Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Woodard.
Hi Renee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always enjoyed baking since I was a child. I would visit my grandmother (Nana) in the summer and I would help her bake cakes every week. Even as a I older my love for desserts grew. I would make my school projects out of cake and even bring cupcakes to school to share with friends. After I graduated from high school I took cake decorating classes at Michaels craft store. I would bake and decorate a different cake every week. Throughout college I would still make treats for my family & friend’s birthdays. After attending University of South Carolina-Columbia and attending Johnson & Wales University-Culinary Arts arts program I worked for 3 years as a cake decorator at Whole Foods grocery store. It was there that a co-worker suggested that I sell baked goods at local farmers markets. I attended my first farmers market in October of 2021 and still continue to this day. I went from attending 1 market a week to now attending 3-4 markets each week. We have leased a space for our bakery in Columbia, SC and are anticipating to open in August.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all—being an entrepreneur, especially in the food industry, is not for the weak! Launching and growing Dazzling Sweets has been a rewarding but challenging journey. As a solopreneur, I handle everything from baking and customer service to marketing and compliance, which often means long days and sleepless nights. One of the biggest learning curves has been understanding the many regulations involved in running a bakery—from food safety requirements to business licensing. I’ve also learned the hard way how important it is to hire reputable professionals, especially for areas like construction, permitting, and branding. Despite the roadblocks, every challenge has taught me something new and pushed me to become more resilient. Seeing customers enjoy our treats and watching the business grow makes every struggle worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Dazzling Sweets, I specialize in creating handcrafted desserts that are both beautiful and full of flavor. We’re best known for our delicious, moist cakes, our famous Nana Pudding (inspired by my grandmother), and our rich, top-tier cheesecakes. Every treat is made with high-quality ingredients, creativity, and a whole lot of love.
I focus on custom cakes and Southern-style desserts that make people feel at home. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or just because—our goal is to bring joy to every celebration.
What I’m most proud of is how far the business has come. What began as a single table at a farmers market has grown into a brand that serves at multiple markets each week, with a loyal following and a brick-and-mortar bakery opening soon. It’s been a journey built on passion, perseverance, and community support.
What sets Dazzling Sweets apart is our commitment to making every dessert special. From the taste to the presentation, we go the extra mile to make each customer feel valued. Our motto says it all: “Let Us Make Your Day Sweeter.”
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see the bakery and dessert industry becoming even more personalized, accessible, and experience-driven. Customers are looking for more than just a good product—they want connection, customization, and convenience. Custom cakes and specialty desserts will continue to grow in demand as people look for unique, Instagram-worthy treats for their celebrations.
I also think we’ll see a rise in online ordering, local delivery, and nationwide shipping—even for small businesses like mine—as people continue to expect convenience at their fingertips. That’s one area Dazzling Sweets is working toward: offering nationwide shipping so our customers can enjoy our desserts no matter where they are.
Health-conscious options and dietary inclusivity (like gluten-free, vegan, or allergen-friendly items) will also continue to shape the market, and I think bakeries that adapt without sacrificing taste will thrive.
Lastly, I believe community-based businesses will stand out more than ever. People want to support brands that feel authentic, care about quality, and make them feel like part of something. That’s exactly the kind of sweet experience I aim to provide with Dazzling Sweets.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dazzlingsweets.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dazzlingsweetsllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DazzlingSweetShop/
