We recently connected with VonGretchen and have shared our conversation below.

VonGretchen, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

Looking back, I do wish we had started our business sooner. The food industry is incredibly rewarding but also physically demanding. At this stage in life, the rigorous schedule can be taxing, and my body often reminds me to slow down and rest. Starting earlier would have allowed us to grow with more energy and resilience on our side.

Backstory: When did you start your business, and where were you in life/career?

I started Bessie’s Sweet Delights in 2015, initially as a dessert company. I began with a simple table and tent at local farmers markets. Our turning point came at our first appearance at Soda City (Columbia, SC), where we sold out of 200 desserts in just 45 minutes. That moment revealed the true potential of our business. Fast forward to meeting and marrying my husband (Tyrus Donawald) within a year, we were encouraged by friends and family who recognized our passion and skill—Tyrus with grilling, spices, and sauces, and me with my southern cooking roots—we expanded.

In May 2022, we launched Bessie’s Bites and Sweet Delights, our food truck, named in honor of my grandmother, Angeline “Bessie” Nelson, who taught me how to cook. At the time, we were both juggling full lives and careers, but driven by our love of food and community.

What would have changed if you started sooner or later?

Had we started sooner, I believe we could have grown more steadily and had more time to navigate the industry’s steep learning curve. There was no guidebook or mentor when we entered the food truck world. Many lessons were learned the hard—and costly—way. If we had waited longer to start, we may have missed our window of opportunity, especially with the momentum and community support we’ve been fortunate to build.

One thing I would have changed is taking the time early on to learn more about the food truck business. Because guidance was scarce, my husband and I now host monthly meetings for current and aspiring food truck owners. We share insights on topics like SC laws and licensing, Department of Agriculture requirements, taxes, food costs, distribution, truck maintenance, and leads. Our goal is to make the path easier for others, so they don’t face the same struggles we did.

Final Thoughts:

Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade the experience. Starting when we did give us the story, strength, and perspective we now use to uplift others. Still, a little more time—and less wear on the body—would’ve been a welcomed advantage.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

After spending 22 years in corporate America as a Human Resources Director, I made the life-changing decision to follow my true passion—cooking and serving multiple communities. I hold a bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State University and a master’s in human resource management with a specialization in Organizational Management from Walden University. My corporate career took me to 46 out of 50 states and involved overseeing employees in over 32 countries. But despite the success, something was missing—purpose.

That sense of purpose came alive through food. Cooking and baking allow me to nourish not just stomachs, but hearts. Whether it’s feeding a hungry student, handing out rotisserie chickens to the homeless, or providing clothes and school supplies to youth in our church, that’s when I feel most fulfilled. That’s our why.

In 2015, my husband Tyrus and I launched Bessie’s Sweet Delights, and later expanded in 2022 with our food truck, Bessie’s Bites and Sweet Delights. We’re a family-oriented brand rooted in love, service, and soul. Named after my grandmother, Angeline “Bessie” Nelson, who taught me how to cook, our food reflects tradition with a twist—we call it Soul Food Fusion. We take classic favorites and reimagine them in a way that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

What truly sets us apart is how we treat our customers—like family. We remember names, faces, favorite meals, and stories. People don’t just come to eat—they come to feel seen, valued, and cared for.

We want the world to know that our brand is built on heart, community, and flavor. We’re not just in the food business—we’re in the business of making people feel at home, one bite at a time.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

My business partner is also my husband, Tyrus Donawald. I originally launched Bessie’s Sweet Delights in 2015, before I even met him. Tyrus and I met in 2018 and were married in 2019. At the time, he had been working comfortably at the same company for 22 years, and I was running my dessert business solo. Life was steady—but we had no idea the incredible journey ahead of us.

Shortly after we got married, Tyrus made the brave decision to leave his job, and we went full speed ahead, building something new together. From the ground up, we designed and constructed a fully customized food truck that would allow us to serve the unique mix of dishes we envisioned. That labor of love became Bessie’s Bites and Sweet Delights, officially launched in May 2022.

It was all hands on deck. From electrical work and interior design to curating the menu and cooking side-by-side, we poured our hearts into every detail. I truly could not have asked for a better business partner—and life partner—wrapped into one.

Something sweet happens when you mix faith, food, and family. Tyrus and I share the same vision, passion, and drive, and we’re walking this journey in step, both in marriage and in business.

As it says in Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Together, we’ve built more than a business—we’ve built a legacy.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

At Bessie’s Sweet Delights and Bessie’s Bites and Sweet Delights, staying connected with our clients is at the heart of everything we do. We don’t just serve food—we serve family, community, and experience. From the very beginning, we’ve made it a point to remember faces, names, favorite meals, and personal stories. People come for the food, but they stay because they know we genuinely care.

We keep in touch through multiple channels:

Social media is a big part of our communication—we use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share where we’ll be next, highlight menu items, celebrate our customers, and respond to messages directly.

In-person connection is just as important. We engage with every customer who walks up to the food truck or our dessert table. We ask about their day. We ask how their kids are doing. We follow up when we see them again.

We also show our gratitude and build loyalty by doing giveaways, special discounts, and by giving back—like handing out meals to students or supporting families in need.

We foster brand loyalty by showing up with consistency, quality, love, and purpose. People know that when they support us, they’re not just buying food—they’re investing in a mission to serve and uplift others. That connection goes deeper than a transaction—it becomes a relationship.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bessiessweetdelights.com
• Instagram: @bessiebites and @bessiessweet
• Facebook: @Bessiessweetdelights @Bessiesbites

Image Credits

Tyrus Donawald and
Juan Ochoa