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

Dee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My parents were my first teachers. Growing up, we always had people at our house communing. My mom taught me to connect with people; she had never met a stranger! She also taught me how to analyze dishes and always find ways to improve my craft. My dad taught me to have a business mind and market my talents. My dad is the best hype man because no matter what I did or pursued growing up, he told me how great I was. Both of my parents have been my biggest supporters. They were my first customers, number one fans, and most honest critics. Unfortunately, I recently lost my mom, who gave me this passion for baking, entertaining people, and showing me that food, or in my case, sweets, is a great way to bond with individuals. I have got to be honest; since she has left this earth physically, baking or continuing on this journey feels bleak and often wrong. How can I continue something that I relied on her to do? Being able to call her and ask for substitutions or share a recipe idea is something I don’t think I took for granted, but I did not cherish those moments enough. However, my dad has recently reminded me that baking can be a way to connect with her and continue to honor her. She has left a legacy that cannot be matched, but I can try. Resiliency and passion keep me going, and I owe those traits to my parents.

Dee, 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?

I am Dee Cumberbatch, the owner, and operator of the local bakery Dee’s Sweets & Treats. I started baking as a child and have always considered it my passion. In high school, I was known to say that I would open my own bakery once I retired from my career. During covid, I had a plethora of free time and breaks between teaching my middle school students, so I took the leap and started my dream several years earlier than expected. I love celebrating people and making them feel special, which is the goal that I always aim to achieve. Our motto is “let us help you celebrate you,” and in all that we do, I am proud to say that we do just that! From Dee’s Sweets & Treats, you can expect your vision to come to life, a joy to spread to others, and love in every order,

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am currently at this stage in my business. This past year has been a whirlwind of setbacks and struggles. From teaching demanding more time than I expected and then the unexpected loss of my mother, I had to take a step back and think about where I wanted my business to go. This interview is the first big thing I’ve done for my business in 2022. I have gone back to the drawing board and created a plan for 2023 to help me prioritize my business more and also help live out the legacy my mother left for me.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been word of mouth and people I’ve met via vendor events. I have met people from all over the state and received orders from across the country simply because people like you enjoy my creations and share them with a friend. I owe my success to family, friends, and strangers who love to celebrate as much as I do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dees.sweetsandtreats
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dees.SweetsnTreats/