Today we’d like to introduce you to Anjenetta Killette, Owner of Aunt Nettie’s Sweets & Treats.
Anjenetta, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Aunt Nettie’s Sweets & Treats was launched after I received a challenge from a close relative. I was asked if I could make a sweet potato pie like Grandma used to make. I immediately accepted the challenge! I was encouraged by some of the awesome comments such as, “Wow! This sweet potato pie reminds me of my Grandmother’s desserts!” and “I’m impressed, more please!!!” At that moment I realized that when a food artist can make comfort food that brings back some of the memories that most people have, I might be onto something wonderful.
My foray into the culinary arts began as a small child in a large family. As was our family routine, my sister and I would prepare meals for our siblings while our parents worked. Mother was an exceptionally gifted cook and I would often shadow her as well and assist with making the desserts. I was very inquisitive about what she was baking, her techniques and the ingredients she used. I must honestly say that I can wholly attribute my baking skills and desire to deliver a superior product to my Mother, Clara Pressley. My Mother’s awesome sweet potato pie is one of my most highly requested products.
Great, 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?
My journey has not been an easy one. When I first launched my own business several years ago, I was confident that we would take off. We were well on our way to success when I received some life-altering news, I was diagnosed with cancer. I soon realized that it takes faith in God, a family, close friends, great doctors and above all hope to fight and overcome this obstacle. Life can throw some roadblocks on the road to success, but I’ve learned over time that there is only one direction, forward. Throughout all my battles with this illness, I am thriving and surviving. I can proudly say that I am a NINE-YEAR SURVIVOR. I have continued to support the cause and I support as many people as possible to help focus on the power of hope and resilience.
While I was sorting out my personal issues, I remained focused on what my business goals were and continued to seek and broaden my customer base. I made door to door visits to local barbershops and beauticians to keep a consistent sales channel for my product. Being a sole proprietor of a business can pose numerous challenges. It was impossible to be everywhere at the same time and attempting to reach our customers during peak hours was a daunting task. Additional roadblocks were evident given that I was only able to do so in a 2- or 3-hour time-frame. You may ask if these life events were beneficial to me and I’ll say with a resounding…YES!!! These opportunities allowed me the opportunity to fine-tune my menu and perfect my recipes to deliver a superior product.
My desire to reach more people on a regular basis led me to the Farmer’s Market. I proactively applied and was accepted to be a vendor at the McKinney’s Farmers Market in McKinney, TX. As the newest dessert vendor on the block, I’ve encountered a few setbacks, however, I believe that this venue has become a successful experience. You can find me at the market every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the months from April – November. I can also be contacted anytime through my website, www.auntnettie.com. Ultimately, my hope is to secure a storefront or be a fixture in an establishment. I’m currently working on a gourmet line and additional information will be communicated shortly via various social media outlets.
Please tell us about Aunt Nettie’s Sweets & Treats.
Aunt Nettie’s is a uniquely southern themed dessert company. We make delicious Pecan Tarts, Pecan Pies, Lemon Glazed Pound Cake, Pound Cake, Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake, Red Velvet Cake and Sweet Potato Pie with tender loving care.
I am most proud and humbled by some of the responses that I receive when a customer takes a bite out of my delectable delights. Their reaction is priceless! I believe that what sets me apart from other bakeries is that I produce the best homemade desserts possible. Truly a signature line of products that is consistently fantastic!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Wow! Growing up with eight people in the home, there was always something to laugh about. I would have to say my greatest memories are when we were all together during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. We enjoyed some great times, good cooking, games, jokes, music, family and friends. In short, a whole lot of love that I feel is baked into my desserts.
Pricing:
- Cakes priced from $30 – $45
- Pies priced from $12 -$20
- Tarts priced from $10 – $12
Contact Info:
- Website: www.auntnettie.com
- Phone: 214-577-1857
- Email: akillette@auntnettie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntnetties/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Auntnettiesweets/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/auntnetties_
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
