Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Barnes.
Hi Keisha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
During the Valentine’s Day season of 2020, a number of my customers reached out to me to help them achieve a certain romantic ambiance for their spouses. Not ever being afraid of a challenge I wholeheartedly accepted the job, starting doing room set-ups, and teaching myself how to dip chocolate-covered strawberries for my clients. I fell in love with it, the process, and of course how great they taste. I began to watch YouTube videos to become better at it, eventually, I started selling them, and really becoming better at it each day. In the beginning, they didn’t look the best but I knew that with enough practice I could master it, and have my treats looking exactly how I knew they should. As the time we along, I eventually mastered it, starting creating more treats, building a clientele, and become known more and more about my incredible treats. I would work my regular job from six am to four pm and as soon as I’d get off, I’d start making orders for my customers. I knew in my heart that this was my way out of having to work a nine to five and finally become the entrepreneur I always wanted to be. Once the Covid-19 virus hit all of us extremely hard I knew that I had to live and not just exist. As a result, I began to construct my exit plan!
In 2021 my then employer had a meeting with us, and in so many words explained to us that after many years, they were closing in thirty days. They gave us the option of taking a severance package and parting ways with the company or finding another store to work in. I tried to go to another location, but I knew deep down in my heart that this was a sign from God for me to take that leap of faith, and finally become a full-time entrepreneur.
I can proudly say it’s been twelve months since I gave my job back to the economy, and within those twelve months, I’ve grown so much as an individual, a businesswoman, and a creator. I now have over 60 menu items, available each day for my customers to choose from.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy. It has been a true test of faith at times. Going from a guaranteed check every two weeks, to now relying on just yourself and your grind to pay the bills is a whole new world, but also quite fascinating! There’s no limit to the amount of money you can make in a day. If you put in the work, you can make it happen, and if you don’t or slack off, you’ll get the alternative.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Sweet Shopp Columbia?
We are a dessert treat shop, that specializes in dipped fruits, floral arrangements, and fruit trays. Our presentation sets us apart from any other treat maker/desert shop anywhere.
I am most proud of our presentation, our customer service, and our ability to retain customers.
The one thing I’d love for readers to know about us is that we love what we do! We take pride in every single order that goes out of the door regardless of the dollar amount of the order. A customer who orders a $12 cup will receive the same attention, and love as a customer with a $400 order will receive because we’re so appreciative of the love and support!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years I see a lot of smaller shops become nationally known businesses.
Pricing:
- Personal fruit tray $70
- Floral arrangement $90
- Strawberry tower starts at $90
- Six plain chocolate-covered strawberries $20
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@sweetshoppcolumbia.com
- Website: www.sweetshoppcolumbia.com
- Instagram: IG: TheSweetShopppColumbia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theSweetSHOPPP
- Other: TikTok: sweetshoppcolumbia
