Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Barnes.
Hi Keisha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an entrepreneur started many years ago (2016) with a clothing line Krowne And Glory. Having that showed me how to network, how to really market a product, and how to get your name out as a business owner. From there I tapped into many different crafts: jewelry making, candle making, room decorating, and t-shirt printing. Me offering romantic room decorations really pushed me into treat-making as the demand was there from my clients to have chocolate-covered strawberries as a part of their room setup. I took the time to really figure it out, learning how to properly clean, dip, and drizzle fruit, and in 2020 I officially launched The Sweet Shopp Columbia!
Alright, 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?
It hasn’t been necessarily easy, but it hasn’t been overly difficult either. Working for yourself, the amount of money you make is solely based upon your work ethic and how hard you really want it! If you’re lazy and not applying pressure, it was reflected in your bank account. Initially, I found it difficult to find the one thing that would help me stand out from everyone else. In any given area you can find 10-15 treat makers now, but I had to find that one thing that would help me stand out from everyone else, and once I did that the rest really came easy to me. That can be applied to any field. You have to find your niche, your ideal client, find you in whatever you’re offering, and really tap into it. The people will notice and appreciate you for finding your own way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the owner of The Sweet Shopp Columbia where I specialize in dipped fruits, fruit arrangements, and fruit tables. I am mostly known for my floral arrangements that include dipped strawberries and fresh roses. It’s the perfect gift to either yourself or the person you love. It is my best seller during Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. It sets me apart from others because not everyone knows how to incorporate both roses and food in a safe manner. The safety of my clients is really important to me as it is food, and it’s being digested. That along with my creativity and attention to the simplest details help me stand out from any other maker in my area.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Low risk, low reward! High risk, high reward. A lady I met some years ago told me “Scared money, don’t make no money.” Fear will keep you in a broken state, and I’ve always wanted better for myself. Originally no one knew me of being a cook or a person dealing with food. I was a creator but never really tapped into food or treats before. I knew I had this idea, and I wanted to see it manifest itself. I was afraid of because me making treats was a brand new territory but if I didn’t just start, I would never know what was on the other side for me. So one day I just decided to start! In the beginning, my treats were ugly, but I knew if I just keep practicing, I’d figure it out, figure out my own techniques, and now I’m completely mastered it! Imagine what would have happened if I let that fear take over….we wouldn’t be here today talking!
Pricing:
- 12 dipped strawberries $40.00
- Floral arrangement $90.00
- Fruit table $350.00
- Fruit bowls $15.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetshoppcolumbia.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/thesweetshopppcolumbia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theSweetSHOPPP
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetshoppcolumbia
Image Credits
Headshot credit: CMetro Jones
