Today we’d like to introduce you to Velena Jones.
Hi Velena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Mary V’s began as a deeply personal tribute to my Nana and the legacy she left in our family. Some of my earliest memories are rooted in her kitchen—the comforting aromas of home-cooked meals, the warmth of her baking, and the way food brought everyone together. Growing up, you could taste the love in everything she made. Whether it was a family meal or a dessert fresh from the oven, her cooking always made you feel cared for and at home.
Mary V’s originally started with desserts. Baking became both a creative outlet and a source of comfort during a season of personal transition in my life. What began as making sweets for family and friends soon turned into something more, as people started requesting my desserts—especially cheesecake—and encouraging me to share them more broadly. That early support gave me the confidence to take my first steps into entrepreneurship.
As the business grew, so did my purpose. I noticed that many people weren’t just looking for desserts—they were looking for relief, comfort, and help getting real, home-cooked meals on the table during busy or challenging seasons of life. Inspired by my Nana’s approach to food as nourishment and care, I expanded Mary V’s to include meal preps and family-size meals. This shift felt like a natural extension of what Mary V’s was always meant to be.
Faith has played a significant role in my journey. Stepping into entrepreneurship required trust, obedience, and the willingness to move forward even when the path wasn’t clear. Building Mary V’s has been as much a personal and spiritual journey as it has been a business one—learning to trust God, believe in myself, and honor the gifts I’ve been given.
Today, Mary V’s offers thoughtfully prepared meal preps, family-style meals, and handcrafted desserts. While cheesecake remains our signature, every item we create is made with intention, care, and love. Mary V’s is more than a food business—it’s my way of honoring my Nana, serving my community, and creating food that feels like home.
Alright, 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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles has been overcoming fear—especially my strong fear of posting on social media. Putting myself and my work out there has felt vulnerable, and at times I’ve wrestled with self-doubt and the pressure to be visible while still staying authentic.
Balancing entrepreneurship with everyday responsibilities has also been challenging. As Mary V’s grew from desserts into meal preps and family-size meals, I had to learn how to manage time, pricing, consistency, and growth—all while maintaining the quality and care that inspired the business in the first place.
Faith has been my anchor throughout the journey. I’ve learned that growth often requires stepping outside of my comfort zone and moving forward even when fear is present. While the road hasn’t been easy, every challenge has helped shape me into a more confident and resilient business owner.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve spent the past 12 years working as a Payroll Tax Analyst, specializing in payroll tax compliance, multi-state taxation, and process improvement. I’m known for helping grow payroll tax departments, creating clear and efficient processes, and bringing structure and consistency to complex systems.
What I’m most proud of is building processes that last—leaving teams stronger, more organized, and better supported than when I arrived. That same discipline carries into my work with Mary V’s, where I combine structure with creativity and care. What sets me apart is my ability to balance detail-driven work with purpose, heart, and intentional service.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Spending time with my grandmother.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/mary-vs-sweets-treats
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryvs_sweets_treats
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mary-Vs-Sweets-Treats/61561534388765/
Image Credits
For professional picture Photo credit-TRS Photography
Other photos-Photo credit- By me Velena Jones
