Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelz Bowen.
Hi Chelz, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I never thought I would be selling funnel cakes! As a College graduate of Clark Atlanta University, I attained my Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and Mass Communication and in 2015, I decided to return to Clark Atlanta University to complete my Master’s in Criminal Justice. These degrees were nothing but accolades on the wall. There was a purpose I still needed to fulfill. I had to realize that finance is not the highest form of compensation, FULFILLMENT is!
In 2018, I pursued a career in Criminal Justice as a Deputy Sheriff. Deep down I knew this was not what I wanted to be but I still gave this job 100%. I devoted my time and energy to this career. The MORE I dedicated my time is the LESS I was able to grow in the agency. While reading “Jump: Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance” by Steve Harvey, I decided to take my leap of faith and in April 2o20, I wrote my letter of resignation and I walked the green mile. I decided to bet on myself!
Top it OFF, Funnel cakes was founded on October 21, 2020. This idea of gourmet funnel cakes has brought a new wave to the state of Georgia. Top it OFF seeks to create positive vibrations through fun eats. “We put the FUN in Funnel Cakes.” And We make each funnel cake to satisfy our customer’s desires.
While most people are used to enjoying funnel cakes at a fair or carnival, now it is accessible to you every day. Top it OFF, Funnel Cakes takes pride in the quality and customer service of the business. The goal is to give each customer an experience, NOT just a funnel cake!
As the Founder, I find great pleasure in seeing customers smile after they’ve received their funnel cake. It is a fun product and most time used in a celebratory fashion. No one can eat a funnel cake without smiling or laughing. The flavors alone bring uniqueness to the business. The Plain Jane is what most induvial are used to, however we make it hard to choose just one because we have so many flavors. Come join the FUN!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Quitting your 9-5 to become an entrepreneur is NOT easy. In fact, it is very hard. You’ll find yourself working ten times harder to fulfill your dreams. This business was started with a table and a tent. Just about every U-Haul store in Griffin, GA knows me by Frist and last name. I would call around to each location and rent trucks to transport my equipment to each event.
Most nights, I was in pain. My back was aching and legs was sore from packing and unloading the truck. One of the biggest challenges I faced was PRIDE. Worrying about if I would be judged for selling funnel cakes on the side of the road. Even though God gave me a vision, I had insecurities. I had to learn how to face them and be confident within myself and my brand. I was raised by my paternal Grandmother and Grandfather (Pearl & Albert) who taught me Strength and Ambition. These character traits have helped me face some of my biggest obstacles and challenges in being an entrepreneur
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
It’s a very simple response. “We put the FUN in funnel cakes”. We specialize in gourmet funnel cakes. Top it OFF, funnel cakes offers our customers not just a funnel cake but an experience. It’s a whole vibe. We provide music, funnel cakes, ice cream, and a nostalgic environment. Our most proud moment is being featured in our first newspaper article in Griffin. Thanks to Karen Gunnels from Griffin Daily News.
What sets us apart:
EXPERIENCE – We are not just giving customers a funnel cakes, we are creating an experience for them.
CREATIVITY – We bring the FUN. All our funnel cakes are decorated with toppers to match any occasion.
SCOOP – We offer not just the funnel cake but ice cream is fully loaded on each funnel cake. Oh we forgot whip cream too!
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT – We are highly active within our community. We believe in giving back to the community that pours into our business.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have been extremely blessed and fortunate for the individuals that have contributed to my growth and success this far. Many family, friends and associates have truly been my cheerleaders and advocates. I am learning that the journey to success is full of many failures and disappointments. Many of which will be from people. Those that remain faithful and loyal to you on your journey are the ones you should NEVER lose.
When I first started this business, I decided that I was going to give it 100%. I spoke to 2 very important individuals in my life about quitting my full-time career and going into my business full-time. I received 2 very different responses. One told me to quit and follow my dreams. They said take a risk, if you’re safe, you’ll NEVER soar. The other person told me to continue working my and use the business as a “side hustle”.
I decided to take that leap of faith and I quit my job and this has been the absolute BEST decision I have made thus far.
Jesse Maddox – This man saw my passion and ambition so he decided to sell me his used concession trailer. I was able to take this business to another level by having my food trailer.
Shante Hyde – My cousin who travels from Kingston, Jamaica to Atlanta, GA every four months to work with me. She has literally been there EVERY step of the way and for that, I am so thankful. All the late nights and early mornings we’ve had to sacrifice for this business is unbelievable.
Albert & Pearl Bowen – This is where the root of my life begins. I was raised by my paternal grandparents in Kingston, JA who instilled the best morals and values in me since birth. The foundation that they set for me has paved the way to some of my greatest accomplishments.
Trudy Gill – This is my business mentor. She has been so patient and understanding with me. She is responsible for teaching me the day-to-day operations on how to manage a full-time business.
Griffin Chamber of Commerce – Networking is a huge part of building your brand and business. The Griffin Chamber of Commerce has drastically contributed to my business by putting me in the presence of individuals who can help my business prosper and grow.
Community – My community has been the MOST supportive of my business and product. They have helped me to reach the next level of success. They pour into my business on a daily basis. It is AMAZING that total strangers can fulfill a common goal. Thank you!
Pricing:
- Strawberry Shortcake $12.75
- Peach Cobbler $ 12.75
- Beauty & the Beast $ 12.75
- Passion Fruit $12.75
- Banana Pudding $12.75
Contact Info:
- Website: www.topitofffun.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Topitofffun
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/topitoffun
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/Topitofffun
- Yelp: www.Yelp.com/Topitofffun
Image Credits
Professional photos taken by Trin Got the Shot
