Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Johnetta West. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Johnetta , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

OMG! Banana Pudding When customers take a bite of OMG! Banana Pudding, OMG! would usually be the first response.

WHY NOT CAFÉ!
GOD SAID WHY NOT? WHY CAN’T SUCH ITEMS GO THERE?
SIMPLY SAID: WHY NOT!

Johnetta , 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?

My name is Johnetta West I am a native of Raleigh NC. I graduated Greensboro College with a BA in Sociology along with two minors in Psychology and Child & Family studies. I received a Master’s degree in Religion/Ministry from New Life Community School of Ministry and Bible Institute.

I am a mother of two, owner of OMG! Banana Pudding, OMG! Event Planning, WHY NOT CAFÉ! and author of Breakthrough Let Christ In You: The Journey Into His Hands.

Entrepreneurship was instilled in me through my parents. My parents has always focused on others through building community base grocery stores in South East Raleigh.

Understanding, that one should do what they love to do. I know that sounds cliche, but that’s the truth. If you have a desire for something then God placed that desire in you and it should be manifested.

OMG! Banana Pudding
I have been a vendor at the NC State Fair for two years. I am grateful to Moore Square Market for accepting me as a first time vendor which inspired me to do more local markets.

I now sell my OMG! Banana Pudding Mix only nationwide at www.omgbananapudding.net

OMG! Event Planning
My event planning started with me wanting to encourage local businesses and serve the community alongside with Downtown Raleigh Alliance. Together we can build, strengthen, and focus on one another.
www.omgeventplanning.com

WHY NOT CAFÉ!
Located at 227 Fayetteville st.
Inside the POYNER YMCA.
It carries an assortment of locally produced products that will satisfy the mind, body, and soul of individuals who enter the YMCA as a member or just passing through.

We offer a variety of grab and go meals and treats to customers with the highest level of customer service.

I understand that small businesses love what they do and they play an important role in supporting their local communities. From providing a hometown feel for localities.

Focusing on helping locals build their Brand and showing their love of what they do with the community is what satisfies my heart and sets me apart from others.

I am most proud of the connection I have with the community and my customers.

I want everyone to know that I put God first and I take nothing for granted. I am humble, I encourage, and strengthen other entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams.

10% of proceeds go to Methodist Home for Children.

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

I started making OMG! Banana Pudding 6 years ago. I tweaked my mother’s recipe and made it my own. I had my coworkers try it and they fell in love with my iconic southern dessert.

I was accepted in my first market at the Moore Square Market and have been attending a variety of markets ever since.

This has led me to be accepted at the NC State Fair as a vendor.

OMG! Banana Pudding is sold in the Clayton General store in Clayton NC. Clayton General store in Smithfield outlet and the WHY NOT CAFÉ!

I now sell my Mix Only nationwide which can be purchased online. This is a great milestone.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Word of mouth! Customers love banana pudding. When customers post what they love, I just smile. That is my joy! Knowing how satisfied my customers are, then I know they will spread the word of the best banana pudding they have ever eaten.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.omgbananapudding.net
• Instagram: @OMGBANANAPUDDING
• Other: www.omgeventplanning.com www.omgbananapudding.net www.intohishands.store

Image Credits
@storyandrhythm Photography and DJ