Today we’d like to introduce you to Selena Jenkins.
Hi Selena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love for baking started by accident. Initially, I only did it because I was away at college and I couldn’t get my hands on my great grandmother’s heavenly sweet treats. “Momma J short for Julia was by far one of the best bakers on this side of heaven. She lived to be 102 years young and although I’m born on her birthday January 1st, I hadn’t made the connection on where my baking journey would take me and how Momma J’s gift was being transferred to me. I was born in Chicago, Illinois by way of San Diego, CA by way of Atlanta, GA. Each one of these places played a very significant role in my life as they all exposed me to so many different types of food, I attended Clark Atlanta University and would often bake goodies for my dorm room buddies. I would call Momma J on the phone and she would walk me through her recipes step by step and to my surprise, they would come out perfect. So after being deemed the “go to” person for desserts by my peers, I would always bring the baked goods anytime there was a gathering or pot luck function. Once I entered Corporate America, my baking talents were quickly discovered and I found myself baking items daily for various work functions. The reaction I received was far more rewarding than what I was actually paid for the items and that was my “ah-ha” moment. I mean I knew my items were good but people literally couldn’t get enough. Surely baking cakes and desserts couldn’t support my family like my corporate, 40/hrs. per week, benefits & 2-weeks paid vacation job could. I had wrestled with the idea of starting my own baking business but honestly, I didn’t have the confidence or belief in myself to do it. Fast forward to July 2019. I’m still working in Corporate America enjoying those great benefits when I get an email from my boss stating that I needed to come to conference room A.
Totally blind to what was about to happen, I made it to the conference room and was greeted by my manager and a representative from human resources. Now we all know that instant butterflies kick in whenever HR is present. They proceeded to tell me that they felt like my work there wasn’t a priority and that maybe I should pursue another career. Completely devastated and doing my best to hold back the tears, I gathered my things and was escorted out of the building. Turns out my desserts were causing too much of a distraction on the job and even though I made several dessert items for approved company functions too many other people were starting to order from me for their personal festivities outside of work and it was causing conflict. So in July of 2019 Sweet Tooth Baking Co. was officially born and I haven’t looked back since. Being fired was the push that I needed to do what I wanted to do with my baking for so many years but didn’t have the courage to do. I now have a storefront suite in College Park, GA. You can also find my line of Vegan-friendly Banana Puddings in seven local restaurants around the Metro Atlanta Area. I am a person of faith who believes in God and there is a scripture Proverbs 18:16 that states “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” Meaning your gift will make room for you. We were all designed to be known for our gifts or talents. I believe I owe that to God, my family and definitely my great grandmother who blessed me with something far more valuable than any job ever could. Not only could you taste the love she poured into her desserts, you could feel it. Sweet Tooth Baking Co. isn’t just great tasting desserts it’s a feeling and I encourage everyone to tell your story, don’t be afraid to step out on faith and allow your gifts and talents to make room for you.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s definitely been a transition going from a steady paycheck every week to strictly relying on sales from my business. There are certain disciplines that I had to put in place to help things run smoothly. It is primarily a cash business so it’s hard not to spend the money as it comes in and not to mention operating during a full-blown pandemic. I’m also currently running the business on my own so I have very long days and nights in addition to balancing my home life. The great thing is that the customer support has been overwhelming. They show me so much love and loyalty and for me that makes it all worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sweet Tooth Baking Co. is a female black-owned dessert and pastry shop located in College Park, Ga. We offer Retail, wholesale and Vegan dessert options. We also make our own treats for the fur babies (dogs) in your family. We are known for our delectable line of Vegan-friendly Banana Puddings that come in 7-different flavors. We are most proud of the consistency of our product. The customer feedback that we receive the most is that our desserts from the cupcakes, cookies, cakes and puddings always taste the same. What sets us apart is our customer service. Sweet Tooth is more than great-tasting desserts it’s the feeling that comes with it. You can definitely feel the love and that’s the biggest part of our brand that keeps our customers coming back for more.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Discipline, organization, being able to listen for understanding and not just to hear and the ability to keep learning about my craft.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@sweetoothbakingcostore.com
- Website: www.sweetoothbakingcostore.com
- Instagram: @sweetoothbakingco_
