Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Dutka.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Kate Dutka and I am the owner of LAVISH CANDY SWEETOLOGY.
Let me start off by saying I’ve always had a keen sense of color, style, design and placement. When I was young I was known as the kid that walked around with her crayons and watercolors everywhere she went, always creating. In college I took several design classes and later went on to become a certified lifestyle colorist.
Let’s talk about desserts! My entire life i’ve have had a fascination with desserts and confections. I love the way they look and taste. My two biggest passions without a doubt or desserts and design which go hand-in-hand in my business. My love for sweets and design absolutely lead the path for me to develop my skills as a dessert stylist.
In 2004 i ventured off and took a trip to Athens, Greece and wound up staying a month. While I was there, I was inspired to start a dessert and candy bar business . During my stay in Greece I purchased my first set of business cards and created a business name. When I returned to California, I enrolled in a 14-week event planner program at the University of Cal Poly Pomona. I knew taking this program would benefit me with information that would prove to be valuable in the event industry arena.
I began researching and sourcing out candy resources, bakers, and confections of all types. I invested in props, candy jars, platters, displays and dessert towers. I watched and learned many tips from social media entrepreneurs and creators. I put myself out there through networking and social media. Most importantly, I took steps each day toward my goals.
Has it been a smooth?
We all know formulating new business can come with a variety of challenges. The main challenge and I experience was getting my business name out there. It can be difficult to gain trust when you’re new in an industry. I found that it takes time, perseverance and consistency in all areas of business. I discovered networking had many benefits. Social media played a Mega sized role in getting my business started and gaining trust with clients and event planners.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Lavish Candy Sweetology story. Tell us more about the business.
Lavish Candy Sweetology is a candy and dessert bar service. We offer delivery setup and pick up of dessert, donut bars and candy bars. We offer amazing dessert bars that can be created with fresh donuts, cookies, macarons, cake pops, cupcakes, brownies, Rice Krispies pops, Candy Apples, French pastries, popcorn, trail mix bars, scones and croissants. We cater variety of types of events but our specialty as weddings and corporate events. We specialize in donut bars and candy bars. We are a fusion of taste, color and design.
As a company, I am most proud of our consistent customer service. The goal is simply to make our customers happy. The business transaction has to be easy and effortless in order to gain a customer’s trust. The product needs to be fresh and beautiful. Our team is professional and organized at all times.
Each dessert bar is created by myself and/or a team of dessert stylists with a sharp emphasis on detail and presentation. We want what our customers want, and that means freshness and efficient service. In addition we practice proper cleaning procedures and we wear gloves while setting up.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The demand for various dessert bars is climbing constantly. We are living in a world service driven businesses. The dessert and candy bar industry not only brings sweetness to events but a joyful experience. This business is it feel good business. Everyone loves desserts and wants to be happy. I believe the future is bright for LAVISH CANDY SWEETOLOGY.
One of the big shifts I foresee is the loss of interest in DIY projects such as creating your own dessert bar. I find more and more that clients don’t have the time nor the creativity, or the tools to do their own DIY dessert or candy bars. With one quick phone call or email they can get a dessert bar delivered, designed and set up for their event! How easy is that!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lavishcandy.com
- Phone: 626.236.7999
- Email: lavishcandylife@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lavishcandysweetology
- Facebook: Lavishcandysweetology
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