Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Pitts.
Hi Cara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hailing from San Antonio, I’ve always been deeply rooted in community and service. My professional background spans customer service and healthcare. I’ve been at the forefront of driving credit sales and enhancing customer experiences in the retail sector. This foundation led me to the intricate world of healthcare, where I collaborated with esteemed medical professionals to streamline quality analysis and defect management, ensuring impeccable service standards. I also had the rewarding experience of training teams both locally and in the Philippines.
While my professional life was bustling, my passion lay in the kitchen. Baking was a part of my DNA; from family holidays to reunions, I was the go-to dessert creator. My love for baking took an interesting turn when Marcus, my husband, and I watched ‘What The Health.’ Inspired, Marcus embraced a plant-based lifestyle, nudging me to veganize our beloved recipes. It wasn’t long before our vegan delights won over friends and family. Leveraging a 10-week culinary accelerator program in San Antonio, we transformed our kitchen experiments into a flourishing entrepreneurial journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating the world of entrepreneurship is rarely without its challenges, and our journey is no exception. Some of our most pressing challenges have included securing adequate funding for business expansion, maintaining a talented team in a fierce market, and grappling with the effects of inflation on our operational expenses. As a growing brand, it’s evident that with expansion comes a surge in expenses, making it crucial to strategically manage our operations. Fortunately, a robust mentorship network has been our anchor, providing invaluable insights and support during those inevitable rough patches.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Southern Roots Vegan Bakery was born out of a passion for creating gourmet vegan versions of cherished Southern delicacies. Over the years, we’ve earned our reputation by delivering top-tier plant-based treats like cookies, brownies, and our signature donuts. Building upon our success, we expanded our horizons in 2022 by acquiring Cielo Scoops, a brand specializing in premium vegan ice cream. Both brands share a united mission: to make delightful vegan products accessible through a vast array of retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels. Our fruitful partnership with select Hyatt hotels in Texas is just the beginning. Our overarching ambition is to bolster our presence in hotels across the nation. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality, ensuring our treats resonate deeply with the heart and soul of every consumer.
What matters most to you?
What resonates deeply with me is the desire to establish a lasting legacy for our family. Witnessing the joy, curiosity, and pride in the eyes of my stepson and nieces as they accompany us on this entrepreneurial voyage is priceless. It’s not just about financial prosperity; it’s about instilling values of hard work, perseverance, and innovation in them. For us, it’s about laying down a foundation of generational wealth, ensuring they have the means and the knowledge to carry it forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SouthernRootsVegan.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernrootsbiz
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/southernrootsbiz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carapitts/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/southernroots_v
