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

Shakeya, 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?

Soul Sweets came from the heart . As someone who loves to cook/bake, I equally enjoy watching others love my cooking ! Cooking with love brings joy to the soul . My business’ name came from wanting to create treats that reminded consumers of their loving safe place. For some that may be childhood home for others it could be with close friends ,so Soul Sweets was a perfect name.

Shakeya, 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?

From childhood I have always loved watching baking shows on the Food Network. In 2016 I obtained my first bakery job and instantly fell in love! Decorating was a natural talent I never realized I had! Being promoted to lead decorator was an accomplishment that started my career as a baker. Fast forward to 2020, during the pandemic I took my learned baking skills into my own kitchen. Finding new creative ideas and flavors became a favorite pastime with my daughter . Continuously baking and serving new desserts for my family & friends, I eventually started to sell my home goods for all to experience. With dedication, perseverance and the valued support of my community, I have expanded into the commercial kitchen of The Refinery, located in Champaign Illinois .!

Currently I provide custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies and various desserts for events! Being able to let my creative mind flow in the process of bringing someone’s ideas to life is an honor . My clients trust me to bring the creativity and flavor together. There have been occasions where a client has an idea of a theme they want for a party or event last minute and they trust me to execute their vision. And I do every time with pleasure.!

I’m most proud of being able to have a business that is fulfilling. To be doing something I love never feels like work ! I am creating generational wealth with my passion for baking . To any one that is here to support , present and future , know that my job is done with love, diligence, dedication and determination to meet your needs ! I’m thankful for all that have been here and for those that shall come !

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

Soul Sweets went from being my side hustle to being my main source of income within 1 year ! In 2022 I started selling my baked goods from home. Usually I would bake for an event or small gathering for my friends and family simply because I was asked . And one day an associate asked “why don’t you charge for your treats?” Honestly I had never thought about it . So I started doing research on supply costs and product pricing and watching tutorials on decorating, really started to invest in myself . With months of consistent practice and learning I was able to grow . I started getting invited to pop up shops and local events . What started as an in home hobby has blossomed into a small business!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Being incorporated into local events and pop up shops has helped grow my clientele profusely . Large crowds, all age groups, local and distant communities all looking for something to satisfy a sweet-tooth ! lol

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.soulsweetsil.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulsweetsil
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Soulsweetsil
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulsweets.il

Image Credits

Teyanna Weatherspoon