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

Lyndonne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Asking friends and family to support your business is a no..no. I’ts really matter of if they do be grateful and if they don’t, its not really and ask. After being in any business, i’ts the stranger that’s going to patronize you almost for any reason. Over the last two years I have had people support my business not because they just love the product, because at that moment they have not yet experienced it. They support because they recognize my passion and creativity for what Im doing, some love the presentation as it relates to the atmosphere inside of my trailer, some support it because they love my Dream Berries Jingle, and most common because I have created something they have never seen before. Your family and friend are too close to you to see your vision and or mission and what it may take to accomplish those goals that surround your business development, and can’t really understand the length in sacrifice I’m will to go to achieve it. And the harsh truth is as long as you stay at the level in which they would like to keep you at in your Journey, supporting my business will change that outcome.

Lyndonne, 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?

My name is Lyndonne Payne and I am the creator and owner of Dream Berries Houston & LA. I was raised by hard working parents who migrated to America from the small island of Barbados when I was the age of 8 years old. I was provide with  optimal education not just at school, but my father was a business owner and my mom she could really shake and bake in the kitchen. I think their influence has brought me to where I am now. I am a serial entreprenuer and I find it has been the best way to live my life and the happiest way as well. What brought me to create Dream Berries was really a spin of one of my other companies and the gourmet Strawberry was on my Brunch menu in one color. My first thought was that Kids would love this in any and many colors. In addition, to the colors I said to myself the average chocolate covered strawberry is not as tasty as they may appear and really only attract those specific holidays like Valentines, Birthdays and Christmas etc. I wanted an everyday Gourmet Berry that was beautiful, with the taste to match. So ,that led me to create flavors to match the look. After being in business for almost 2 years now that concept has been tested and proven successful. I have developed up to 8 Flavors for now and trying to get to 12. What sets me apart from others in this industry is the creativity that shows thru in my branding of a gourmet strawberry. If you ever get the opportunity to listen to the Dream Berries Jingle, you will hear descriptions like, Fun, Sweet, crunchy, messy, colorful, suitable for kids, grown ups, and even Grannies. Dream Berries are ultimately the best gourmet chocolate covered Strawberry you will ever have. What I’m most proud of for Dream Berries is how fast it is growing as we opened our second Trailer in Houston in May 2023 as scheduled and looking to try Oregon next, the home of the biggest and sweetest Strawberries. Dream Berries recently has broken into the Wine market thanks to my first wine pairing with Pur Noire Houston who really peeked my interested in what the potential could be. Then I met my guy Scott from the Winos , Texas Wine Fest who really open a big door into being able to pair the 6 Flavors ( Dream ,Beach, Teddy, Lemon, Coco, and Spicy) of Dream Berries with lots of different wine vendors. I literally follow him from city to city no matter the distance it take to get there. The wine demographic has been generous to Dream Berries and has been a gift that keeps on giving. I want our clients to know we are open to all markets, kids events, corporate events, weddings, your every day kick back, Wineries, and for sure the Dessert Truck lane which gave me my beginnings. I want them to know you can have a Dream Berry anytime, and that they must not wait for a Holiday its Dream Berries everyday. We have develop our shipping as well to be able to ship anywhere in the US during the cooler months. You can visualize Dream Berries at Thedreaberries.com or Instagram: dreamberries_and_chocolates
If you have ever had Chicken & Waffles be sure to check out our twist on the concept with our Dream Berries Chicken Waffle cone, our latest menu item.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

How you get started is always a good Question. As an entrepreneur I will tell you that you need disposable income. Yes another Job! Every business I have started has been created from my night Job. I use those funds to fund the business and most importantly to stabilize your life as it relates to paying the necessary bills like Rent, Food Etc. Don’t let anyone tell you different and you do that until you don’t have to for as long as it takes. Your new venture may start to make money soon or it may start later, you don’t really know. I advise maintain a job that brings about the extra resources to build or to sustain your daily living.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The resource that has significantly impacted my Management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy is my Father, Stanley Payne He once told me ” Don’t get distracted by non dreamers, non go getters, they will always be there to discourage you. Stay FOCUS on what you want to achieve, never respond to negative, and DONT QUIT”. To be an entrepreneur, you just need I good mindset the rest will work its self out.

Contact Info:

• Website: thedreamberries.com
• Instagram: dreamberries_and_chocolates

Image Credits
Photos by Lyndonne Payne