said “Why don’t you bake? You love to do it and people love what you make.” I pulled out some cookbooks and some old recipes written by hand on some now yellowing paper and went to work. The result is over 25 refined or new product recipes.
Seductively Sweet Confections opened in February of 2013. Since that time, I have provided custom creations for a variety of private and business clients, most notably the Junior League of Louisville, Louisville Metro Government and the University of Louisville. As I transition the company from a part-time to a full-time pursuit, I have changed the business focus from custom work to wholesale/retail products.
Chef Space commercial kitchen deposit and 2 months rent $1800
Insurance for 6 months $350
Product labels $400
Packaging $300
Tent and sidewalls $1200
Portable POS system $450
Marketing $500
This loan will give the company a permanent production space as well the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from other food entrepreneurs. It will provide the tools we need to become a well-known brand, giving us the opportunity to be sold by local groceries, restaurants and caterers.
It will also allow me to help my sons they way they have helped me since starting this business. Both have been a amazing support to me financially and emotionally. My oldest has a growing family to support and my youngest is preparing to begin his master’s degree program.