Today we’d like to introduce you to Arica Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I became the resilient woman I am today because of my journey. I was born right here in Dallas, TX. I was raised in the Southern part of Dallas better known as South Dallas lol. I attended school from elementary until graduating high school in South Dallas. I attended and graduated from the only HBCU in Dallas, Oak Cliff to be exact. South Dallas is an area where others on the outside feel can’t produce successful, intelligent, knowledgeable, strong, individuals. I grew up in an environment that most feel my culture experiences the same life. Well, I did, but that did not stop me from pushing toward greatness and proving I did not have to become a product of my environment in a negative light. I have always been the type of person to enjoy seeing others succeed. I love motivating others and giving that extra push. So, I decided to take my advice and challenge myself with starting business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I continued to talk myself out of moving forward multiple times. I struggled with learning the techniques of ensuring my products were prepared correctly as well as running into brick walls when researching where to purchase certain material. Also, the moments of not having the funds to do exactly what I wanted to do to get things up and running were discouraging at times.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Beyond Berries story. Tell us more about the business.
Beyond Berries became a thought in 2014. I thought it would be a cool side hustle to make extra money in addition to my full-time jobs as an employee, wife, mother, and graduate student. I came up with the name, the products, a motto, prices, and didn’t think about it after that lol.
In 2015, the thought popped in my head again and I decided to give it a try. I informed my co-workers at the time I would be taking Christmas orders. They were excited and placed their orders. I was nervous because I failed to mention I hadn’t dipped a berry yet and they would be my first customers. I received six orders and done pretty good. I received great feedback on the taste, presentations, and size of the berries. After that, the word began to spread. My next order was Valentines 2016. I pushed to get orders out because I was excited. I ended up having 50 dozen of chocolate covered strawberries to complete. I was freaking out lol and asking myself, “What have I gotten myself into”? After that, I continued to fulfill holiday orders and nothing in between.
Beyond Berries was known by my regular customers for fulfilling holiday orders. I began to really think about how my business could grow if I worked outside of the holidays. I continued to get positive feedback and encouragement about getting serious because I was good at it. I will be honest, I was scared to fully give it my all. I thought about other business with the same products but then realized I love what I do, I enjoy it, I give it my all, I love the reaction from my customers, and we are different businesses that have something unique about us. Again, after all of the push and motivation, I didn’t give it my all and went months without fulfilling orders.
Last year I told myself, “That’s it no more playing”. I realized that I wasn’t giving myself the credit I deserved. I reached out to my support system and discussed my plan. Of course, they told me, “About time and go for it”! I realized that everyone can’t do what I do. Dipping looks easy, but you have to have patience because of the tedious details that come with it. Although I have other goals not related to treat making I enjoy and proud that I am able to call it mine. I made it “Official” I came up with the logo, the audience I wanted to target, and how I wanted my business to stand apart from other treat makers.
Beyond Berries provides chocolate covered sweets and treats which include regular and infused strawberries & pineapples. I also dip pretzels, popcorn, oreos, and graham crackers. All of these tasty treats have the option of adding toppings of your choice which includes sprinkles, edible pearls, and images, pecans, almonds, peanuts, cookies, candies, cereal, etc.
I specialize in gourmet chocolate covered treats. I am known for my infused fruit, lol. My customers have the option to infuse their strawberries and pineapples with their choice of liquor, wine, or champagne.
I am most proud that Beyond Berries is growing and given the opportunity to connect with individuals, businesses, and organizations.
I believe what sets me apart from other treat makers is my presentation, the rich taste of the chocolate, and not blending in and following the trend of designs. My goal is to wow my customers when they open their package with the appearance and send me that, “Giiiiiiiirrrrrrrrl these berries were to die for” text when they take that first bite.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Well, it hasn’t been luck. I will say I have been BLESSED in my life and business because I have a great support system which includes my husband, family, friends, and my loyal customers, and let me not the strangers who crossed my path. I have come in contact with other treat makers that BLESSED me with sharing so much information. There have been times I ran into another treat maker in the store buying supplies and they sparked a conversation with me and provided the information I was stressing about because I didn’t know how to do a certain thing or where to buy a product. It’s rare you find individuals, especially women of my culture doing the same thing you’re doing help you out. Let alone volunteer information to help you succeed.
Contact Info:
- Email: beyondberriessweets@gmail.com
- Instagram: @beyondberriessweets
- Facebook: @beyondberriessweets
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
