Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Parker
Hi Alana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, I always loved to cook, but I opened my business in 2021 after losing my job due to my disability; I have Systemic lupus erythematosus and sometimes my flareups would leave me out of work for weeks. I started with making food for my friends and promoting on my personal Facebook page. Now, four years later here we are! LiftedwithLana LLC is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.
My business specializes in Candied Fruit, but I also make chocolate covered treats, cupcakes, soul food. Lastly, I’m a Notary Public for the state of South Carolina and ordained to perform wedding ceremonies.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road started off very bumpy. My biggest obstacle was getting customers; Florence isn’t that big of a town but everybody kind of knows everyone.. I’m not originally from Florence so it was hard for me in the beginning to connect with people and gain clientele. As time progressed and more good reviews were posted about my products, my clientele began to grow.
I still have some bad days, but the good days are what keep me positive.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart from others is my determination because despite all of my life’s obstacles, I keep going and I never take no for an answer. Outside of owning my business, I am currently in school for my PhD in Forensic Psychology with a specialization in Victimology at Walden University and I am set to graduate in the fall of 2025. What am I the most proud of? That I continue to wake up everyday and keep pushing when life gives every reason for me not to.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I literally found my treat mentor on TikTok. I was scrolling one day and her video caught my attention so I messaged her; we spent two hours on FaceTime just talking everything about business and how to be successful and I learned so much from her. We still talk pretty often, her business has been going viral on social medias for a while and I am so proud of her, she definitely deserves it. Finding her as a mentor was kind of like a feeling, when you meet someone in your field that has amazing work and actually wants to help, network with them and ask questions, you never know the type of bond and connections you can grow.
The biggest thing to remember in the professional world is to just do it. I used to have a fear of speaking to strangers and now I make it a point to not only speak, but also give them a business card so they’ll never forget my name.
Pricing:
- Small Candied Grape Container: $25
- Small Two Fruit Candied Fruit Tray: $35
- Dozen Cookies: $25+
- Dozen Cupcakes: $30
- Small Two Flavor Candied Grape Container: $32
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/liftedwithlana
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liftedwithlana?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AsToldByAlana
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LiftedWithLana
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/shop/liftedwithlana
