We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hydia Baldwin-adon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hydia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?

Family businesses are deeply important because they often carry a sense of tradition and shared purpose that strengthens relationships within the family. One of the best things about family businesses is the trust and long-term commitment that family members bring to the table. This allows for a strong, cohesive vision and a deep investment in the business’s success. However, there are challenges as well. Family dynamics can sometimes get in the way of decision-making, especially if personal relationships start to affect professional ones. Succession planning can also be tricky, as it’s hard to balance the right skills with family expectations. Still, when done right, family businesses can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. I would want my children to join our business because their ages, gifts, and unique perspectives can bring a refreshing dynamic to the business and our outreach. Also, doing this will strengthen our family and each other. The story of the growth of my marriage is reflected in the growth of authenticity in our business. It has provided us with the opportunity to reach a new and different target audience.

Hydia, 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?

Vegan Sweet’s & Treat’s is a bakery that I founded before I and my husband became engaged. From my upbringing and childhood experiences, I turned my passion for plant-based baking into a thriving business. I am driven by my love for helping others by providing vegan desserts. I sought to create a space where people could indulge in delicious, guilt-free treats with the experience of a family-oriented environment. The bakery focuses on offering a variety of vegan sweets, made with wholesome ingredients and a commitment to quality. I learned a lot about cooking and baking from my late father and paternal grandmother. They showed me that cooking and baking consist of more than ingredients or cookware. Cooking and baking are forms of art. My clients are able to experience a healthier and tasteful alternative to home favorites that tend to pose a risk to their health. What sets me apart is my experience and my love for serving others through baking. I am most proud of my growth, my marriage, and the direction that Vegan Sweet’s & Treat’s is going in. The main thing that I want potential clients and followers to know about our bakery is that everything is made with love and with them in mind.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One resource that I would have liked to know about earlier in my creative journey is the need for a mentor. I was paired with one from a program that I was a part of in Durham, North Carolina, and also received mentoring from my husband. Having a mentor throughout this journey with my startup has helped me see things from perspectives I would never have considered on my own, from understanding my market better to navigating the complexities of scaling. The insights of mentors are invaluable, and it’s not just about the advice that they give but the way that they challenge the mentee to think critically and strategically. Having a mentor has made me more aware of my strengths and weaknesses as a business owner and as a person. Now, I approach decisions with more clarity and confidence. All business owners and non-business owners can benefit from a mentor; there’s no shame in it.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Feeding the homeless and those in need has become the center of the mission at Vegan Sweet’s & Treat’s. Every time I bake a batch of our signature treats, I think about the people in our community who struggle to find even the simplest meals. Knowing that my vegan baked goods can provide nourishment, comfort, and a little sweetness to someone who might not have access to it otherwise is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about creating delicious desserts; it’s about using my skills to make a positive impact. This mission is a part of every decision that I make in the kitchen and shapes the way that I approach the growth of the business; because the ultimate goal is to create a space where kindness and compassion are baked into every treat. Everything is made with love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vsandtreats.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/vsandtreats
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/vsandtreats
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@vsandtreats
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vegan-sweets-and-treats-durham
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@vsandtreats

Image Credits

Vegan Sweet’s & Treat’s