Today we’d like to introduce you to Shunita Salone.
Shunita, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My grandmother and mother were both such great cooks. For years, my family called me Betty Crocker because I was always whipping up something sweet and delicious. For some reason, cooking and baking was one of the things I ran from though. After trying just about every career path my heart desired, I decided maybe I should give this a shot. People always say “if you do what you love, it will not feel like work” so since I enjoyed cooking and baking, I thought maybe the saying will be true and it wouldn’t feel like work to me.
I started my cake journey with a Wilton cake decorating the class. I always thought cakes were such an interesting work of art. Then, I got the desire to go back to school to perfect my God given talent and see where it would take me. In 2016, I graduated from El Centro College as a Pastry Chef. Since then, I have been building my brand, winning awards and expanding my clientele — all while perfecting my craft!
Has it been a smooth road?
Not in the beginning, I was guilty of poor planning which lead to poor execution. Fast forward today and I plan like a mad scientist from shopping days ahead to hour-by-hour and day-to-day production. Part of my glow up meant losing friends who didn’t understand the time and planning that goes into an event or what it means to primarily be a one woman show for daily production. It is sometimes hard to find the balance of a social life vs rest. Majority of the time I need the rest more than anything. I think one of the biggest challenges I faced was getting people to understand that cooking and baking was not a hobby — it is my job! Some people felt like I was always supposed to give them items for free or at a discounted price. Not taking into consideration all the time, money and work that it takes to bake a cake or prepare a meal.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a small business that specializes in scratch-based cakes and catering events such as weddings, birthdays, baby showers, company events, repast or any other events you may have. We are known for our delicious food and cakes. Our most popular cake flavor is the Italian Cream Cake, it is sure to knock your socks off and be hands down the best you’ve ever tasted! All of our other 25 flavors are as equally good and moist! Chef Harry is behind our unique custom menus that are pleasing to everyone’s taste buds.
I am most proud of our ability to build remarkable rapport with our customers and become like family to them and their constant referrals. I couldn’t do my larger events without the support of these amazing people. Each of our behind the scenes team members work very hard; from Jackie the equipment packer and my right hand. To Quincy and Trifari who are part of our sales team and waitstaff. Sabrina and Salvador are our table decor designers and structural builds. Last, but not least we have Anesha, Krista, and Nakia who are a part of our waitstaff and back of the house at large events.
What sets us apart from many of the local bakers and bakeries, is the fact that all of our cakes are scratch based and full of flavor. When it comes to our food it is delicious down-home cooking like you get from your grandma and full of flavor. I like for your guest to rave about how good your food is so we are constantly perfecting recipes.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Dallas is a great place for businesses like ours because it is such a big city and so many customers that you have the potential of reaching. Yes, I would recommend starting a business out here, the biggest thing is making yourself stand out.
Contact Info:
- Website: Ravishingss.com
- Phone: 2142230645
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/ravishingentreesanddesserts
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RavishingEntreesDesserts
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