Today we’d like to introduce you to Asma Abdellatif.
Asma, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been a stay at home mom for about 11 years. Before that, I was an elementary Montessori teacher. To decide to go back to work was a tough decision since I stopped working for my daughters, but now that they are older, I am ready to get back out there. I had a hard time figuring out how to do that, though. People around me have always complimented my food; my family, friends, neighbors, etc. have always said that my food tastes great and is made with a lot of love.
Additionally, I have always liked to make things look beautiful and play with color, and pay attention to detail, and add subtle touches. I like simplicity and an elegant look to things. Because of these passions, I started working as a chocolatier at Godiva (in Willowbend Mall), and I learned a lot, but this was not enough for me, so I combined my food and my love of art, and I came up with my mini desserts! At first, they were only a hobby, but with the constant encouragement from my daughters, I turned it into a business. I doubted myself many times, but my daughters kept pushing me and believed in me. I am really happy that I am now sharing my creations with others and spreading the love!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not! Working in the catering industry is very difficult because there are hundreds of businesses that make cookies, hundreds more that make cupcakes, hundreds more that make cakes, etc. There is a lot of competition, and original ideas could and often have been thought of before. Additionally, it isn’t very easy to reach new clients and win their trust. There is no manual for how to do this; you have to do what you can and hope for the best. Another struggle is that I am the type of person that only accepts perfection. This is impossible to without the finest (and often most expensive) ingredients. This is not practical from a business standpoint, especially one with a lot of competition.
However, the biggest struggle was/is balancing my business and my family. My family is the most important part of my life, and so with this business, I sometimes feel like my days are longer than 24 hours because of how much I have to do! I do not want my family to feel like my business is taking my time from them and so I do more for my family than I used to feel at ease, but I still need to give my business a lot of time too.
Tiny Tea Party – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Tiny Tea Party is all about tiny mini desserts and finger foods! Whether it’s sweet or salty, I’ve got it! I put in the same amount of care into the presentation of my desserts as I do in their flavors and quality. I am also proud of my ability to adapt to my client’s preferences and experiment with color, edible logos/icons, toppings, garnishes, etc. to create the best mini desserts/finger foods for their occasion.
I make mini cheesecakes (vanilla, strawberry, pistachio, nutella, caramel, oreo, etc.), mousses (chocolate, white chocolate, caramel, nutella, etc.), classic desserts (italian tiramisu, upside down pineapple cake, key lime pie, etc.), savory finger foods (salami, smoked salmon, shrimp, cream cheese, etc.), and many other treats!!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Client loyalty and satisfaction is the most important marker for success to me. I think I will be most happy with my business when I feel like my mini desserts are loved by many and are frequently asked for. I want to be part of big events (such as weddings, large banquets, and other business events). My dreams for the future of my business involve a dessert cafe so that I can have an actual Tiny Tea Party!!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4699809060
- Email: tinyteaparty.catering@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Asma
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