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

Erica , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Being a Black business owner in the city of Detroit, most people think there needs to be competition with those individuals in the same industry as you. I disagree with this whole-heartedly as there is enough success for everyone to win. Bringing another business down does not ensure success for your own individual business and you have to think about the entire industry overall being that you cant service every customer in your area. In the midst of the pandemic I was able to take a cake class with an already established baker and without her I would not be able to live out my passion of providing cakes and desserts for my clients special occasions. I also hope to be of the same service by providing my expertise to others who want to learn how to decorate cakes whether it be for profit or for their own personal interests.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Erica and I am the owner of Got Chocolate. Got Chocolate specializes in custom cakes and desserts for all occasions. I started baking and making treats with my grandmother as a child and have never stopped. Over the years my love for baking has only grown as I’ve learned new techniques, tried new recipes, and kept up with all of the viral cake trends on social media. I love bringing all of my clients dreams to realities for their birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, and even weddings.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Since a child I always enjoyed baking and creating desserts, but never thought it would be my full time job. I would sell desserts in high school and would bake cupcakes and make chocolate covered strawberries on the weekends, but did not imagine Got Chocolate being as big as it currently is. I graduated from college with a bachelors of science and decided to follow my passion of baking instead of using my degree as crazy as it sounds. Baking never feels like a chore or a task as I genuinely love creating whether it be for customers, family, or even content. I currently have consistent orders, have catered weddings, school events, and even hosted pop-up shops with myself and other businesses.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Reputation is one of the most important factors in a service providing industry. I ensure that all of my customers needs and expectations are met without any inconveniences. I have perfected my recipes as taste is the most important factor when it comes to baked goods which I feel is what keeps my reputation maintained.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: got.chocolate
• TikTok: got.chocolate