Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Sawyer.
Brittany, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Cues music, “Back in the day when I was young, I’m not a kid anymore, but some days I sit and wish I was a kid again.” I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, SWATS to be exact, as an only child and only grandchild on my mom’s side. I graduated from the University of West Georgia with bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminology. I’ve been working in the auto insurance industry going on seven years now.
How did I become a baker? Well, I’ve always had a love for good food. Before I could even talk, I’d waddle over to the stove and point at the pots to let my granna know I wanted a plate. I started binge-watching the food network channel at 4-5 years old, with thoughts of wanting to make delicious food and desserts for my loved ones one day. My granna was the only person who cooked within my immediate family, and I would ask her if I could help her prepare meals. She’d deny my requests every time, saying, “I don’t need you in my kitchen. I will call you when the food is ready.” I didn’t get it then, but now I totally understand. And it made the voyage more worthwhile. I can say I’m self-made because I taught and designed myself.
I mostly ate out throughout my adolescent, teenage and early adult years but I always maintained that whenever I got a home and kitchen of my own, I was going to make homemade meals and desserts. That’s exactly what I did two and a half years ago. I moved into my own apartment and started trying my luck with the pots and pans. Every dish that I attempted to make was from scratch and came out great the first time around. For my 29th birthday, I wanted a cheesecake with a brownie bottom and an extra layer of spirits to uplift my spirit. So I made one, and the Turtle Kahlua Brownie Cheesecake was born. I let my friends and coworkers try it and everyone gave positive feedback and rave reviews. The next flavor that was birthed was the Browned Butter Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake. I felt like DJ Khalid with the cheesecakes. I had another one, another hit, another winner.
A few individuals close to me continuously encouraged me to sell my food and desserts because they thought they were worth being on the market for people to enjoy. I didn’t have much confidence in my abilities, especially given the circumstances. I was a novice, and I still am in many respects. I made excuses and prolonged the inevitable, but those same individuals were on me like white on rice and would not let it rest. Someone reminded me that God often qualifies the unqualified and He blessed my hands with this gift to share with the world. Needless to say, I started selling cheesecakes, and it was a great side hustle for a few months. Many people supported me during that timeframe. It was looking extremely promising. Unfortunately, life happened, and I took a hiatus for almost a year.
When the dust settled, I had a renewed enthusiasm for baking. It gave me an outlet to channel my energy during stressful and uncertain times, especially dealing with a personal lack of fulfillment working a 9-5 in a corporate setting. Baking became something that brought me peace and joy, I took pride in it and I loved the reactions I received from people who tasted my goodies. Selling my products also aligned with the goal of finding something I’m good at and making a living off of it. I was tired of being an employee, working towards someone else’s dreams. I’ve always had aspirations of one day becoming an entrepreneur, owning my own business selling my own products and services, and this was a glimpse into that lifestyle.
God’s timing is always perfect. I believe that everything happens exactly when and how it’s supposed to, good, bad and indifferent. April 2019, my Heavenly Father and my best friend and now business partner, Sade Sims, had plans for me. There was a vending opportunity coming up at an event hosted by a young lady Sade attended high school with. Unbeknownst to me, the bestie signed us up and asked me, after the fact, if it was something I’d be interested in being a part of. I thought why not? Sade expressed even if I would have said no, she was going to put in a few orders and sell the items herself. It’s funny, but that truly spoke to me and slick boosted my ego and self-assurance.
Anyway, in order to secure the vendor slot properly, we had to pick a name and get registered as a business, create a logo, get a website, start social media accounts, purchase everything we needed, amongst other things, all within a little less than a month’s time and with limited funds. But it all worked out by the grace of God and the support of close family, friends and coworkers. That is how Sugarcoat It came about. It was cultivated from my passion of making scrumptious creations, my best friend‘s and the rest of my village’s beliefs in my abilities, and the strong desire of being my own boss.
Our first event went better than expected. I made just as much, if not more money that weekend selling desserts than I do in a week working at my 9-5. That was the confirmation I needed that Sugarcoat It could truly be a successful small business. Since then, we’ve been investing in equipment, working on business plans, adding to the menu and trying to spread the word about our yummy goodness.
My mommy and auntie always joke about how I couldn’t boil water, but now I’m cooking and baking up a storm. Their favorite line is, “I guess all those years watching the food network channel finally paid off.” I guess they’re right. It’s amazing how everything aligns exactly how they’re supposed to at the most opportune times. I finally feel like I’m walking in my purpose, and the doors that continue to open and the blessings that continue to pour on me are a testament to that. I’m excited about what the future has in store for Sugarcoat It. The sky’s the limit!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has only just begun, but even in this short timeframe and distance, it has been a curvy road with a few speed bumps, detours, and pit stops. I think the biggest challenge are remaining intentional about what I want and continuing on no matter what happens or how difficult or uncomfortable it gets.
