Today we’d like to introduce you to Dia’Monte Oliver.
Dia’Monte, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hello, my name is Dia’Monte Oliver. I’m 20 years old. I’m from a small town in Indiana named Michigan City. I’ve been living in Lawrenceville, GA, for almost three years now. I started off cooking at a very young age. It runs deep in my family lol. But at the age of 13, baking became something so dear to me. I use to come home every day from school to watch the Food Network, specifically Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes. At the age of 15, I got the idea to sell a few small treats at my church and after seeing everybody gather around to support me, that’s when I knew I found my calling. I started experimenting in the kitchen more, trying out different things and found a recipe for a Strawberry Crunch Cake. And that’s when “Monte’s Sweet Crunch” was birthed. I was the first person in my city to introduce them and was selling them for only $20. Chile wasn’t making any kind of profit lol. Time went by and I became known for many different treats & cakes flavors. But that didn’t last as long as I hoped.
My support system fell and I got so discouraged, I just gave up on everything. I told myself I’d never make or sell anything in my life. I took a whole year and some months off and boom, my mom made the biggest decision ever and that was moving here to Georgia. Our first few months here were AWFUL, to the point where I can’t even discuss it sometimes. It was a dark place for me. But lo and behold, I found myself back in the kitchen baking again. I knew something was missing in my life and it was me expressing my creativity in the kitchen. Fast forward to me, re-birthing my business as “Monte’s Sweet Krunch.” Being back in business in a new state has changed me in so many ways, it still shocks me to this day. I’ve fought and conquered so many things these last few years like; building my clientele up again, started shipping my products, networking with more people, coming out of 13 years of depression (I know right lol), and finally coming to terms with my sexuality! Monte’s Sweet Krunch has given me a whole new take on life. Every day is still a challenge for me, but now I know: “You may be in a tough time, but the enemy always fights you the hardest when God has something great in store for you.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As a very shy and laid back person, it’s hard for me to go out and promote my business the way I want to. For instance, it takes the lord himself to talk some sense into me just to hand out a business card. Don’t worry though. I’ve been breaking out of this little shell and been doing what I gotta do to get my name out there.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Monte’s Sweet Krunch – what should we know?
Monte’s Sweet Krunch specializes in gourmet cakes and treats. We also offer custom cakes and treats for any occasion. Our signature and the most popular flavor is, of course, Strawberry Krunch! It’s what gave us our name, and the most talked about and purchased flavor since I’ve been in business. I’m also known for my top-notch presentation. I think taking photos of my work is the highlight of my business lol. Being able to capture and showcase my products, and having people gagging over them, whew. Not only is my presentation on point, but they also taste just as good as they look and that’s what sets me apart from a lot of people.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Of course, the woman who birth me has been through it all with me, from wanting to give up and crying over something I thought was just so horrible lol. I would also like to take the time and thank, Jeromie Jones (Kake King) for being so supportive of me and my business. I never thought so early in my business I can look up to and count on a celebrity baker, I still gag over a little like on Instagram from him lol.
Pricing:
- All Cupcakes Start At $38 (per dozen)
- All Gourmet Cakes Start At $55
- All Custom Cakes Start At $100
Contact Info:
- Phone: (770) 203-2540
- Email: montessweetkrunch@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montessweetkrunch/
- Facebook: https://fb.com/SweetKrunch/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBBF793piiT2dg4wwj2w8jw
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