Today we’d like to introduce you to Orrien Williams.
Hi Orrien, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The reason I started the business was after my baby shower. I saved for my baby shower while working two jobs, school and pregnant at same time. I wanted a vintage like baby shower. So my mom, my sister and myself looked on Pinterest for inspiration ideas and were able to decorate my baby shower successfully. With light pink and green candle lanterns, burlaps as runner while lace like table cloth to set it off. Vintage item like teddy bear, a phone and other item in. The corner. Vintage baby clothes hangers off the clothing line over the food. There were a finger food galore and what stood out on the food table was a baby theme watermelon fruit tray. After everything was said and done, I posted everything on Facebook and many was in awe. We few people asked who did your baby shower. At the time I didn’t know much about people doing baby showers and I was like it was me and my family.
Before my baby shower my family and I use to host Christmas parties, just family and friend gatherings. Everyone would suggest my mother you should go into catering or decorations. After my baby shower I thought it would be a great opportunity for me and my family. Something that we like to do, could bring joy to others since it was in high demand.
So we started to decorate, cater and make things happen little at a time. Until official I was laid off my accounting positions during the time of Covid and I decided to make Yiayia Creations LLC an official business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No it has not been a smooth road. One time I completely stop with the business because me and a family member was butting heads a little but we were able to clear everything up. It was over pricing and the structure of the business it still happens here and there but we make sure to talk it out and come to a solution. Another situation of business is funding and especially when it’s limited and no business coming in but the solution to that is to keep going! Save, market, thinking outside of the box. Just keep working at it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We specialize in treats, desserts, event planning, and event decor. Right now we’re becoming well known for our cheesecakes, and we’re excited to see more people recognizing our desserts. While we love creating sweets, our passion is helping bring events to life from start to finish. What we’re most proud of is our presentation. We believe the details matter, whether it’s a cheesecake, dessert table, or full event setup. We put the same level of care into everything we create, and that’s what we believe sets us apart.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I would say one of the best places to start when looking for a mentor or networking is within your local business community. For me, that was Village Launch in Greenville. Through their programs, I was able to connect with other business owners, find a mentor, and learn what it really takes to run a business. They also provide coaching, networking opportunities, and guidance on potential funding. Getting involved in your local business community can open doors and help you build relationships that support your growth.
Pricing:
- Charcuterie table: $15 per person
- Event decor starting at $350
- Treat packages starting at $150
- Cheesecake Slices $13.50
- Event Planning Packages starting at $800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yiayiacreationsllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiayia_creations?igsh=MWIzYWNiMmZ6NzBxdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theyiayiacreates
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/yiayia-creations-greenville-2
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yiayiacreations?_r=1&_t=ZP-97qtjFwL74o
