Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Veaunka Gulley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Veaunka thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Unlike most, I did not ever see myself having a baking/cooking business. I am in healthcare two completely different paths. However, I’ve always loved to cook and bake, I learned how to cook watching my grandmother Christell and my mother. I never understood why they went above and beyond cooking and serving others just for fun but as an adult, I know get fulfilled watching others consume my food. This is not a business it’s a family! Each and everyone of my “customers” are really an extension of family. I came up with the name “Say Grace Sweet&Savory “ because we always said Grace when the food was being placed on the table, no matter what we were doing or how busy we were we “ said Grace” and that feeling around the room with the ones you love is what matters. I want to be apart of that “Say Grace” moment for others. Serving others is my spiritual gift, what I do gives me great joy! I love every minute of it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I am a a lover of Christ Jesus, a wife, mom of an 8year old adventurous boy. I am originally from Camden, AR. I am a dental instructor, and currently on my doctoral journey. On top of that I started my business Say Grace Sweet&Savory OCTOBER 2021, I have been cooking and baking for years but those around me motivated me to make it official and it’s been an amazing journey.

I make all things sweet, my specials are Poundcakes, Speciality cupcakes, catering services, meal prepping.

One of the biggest problems that I have found my customers have is the lack of time to cook a meal everyday, so I began to offer meal prep where they choose from weight loss meal plans or soul food meal prep options. Thai frees my customers up so that they can get to the things they enjoy most.

What sets me a part, is that it’s not about meeting a yearly quota or revenue, I don’t get caught up in sales. I just set out to do what I love and seeing another individual try my services and love them makes me feel fulfilled. The amazing stories that I hears from just a “Say Grace” moment. It’s not a job, it’s my passion.

I am proud of the moments that I have shared with others and the relationships and bonds we have made just over the exchange of food. I have grown to love each and everyone of them and without them I couldn’t do this. I will continue to work hard and make sure that others feel my ministry through my work. Always remember your not just a customer with Say Grace, you are family!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Getting involved in the community and showing up. Being at events and not being afraid to talk and meet new people. Often times social media and technology create a barrier to real authentic conversations. I choose to connect beyond technology.

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

Social media can be intimidating, and confusing at first. I choose to be myself, be my true self because not everyday will be picture perfect and not everyday will you have content to post and that’s okay! Be you, have fun, create content I’m batches and let your creative self evolve! Most importantly interact with your followers and respond to the “yummy” or “that looks great” comments… take out the time and they appreciate you. I’m still building an audience, I don’t get caught up in numbers or likes just building relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website:www.saygracesweetandsavory.com
• Instagram: saygrace_ss