We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaKeshea Mims. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaKeshea below.

LaKeshea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I actually had narrowed it down to 3 names and decided to use the one that also included part of my name. To make it unique to me. I have a few nicknames. Keesh is one of them. I thought Keesh’s Sweet Treats & Events was perfect. People seem to remember it easily.

LaKeshea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been a social worker for the past 21 years. Social Work is rewarding but it also comes with lots of challenges and stress. After working a unfulfilling and underpaid 2nd job a few years ago I wanted to do something else to supplement my income. Yes, I could’ve gotten another Social Services position but I decided to do something else I love! I love cooking & baking. I’ve always been the family member and friend to plan a party and get people together. From my teenage years until the present. I decided to marry my love Cooking/Baking & Event Planning/Design. Now, 4 years later I gone from making Candy Apples, Chess Squares & Several flavors of pudding to adding Gourmet Popcorn, Chocolate Covered Treats, Cakes, Cobblers, Candy Grapes/Pears, & Brownies. My latest creation has been sweet & spicy pickles. In addition to making sweet treats. I also decorate and plan events. I create backdrops, centerpieces, make paper flowers, and other party decor. My mother LaTanga & I run my business together. I wouldn’t be able to do this without her. One day I hope to pay her LOTS of money for her help!

I am most proud of continuing to grow and develop in now 2 careers that both have their own challenges. Continuing to grow through the pandemic. Who knew making Sweet Treats & Planning Events could be almost as stressful as Social Work at times? I try to provide great customer service and satisfaction to every customer I meet. I am grateful for the continued support! I’ll never tell anyone this is easy! It is truly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. However, Seeing and hearing about the Joy it brings people….. Makes it worth it!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Word of Mouth & Social Media has heightened my business. I started off advertising to people who had enjoyed my baking and cooking for years. I shared with my family and friends on Facebook, Instagram, & Snapchat. From there I created separate pages just for my business. I am my own content creator. My friends/family & awesome customers continue share the news of these delicious treats. My business has grown bigger than I imagined. I am forever grateful! Put in the work and when you feel like it’s too much. Solicit help from those you trust to help you.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of Mouth & Pop Ups have been the best source of new clients for me. For the past 3 years I’ve participated in a Market in my hometown of Murfreesboro, TN called The Black Murfreesboro Market. It recently ended however I plan to continue to Pop Up wherever I can. The Pop Ups have been once a month during the Spring & Summer months. I’be also participated in Pop Ups in Metro Atlanta, East TN. 1st Unofficial Pop Up was in July 2018 in Bunnlevel, NC where I have lots of family. We will travel! We hope to make it to South Georgia and Florida soon!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/keeshssweettreatsandevents
• Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/keeshssweettreatsandevents