Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Samford.
Desiree, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
A plant-based eatery has always been on the goal board for myself and co-owner and Chef Sumeyye Johnson. Both of us coming here from Southern California, we had a desire to bring our knowledge and food to East Texas. In short, we started out doing the local farmers market under the Texas Home Cottage Law in Longview, Texas. It was a way to get our product to the locals in dire need of anything plant based, while we hunted for a suitable café.
Shortly after, were able to land a commercial kitchen which allowed us to begin selling our sweets wholesale to some of the local businesses in town. We built a really great repertoire with the local community. Then in October of 2018 we stumbled across our current café space. A diamond in the rough, if you will. Haha We began renovations and opened our doors on Valentine’s Day of 2019.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Honestly, in the pursuit of your dreams there will always be some hiccups along the way. But your passion and drive to create something amazing can turn those hiccups into gold. Our location is tough. We did not find it – we like to say it found us. We are in the middle of nowhere but close to everywhere. With that our biggest hurdle and one we take on with pride, is educating the community. Health, Animal Rights, and Global Awareness is not exactly top on the list in East Texas. We are quite literally the only fully plant-based option for 100 miles.
We care deeply about what we do, and are in for the long haul of bringing wellness and nourishment. In steak country we want to squash the stigma of vegans and show that our food is amazing food period. Not just good for vegan food.
Please tell us about your business.
We specialize in plant-based eats. Everything from our five Generation Cinnamon Rolls, and Gourmet Burgers, and everything in between. Chef Sumeyye is a trained chef and has worked as a private chef for high profile clients and has worked with the Food Network. Every dish she creates, she creates with sincere passion. There is so much we are proud of; truly. Our love for this business pours out into every aspect of what our company represents. We have never received a negative review nor comment from anyone that has visited our café. We receive so much love in return and it’s such an amazing feeling. Our food is The! Bomb! No shame.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is obtaining joy in your journey. Whatever that may be. I think that’s what makes life so Incredible. Success can be measured in so many different ways; and none of them are wrong. Finding true success can be obtained from following your dreams. Keeping your dream alive. Being your authentic self. Remembering that no one is you. No one has what you have. Your gift is yours alone that no one can take. Create abundance from that. Have faith in yourself, in the success of your creativity. Whatever that is; there is plenty of space for you and what you have to offer the world.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4630 State Hwy 42 N
Suite 200 Kilgore, Texas - Website: www.24karrotscafe.com
- Phone: 903-985-8829
- Email: desiree@24karrotscafe.com
- Instagram: 24karrotscafe
- Facebook: 24karrotscafe
- Twitter: 24karrotscafe
- Yelp: 24karrotscafe
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