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint at heart, especially while maintaining a full-time job. There are many long nights and early mornings trying to balance them both. I vowed to invest as much time into myself and Sugarcoat It as I do the company I work for. I have weary days and some sleepless nights, but I know it will all be worth it in the long run.
I have definitely taken a few Ls, but I don’t count them as losses, only lessons. I’m learning mostly through trial and error, trying not to make the same mistakes twice. I’m increasing my network which is a struggle in itself because I am truly shy. This business has forced me to open up to others and take risks.
Early on, I realized everybody isn’t going to see the vision. There have been people whose opinions I value who laughed at my endeavors or had negative comments. There have been others who have tried to exploit my efforts. I had to learn not to take any of it personally. Some individuals think small and will try to put their limitations on you, and not everyone is genuine with pure intentions. I just try to stay focused on the positives, remain persistent and resilient, and do whatever I’m led to do. As long as I have a clear vision for myself, a solid blueprint, and unwavering faith, I know that all things are possible.
Please tell us about Sugarcoat It.
Sugarcoat It is a retailer of sweet delicacies, serving alcohol-infused desserts and baked goods, specializing in cheesecakes. We aim to lift spirits, literally and figuratively. Our goal is to provide homemade, high-quality desserts that not only taste good, but also make you feel good, all while contributing to the communities we serve.
What sets us apart are our well balanced alcohol-infused treats. You know the libations are present, but they aren’t too bitter or overwhelming. Our goodies have just the right amount of sweetness, not too much or too little. Sugarcoat It lends a synchronous experience of the perfect trio: you’re able to eat, drink, and be merry.
There are currently six cheesecake flavors being offered, as well as other chilled desserts and baked goods. There are a minimum of 12 more cheesecake flavors being added to the list over time. At this point, expansion and enhancement are the focus: retaining old customers and obtaining new ones; continuing to perfect my craft, stepping outside of comfort zones and pushing this thing to the limit.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be summer vacation of 1996. I was extremely excited about this road trip. My daddy was moving to Los Angeles, California so he packed up the uhaul truck and I rode with him for two days and two nights to get there. I’m sure he would say I wasn’t the best riding buddy because I slept majority of the trip, but when I was awake we had some unforgettable moments.
We got pulled over by the police because someone, I won’t say any names, was speeding. Thankfully, we were let go with a warning, but I made it a point to let the driver know I had never been pulled over before. “Crossroads” by Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony became our theme song. It played on the radio fifty-eleven times during that 3000 mile trek. Once, Jesus had to come through in the clutch and take the wheel because my daddy fell asleep. Thank God we made it! Somewhere between New Mexico and Arizona we pulled over and watched the 4th of July fireworks. My eight-year-old self was stoked. Coincidentally, there was a van with a family full who happened to stop at the same rest stops as us 3 or 4 different times; they became our extended family.
We arrived to our destination on July 5th at approximately 5 AM, and we were welcomed by a house full of open arms. I was surrounded by my paternal grandmother (Mama), cousins galore and plenty aunts and uncles that I only met once before as a baby. I found my place within seconds and fit right in. It felt like I grew up with them my entire life. That’s one of the few times in life that I didn’t feel like an outsider.
That summer was filled with a multitude of adventures. We were 30 deep at summer camp, between my cousins and I attending and our aunts who worked there. I had the opportunity to go to Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and many other fun locations and awesome activities. I ate all the authentic Mexican food I could stand which is a lot because that is my favorite cuisine. Ironically, I got stopped by the police for jaywalking across the street from my grandmother’s house to my aunt’s house. My daddy thought that was funny.
That trip went out with a major bang. It was a few days left on my vacation. I was a little sad that it was all coming to an end. I was expecting to take my first airplane flight by myself to get back home, but other plans were already set in place. For my 9th birthday, my Cali family surprised me with a party. They flew my mommy out there as another surprise. My cousin Onitsha, who has one of the most angelic voices on earth, sung “Happy Birthday” to me. I was filled with so many emotions and tears of joy. That was honestly the best summer I ever had.
Pricing:
- Pricing depends on the item, size and flavor.
- Individual cinnamon rolls, banana pudding cups, and cheesecake slices range from $5.50 to $8.50.
- Pans of cinnamon rolls and banana pudding range from $18 to $40.
- Whole premium cheesecake flavors range from $10.50 to $65.
- Whole luxe cheesecake flavors range from $12 to $75.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wearesugarcoatit.com
- Phone: 678-668-5787
- Email: wearesugarcoatit@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearesugarcoatit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearesugarcoatit/
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