We were lucky to catch up with Dr. LaTrelle Porter recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. LaTrelle , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
The name of my company, Delectable Desserts Galore LLC, has its roots in a name I had been using since my college days—Delectable Desserts. When COVID-19 hit, I decided to turn my side hustle into an official business to help supplement my income. However, when I applied to the Secretary of State to register the name, I found that it was already in use by another local baker.To find a new name that still represented the essence of my brand, I turned to online name generators. I entered my original business name and reviewed several suggestions. After narrowing it down to about eight potential names, I asked a few trusted friends for their input. The consensus was that “Delectable Desserts Galore” best captured the spirit of my business, and that’s how it became the new name.
Dr. LaTrelle , 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’m a human resources and talent management professional with over 26 years of experience. I hold a PhD in Management – Leadership & Organizational Change and various HR certifications, including PHR, SHRM-CP, CHRM, and ACHRM. My background spans human resources, customer service, management, and recruitment, and I’ve worked in a variety of roles. My experience with organizations such as SHRM, Bryan-Liberty Counties Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and others has allowed me to connect with the community and support professional development.
In addition to my corporate background, I am the owner of Delectable Desserts Galore LLC, a licensed Cottage Home Bakery located in Savannah, Georgia that specializes in a variety of homemade treats for all occasions. My journey into baking began during my childhood, when I spent summers with my grandmother in Richmond Hill, Georgia. She had a passion for baking, and I quickly fell in love making delicious desserts and sharing with family and friends. Those summers sparked something in me that I carried forward into adulthood. Throughout college, I continued to bake as a way to unwind and bring comfort to those around me. It became a part of who I was, and after college, I found myself baking for gatherings, holidays, and special events. I started small offering products like character cakes, bundt and layered cakes, cakesicles, and cupcakes. Baking has always been a passion of mine, something I did to unwind and express my creativity. It’s therapeutic. Initially, I was baking for friends and family, making treats for gatherings, birthdays, baby showers, weddings, and holidays. As more people started requesting my homemade treats for their special occasions, I realized I had something worth sharing with a wider audience. This passion eventually led me to establish Delectable Desserts Galore LLC, where I took the skills and love for baking that I had developed over the years and turned them into a professional venture.
The transition from casual baking to business ownership has been a learning experience. However, the challenges of running a business from home have been rewarding in their own way. From understanding food safety regulations and sourcing quality ingredients to creating a brand that resonates with my customers, it has been a fulfilling journey. It meant more than just making desserts—it meant learning about business operations, branding, packaging, perfecting my products and customer service in a whole new way. I took time to research industry trends, customer preferences, and the logistics of running a home-based baking business.
One thing I believe sets Delectable Desserts Galore apart is my attention to detail and the love I put into each item I make- the personal touch I bring to my products and a commitment to quality. I’ve built my brand on creating memorable, homemade treats that elevate any occasion. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, from baking in my kitchen as a hobby to running a successful Cottage Home Bakery. We’re working on branding and offering subscription boxes that allow customers to experience a variety of our products regularly. My goal is to provide a unique experience where clients can find something special, whether for a wedding, corporate event, or just a sweet treat to enjoy. I constantly work on perfecting my recipes and designing my offerings to cater to a wide range of events, from weddings and corporate events to casual celebrations. I embraced this challenge, driven by my belief that my desserts had something unique to offer. From cake jars to cupcakes, mini cake loaves, and dessert shooters, I wanted to create a variety of treats that stood out in terms of flavor and presentation. I’m always experimenting to find the top flavors, with current favorites being Banana Pudding, Biscoff Cookie Butter, Butter Pecan, Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Lemon Velvet, and Red Velvet. My goal is to create treats that not only looks good and taste delicious but also bring joy to my customers for their special events.
My experience in other industries—especially HR and leadership—has helped me apply a customer-focused approach to my bakery, ensuring that my clients feel valued and receive high-quality products. I’m proud of how both my corporate and entrepreneurial careers have allowed me to empower others—whether through leadership and career development or by creating delightful moments with my desserts. I am constantly evolving, and currently working on adding new products like subscription boxes, mature moments, and experimenting with unique flavors that reflect my creativity.
