Today we’d like to introduce you to Chandler Thomas.
Chandler, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have had a passion for cooking since I was a little boy. I have a large family, so watching my family cook large meals was always apart of my life. My great grandmother cooked for a living so the passion trickled down from there to my grandparents and my mother. Since this passion began to develop within me, I started showing interest by helping in the kitchen, which led to me being able to cook meals for my family and others. I decided in 2017 that I wanted to start a business. So I began doing research on the things that were required for me to be able to run my business and began executing from there. After a little over two years and taking some mental breaks, we are here. I am thankful to have the opportunity to share my passion with others by way of Soulful Sweets Shoppe.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting any business is never a smooth road, and knowing what I know now, I’d say, if it is a smooth road, it probably won’t last. I am a firm believer that everything meant to be won’t come easy. So, no, it hasn’t been a smooth road. When starting any business, you have to deal with yourself first. Fighting your doubts and/or fears is one of the hardest things but it is an everyday fight. I’ve learned that each day builds on the next to help you become stronger and more successful in operating your business and overcoming the next hurdle. I’ve had many discouraging days, but I’ve also had encouraging days, my advice would be to find a balance between the two and also change your perception. Perception is everything.
Given that this is my business, I had to make a decision, since I want to be successful, that I would continue moving forward and letting my faith carry me through all of my doubts and fears. There is a learning experience in every situation. So, it’s always best to take note of the “not so positive” situations to learn from them. Having your own business is probably one of the best decisions you can make because as long as you are willing to invest in yourself, the results will come. This isn’t saying you will be rich, but one happy customer is a success to me, even if that was my only customer for the day. I continue to motivate myself daily so that I don’t give up and I try my best to keep my creative juices flowing to keep my customers happy.
Soulful Sweets Shoppe – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Soulful Sweets Shoppe is a locally owned bakery/pop up catering business here in Dallas, TX, which started in Phoenix, AZ. We specialize in handcrafted cobblers, pies and cookies. Most known for our Peach Cobbler, we strive for originality while also providing a unique approach to each dessert, whether visual, through the ingredients or the marketing approach. As a brand, I believe what sets us apart from other businesses is our presentation and the time we spend to ensure quality is being delivered. More-so the heart behind every dessert that is made. My desire is to always make sure that the customers feel a bit of my heart through every dessert they have. Spreading love through every item is my ultimate goal. We are new to the Dallas area and are looking forward to serving the Community and the surrounding areas.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, success is a perception, but still, something that is achievable in the early stages of your business. I’ve learned as a business owner that even when business is slow, as long as I am contributing to the growth of my business, that is a win!! There is no time to waste, having the understanding that every day won’t be a high selling day, but when not selling, there are still things to be done, makes things easier. At some point, I believe true success is reached, and it’s no longer a forced perception, it literally becomes a “reality,” which I do believe through my hard work and dedication, that will be a reachable place for me in the near future.
My criteria in achieving success is simple, am I doing what I love? Do I know my “why” for doing it, and my goals for the future clear, Those three questions are things that I think about often which tend to keep me in check? My belief is that by being able to answer these questions, It will get afford me the opportunity to reach my short-term goals to get me to the point of true success because I’ll have a clear path outlined of where it is I’m trying to go! The “why” will sustain me!!! Especially when I feel like giving up.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4698770701
- Email: soulfulsweetsshoppe@gmail.com
- Instagram: soulful_sweets_dfw
- Facebook: Facebook.com/SoulfulSweetsShoppe
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.
