Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaunette Oliver-Dale.
Shaunette, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started baking in 2015 being a mom of three children at the time my son was a huge Ninja Turtle fan and I wanted to surprise him with an amazing birthday cake. So, I enrolled in YouTube University (lol) and started watching videos and studying all things cake. I was able to pick up different techniques and the cake turned out amazing so I said “hmm you may have found a hidden talent” I posted the picture and a friend reached out about creating a smash cake for her nephew and she stated that cake was better than the actual cake for her event. Now, we are a few months in and I noticed a few of my friends on Facebook were expecting so I sent messages asking if I could provide items for the baby shower and only one person was on board with the idea and took me up on the offer I ended up doing the cake and a lot of different treats as well. She became a repeat customer after her event! 2016 was a hard year for me I started not to love baking anymore after losing my dad and not feeling valued as a baker and when I say not being valued it was just feeling as though everyone wanted to negotiate their price at the end of the year I ended up spending more on supplies then I brought in. So, I was done I completely stopped baking and started turning down orders for about a year in 2018 a friend wanted me to make a cake for his 30th birthday and I did and it sparked that fire again! I totally revamped my brand purchased a new logo, bought a domain for my website, started a separate business page on both Facebook and Instagram, purchased labels and different packaging materials and hit the ground running.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road I have had doubts and insecurities on if I’m as good as my friends and family say that I am. I had to learn to value my business and my brand by not being the cheap cake lady. Which is funny because when I started out I didn’t want to really charge that much because I thought well I’m new to this and this could help get my name out there and it did but not the way it should be. I would be the person people reached out to if others were too busy or the price was too high and those were never repeat customers.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Oliver’s Twisted Treats – what should we know?
I take ordinary snacks and turn them into extraordinary treats, I can create anything from wedding cakes to a simple lollipop! I’m known for putting a unique twist on things, for example, my chocolate covered chips! What I am most proud of as a company is that my company represents all things Shaunette she is crazy quirky and out of the box and I’m able to replicate that in Dessert form. Being in Dallas there are a lot of amazing cake artists here what I believe sets me apart is really thinking outside of the box. By that, I mean I get inspiration at the weirdest times and the first thing I do is call my husband or Best friend and say “what do you think about this?” And their reaction is either I have to see it taste it or go ahead of you always make it work!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oliver’s Twisted Treats is my vision but I have a fierce team behind me first and foremost, I have to give all the praise and honor to my Lord and Savior my faith is what gets me through difficult times the foundation of my business is built on Jesus Christ. Then, there’s my husband Desmond he is my biggest supporter, Lakitria she is a huge advocate for OTT she is in the hair industry and she hands out cards and samples to her clients she actually had my items at the Texas International Hairshow this past weekend which was great exposure for my company, and last but not least there’s Elanda she is heaven sent she orders all the supplies that I need and goes to different vendor events with me she and my husband gave themselves titles but I can’t remember what position they hold (inside joke).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oliverstwistedtreats.party
- Phone: 2147107930
- Email: oliverstwistedtreats@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @olivers_twistedtreats
- Facebook: @oliverstwistedtreats
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