What I want my clients to know is that my products are made with passion and attention to detail, offering not just a sweet treat but an experience that’s sure to make any event special. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, corporate event, or just a sweet indulgence, my goal is to make every bite memorable. I’m always looking for ways to stand out in a competitive market.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation within the baking market is a combination of quality, consistency, and a strong personal connection to my work. First and foremost, I’ve always been committed to using high-quality ingredients and crafting my desserts with care. Whether it’s my popular cake jars or mini cake loaves, I make sure that each product not only tastes great but also looks appealing, which is key in the baking industry. Consistency has also been critical in building my reputation. Customers know they can rely on Delectable Desserts Galore LLC to deliver delicious, high-quality treats every time. By maintaining that level of reliability, I’ve earned the trust of my clients, who know they can count on me for their most special occasions, whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or corporate event. Word of mouth has played a major role in my growth. Happy customers share their experiences with others, which has helped me build a loyal customer base. I also listen to my customers’ feedback, continuously experimenting with new flavors and products to keep my offerings fresh and exciting. Finally, the personal connection I bring to my business sets me apart. Having started this journey with my grandmother and continuing it throughout my life, my story resonates with many people. I think this authenticity and passion for what I do is something clients appreciate, and it has helped create a strong bond between me and my customer base. In short, a dedication to quality, consistency, and building meaningful relationships with my clients has been key to my reputation within the market.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of word of mouth, social media marketing, and participating in local events. Each of these strategies has played a key role in expanding my reach and building a loyal customer base for Delectable Desserts Galore LLC. One of the strongest drivers of growth has been word of mouth. Satisfied clients naturally spread the word to their friends, family, and colleagues, helping me reach new customers without additional marketing efforts. I focus heavily on providing not only high-quality products but also an exceptional customer experience, so people are excited to recommend my business. Repeat customers and referrals have been a huge part of my growth, especially for special events like weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings.
Social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, has been another major tool for growing my clientele. I regularly post engaging content that showcases my products, shares behind-the-scenes baking processes, and highlights customer testimonials. Using eye-catching photos and videos, I capture the attention of potential clients and keep current customers excited about new offerings. I also run promotions and giveaways on social media, which not only engage my existing audience but also help attract new followers and clients. By actively engaging with people through comments and messages, I maintain a personal connection that encourages people to support my business.
Participating in local events and pop-up markets has been incredibly effective in introducing my products to a broader audience. These events give potential clients a chance to sample my treats and meet me in person, which creates a lasting impression. Events like the Chatham Parkway Subaru Community event and the Savannah Cultural Festival have allowed me to connect with local customers who might not have found me otherwise. These in-person experiences are powerful because they allow me to engage directly with clients, answer questions, and build relationships that often lead to repeat business. Plus, the local exposure helps build my reputation within the community. Encouraging happy clients to leave reviews or share their experiences on social media is highly effective in building credibility. Potential clients often look for social proof before trying a new business, so having a collection of positive reviews helps establish trust and attract new customers.
My decision to offer unique products like cake jars, mixed treat boxes, and dessert shooters plays a role in growing my clientele. By introducing creative and customizable options, I cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, which helps attract diverse clients. The introduction of subscription boxes will be particularly effective in encouraging repeat purchases and maintaining long-term customer relationships. I believe a well-rounded approach that includes word of mouth, a strong social media presence, local community engagement, and unique product offerings has been the most effective strategy for growing my clientele and expanding the reach of Delectable Desserts Galore LLC.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.delectabledessertsgalorellc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_delectable.dessertsgalore?igsh=bXMwZTlucTJrbzMx
- Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@delectabledessertsgalore?_t=8pfYQ2qv9oo&_r=1 Note: website is currently under construction and should be up by December 1, 2024.
Image Credits
Credits: Delectable Desserts Galore LLC