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

Yolonda, appreciate you joining us today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

Well, there have been several occasions, but two stand out the most. The first was at the Durham Armory for a pop-up shop. My table was set to sale strawberry tea and strawberry lemonade. Most people haven’t heard of strawberry tea, but apparently it was a success. Near the end of the day, a friend who was working with me was trying to grab drinks for each customer, when 3-4 women began to lean into the cooler to grab drinks from her and yelling,” I want one. Don’t take the last one!”. I must admit we laughed so hard. It was a very exciting day. My second event was held at Triangle Towne Center in Raleigh for a Mother’s Day pop-up shop. A group of men from a little town called Yadkinville, NC who had never heard of a Brownie Cheesecake began to ask plenty of questions concerning the ingredients and the concept of the cheesecake. They we so amazed at the flavor, two brother’s began to argue over the last box that I had. They decided to buy a box and split the cheesecake. Another customer of the mall overheard the two men arguing about my products and decided to purchase as well. Surprisingly enough, the event was two days and the guys returned on the second day to find me and make another purchase. Again the young men that were with them raved over the strawberry lemonade. That was a full day of fun.

Yolonda, 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?

My name is Yolonda and I am the creative owner of EvetteSavoriz Treats & Drinks. I was born and raised in Durham, NC; the youngest of three children, and the mother of two young men. I am a creative woman who specializes in mini cheesecakes and drinks.

Having a passion for food and people, I kept hearing people say, “you should start a business.” With that, I began to pray and my creative juices began to flow as baking became my focus. EvetteSavoriz is dedicated to creating fresh, homemade, delicious desserts, using locally sourced ingredients. Each order is custom created full of “yumminess,” and “sprinkled with love.”

Becoming my own boss hasn’t been an easy journey. Some of the struggles have been work-life balance with family and continuing to find ways to reach new customers. Also there are challenges with unexpected changes with supplies. However, the interaction with so many new people from all parts of the world; just strengthens my passion to continue and strive for more.

My drinks are what I am known for. Strawberry Tea isn’t something that most people have heard of; however I am known as the ” Tea Lady”! With that, various lemonade flavors have also become a favorite.

Some of my specialties include Apple Pie Cheesecake, Lemon Cheesecake, Banana Pudding Cheesecake, Brownie Cheesecake and Caramel Apple Cheesecake. These are not flavors that you can find in many places.

I am mostly proud to be in business from just a thought and a night of fun! My cheesecakes have brought so much joy to so many and that warms my heart each day.

My unique flavors and originality set me apart from others. My greatest reward has become witnessing the joy expressed by our customers when they enjoy one of our many bite-sized “heavenly” cheesecakes or crisp, fruit infused teas.

My passion is making people happy with GOOD FOOD. After years of being encouraged to start my own business and many prayerful days and nights, my creativity began to flourish and the thrill of creating scrumptious flavor combinations has become exhilarating!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My best source for new clients has been Pop-Up Shops. These events allow you to meet different people from all walks of life. I have been asked to provide my desserts for various functions with include church events, schools functions, catered events, and family functions.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

There have actually been two strategies for my clientele growth. The first would be pop- up shops which I have stated before. These give you direct, face to face contact with new people. Another great option is social media. With the help of a close friend, my business is now on Facebook. Instagram and TikTok. The world of technology has become the main focus for most people, so allowing myself to be part of these has helped with the growth immensely.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.evettesavoriz.com
• Instagram: evettesavoriz
• Facebook: Evettesavoriz
• Other: TiK ToK- Evettesavoriz