Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Williams.
Hi Dee, 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?
Hi there!
I am Dee Williams, owner and head baker of Elegant Impressions Bakery, a dessert catering company located in Moreno Valley, California. I have been in business since 2014, providing delicious desserts for local clients.
I have had a passion for baking ever since I was a child, with the help of my mom and grandmother. My mom bought me an Easy Bake Oven when I was around 5 and I would have so much fun making cakes and cookies for her. My grandmother taught me the basics of baking and she would let me help her make Sweet Potato pies for the family during the holidays.
I started baking as a hobby and never really thought about turning my passion into profit until my husband gave me the idea to do so in 2013. At the time we were living in Atlanta and there were laws being passed to let people bake inside of their homes as a business. I did a lot of research on how to obtain the licensing and permits, the proper way to run a small business and how to attract clients. Most of what I have learned came from watching YouTube and going over many recipes that I found on the internet. Since I worked full time, I baked on the side for customers to supplement my income.
In 2017, we moved back to California, and I decided to take my side baking business more seriously. I paid for courses to teach me the fundamental processes of running a home baking business. From 2018-2020 I still had my baking business as a side hustle, but during the pandemic, I was laid off from my job and I decided to pursue my home baking business full time. In all honestly, it was the best career move I made in my life.
It’s not easy running a small business. There are many uncertainties, lots of slow periods, but it gives me freedom from being tied down to the corporate world. I can make my own schedule, spend more time with my family and watch my kids grow up without the time restrictions that a corporate job used to give me. Best of all, my business can possibly be passed to down to the future generations of my family.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like I stated before, running a small home baking business is not easy, especially during these tough economic times. Over the past two years inflation has put a financial strain on my business due to the rising cost of ingredients and supplies. In order for me to continue to make a profit on my products, I have to raise my prices, and that has caused a decrease in sales. It’s a hard decision to make as a business owner especially when clients that have worked with you for years can’t afford your baked goods. I totally understand why some customers aren’t purchasing, they have to provide the basic essentials to live for their families, and desserts aren’t a high priority right now.
Its especially difficult to run a small business in a state that’s not small business friendly. California is one of the most expensive states to live in and it’s hard to afford anything extra at this point. Rising costs of gas, high taxes, high rent, the list goes on. Many times, I thought about shutting down my business, but I don’t want to let myself and my family down.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Elegant Impressions Bakery is a dessert catering company based in Moreno Valley California. We offer full service dessert tables for special occasions including weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and corporate events. Our dessert tables include gourmet sweets such as macarons, cupcakes, cookies and mini pastries along with table decor for any theme or color scheme.
As a dessert connoisseur, I enjoy treats that are fresh, not too sweet and full of flavor. This is what sets me apart from other bakers. The desserts that I create are not only delicious, but are less sweeter than your average baked goods. I use high quality ingredients, and my desserts are always baked fresh to order.
I am most proud that my brand is based on integrity and stellar customer service. As a small business owner, I go above and beyond for all of my clients to ensure they have a top tiered experience when using my services. As a small business owner, I recognize that my customers are the reasons why my business exists.
If you are looking for dessert catering services for your upcoming event, feel free to visit us at elegantimpressionsbakery.com or email us at [email protected]. It would be our pleasure to assist you!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I am generally a kind-hearted, down to earth person. I thrive on making other people smile and laugh; it’s totally needed in this society that’s filled with so much chaos and negativity. I think these qualities have help me through tough situations in my life and I will always treat others with kindness and respect.
As bakers, we are considered to be in the hospitality industry. Most of the desserts we create are for joyous times, but we also have to create desserts for sad times. I’ve had situations where I had to make treats for a funeral or for a sick family member of a client, but I made sure I treated each customer experience with empathy and compassion. Because of that, I have gained a few life-long clients. It’s one of the best parts of being a baker.
Pricing:
- Macarons: $38 per dozen
- Cupcakes: $48 per dozen
- Bronze Dessert Table Package: $650
- Silver Dessert Table Package: $975
- Gold Dessert Table Package: $1350
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elegantimpressionsbakery
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/elegantimpressionsbakery
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/elegantimpressionsbakery
