Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abishai Aryee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Abishai, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The story behind the mission of 10:31 Sweets is to share the Gospel. I have always loved to bake; and recently, my relationship with the Lord has grown tremendously. So when I was thinking of a name, I knew I wanted to mix the two.
On the bottom of all of my sweets I have sold, I have written a Bible verse. So I’m not only sharing sweets, but I’m also sharing the scripture. In hopes that it plants some seeds in people’s hearts that God can later use to open doors.
Abishai, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi, my name is Abishai Aryee. I am a recent Howard graduate with a B.S. in biology and minors in chemistry and Spanish.
I started baking in elementary school, helping my mom in the kitchen when she most likely made cornbread (she always made cornbread lol)
From there, my love for baking grew and never stopped. I had always wanted to start a business and sell my treats, but I didn’t begin until the second semester of my senior year in college. And honestly, it took that long because I was letting fear stop me. However, I am so glad that I started this business! Seeing how many people have been affected by my baking has honestly been so heartwarming.
At 10:31, Sweets, if you want it, I can make it! I make cakes, cupcakes, pies, cookies, brownies, and brookies. I also have a custom order form where you can buy layered cakes, and there’s another option where you can put anything you want. I can make crème brûlée, macarons, Danishes, cheesecake, tres leches, and much more.
I love that people love my baked goods; however, the heart of 10:31 Sweets is to glorify God. And that is what I want all people to know. 10:31 Sweets is not just a bakery; it is a ministry where I use my baking to share the Gospel.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson that I had to unlearn is that it’s okay to advertise because advertising is not begging. For a long time, I thought I was begging people to buy my products by promoting my company often. One person helped me realize that if the people in our apartment group chat can post about selling weed daily, I can post about my business just as often because mine is spreading the Gospel.
I would say this lesson mainly came from my mother. Growing up, she would tell me not to insert myself into places I was not wanted or invited into. So to me, advertising every day was like forcing myself on people. But once again that same friend helped me understand that if I do not advertise, people will not know that I am there..
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I believe the most effective strategy I have had for growing my clientele has simply been word-of-mouth. As I said in my first question, I had to overcome the hump, not wanting to seem like I’m begging people to buy my products. Once I did, and I was okay speaking about my company, my clientele grew.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://form.jotform.com/242456489666170?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKYH61leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpzMxod137PQku5Tvi-LFlsfx5RuRywyb8hSjT1ipl5jcGvzVCWwTIC1MLWLT_aem_OV_S_AuB1sqOLVoD1gNvww
- Instagram: 10.31sweets
- Other: Instagram and TikTok main: Abishai.aryee
