Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAundria Thompson.
Hi DeAundria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My business originally started with me doing custom cakes. I have always enjoyed baking since I was a little girl, thanks to my grandmother. I would purchase custom cakes for my daughters’ birthdays until May of 2012. I decided to make my daughter’s cake myself. I took to YouTube, and the rest was history. 2 years later, I went on to enroll at Remington College, where I received my diploma in Culinary Pastry Arts. Each year as I planned my kiD’Souza birthdays, I would try something new just to see if I could master it. I have always been a creative and crafty person, so a lot of it came easy. I next tried my hand at balloon decor and fell in love with it. After posting pics of my kids parties on social media, people started reaching out and asking me to service them for their events, and that’s pretty much how my hobby became a business. I operated my business and worked full-time for about 8 years. It was very overwhelming at times doing both, but I kept going. My husband and kids were so supportive and my motivation. They never let me give up. Business was growing faster and faster, and then the pandemic hit. Surprisingly, my business continued to grow, and my books became super busy because people wanted to decorate their homes as much as possible since event venues weren’t back fully operating. During this time, I was able to really see if I wanted to only operate my business full-time. Upon returning in person to work, I found myself no longer wanting to work for someone else, although my husband and I had the conversation several times about me quitting my job and stepping out on faith. My husband asked me a couple of times had I submitted my resignation, and I said no he asked why not. The thought was scary; I can’t even lie. So, I continued to pray about it. I kept having this conversation with God about it and giving different scenarios, but each time, God revealed something new, reassuring me that it was time. So, I turned in my letter, and on 12-29/2020, I walked away from my then job of 7 years.
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?
Absolutely not a smooth road! There are good days and bad days. A times you are booked and busy, then other times when you aren’t busy at all. Being a business owner is not for the weak. Lots of long hours. Doubt and the unknowing will have you second-guessing everything. But I Keep God first and pray constantly. My support system also keeps me grounded.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A lot of people feel like this is an over-saturated market. I understand there are a lot of cake decorators, balloon stylists, and event planners. However, I feel like what sets me apart is the fact that I’m a Jack of all trades. Most event stylists in the industry have a list of vendors that the rely on to fulfill their clients desires. Majority of the services that I need for my clients I do in-house. Having a party consist of a lot… need a cake; I got you! Need balloons, centerpieces, t-shirts, props, treats, backdrops I got you! Almost anything my clients need I have in-house, and if I don’t, I will get it. I try to keep my clients from having to contact several different vendors.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
My advice for those starting out is to be passionate about what you are doing. Don’t go buying inventory just because; buy as needed. But most of all keep God first and take your time; never let someone pressure you about your business decisions.
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