We were lucky to catch up with Carmen Reid recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carmen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It had been an idea of mine to bring boba to the city of Ellisville for several years, but the timing and availability of the perfect location just never was right. So, about 4 years ago we decided we would make a go at running a mobile unit and taking it to local events and locations to introduce boba to a wide range of people. It went well, we met a ton of wonderful people, made some loyal customers, and had so much fun! Then two years later a small building in the heart of downtown Ellisville opened up and I knew it was time! With Jones College and so many local schools close by we knew it could really be a success. We jumped on the opportunity, but we also knew we couldn’t survive on just boba alone so we created a small menu of our favorite grilled cheese sandwiches that we had in rotation on our own family dinner menu at home. We also wanted to provide another option for people as well and that’s when we came up with the idea for the loaded baked potatoes because we didn’t know of anyone else in the area that provided them. From there we went to work transforming the old building that once held so many other small businesses but never a restaurant, so there was a lot to be done!

Carmen, 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 was a stay at home mom of 4 before opening my store front with periods of working as a substitute teacher. I love community and I love kids. I have been highly involved with both by being a volunteer softball and cheerleading coach and part of several school organizations. I believe boba is mostly known by the younger generations, but I wanted to introduce boba to all because it is so fun! Our store is ran with love and I take pride in service with a smile. I love people and it makes my day to put a smile on someone else’s face! We have a sticky note wall where people can write an encouraging message or just be creative! It makes my heart overjoyed to see all the Bible verses up there from so many customers. It really is one of my favorite features in our store.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

When we began my target customers were college aged students and below, but being in the downtown Ellisville area our main customers are actually over 35. They are mainly people coming in on their quick lunch break from all the surrounding businesses and we are so happy to have them! It is so fun to introduce boba to so many people who have no idea what it is!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe that my joy and customer service has really helped to build the loyal customer base that we have. I love to talk with my customers and really take an interest in their lives. I want to bring a smile to their faces with the way they are treated. From the time they walk in until they walk out I want them to feel loved and appreciated because I am so grateful they chose to come and support me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://southernsweetboba.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southern_sweet_boba?igsh=NHZnYnZuMzlrbnNp&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLD5kjAi5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@southern.sweet.boba?_r=1&_t=ZP-91L4JzERv4Q