Today we’d like to introduce you to Tisha Hopper.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My love of strawberries came at an early age as a little girl when my father wanted to teach me and my siblings (younger sister and brother) what “work” meant. He would take me to the strawberry patch and I learned how to pick strawberries in Troy, Ohio. Throughout the years, my sister and I would give gourmet chocolate strawberries away as gifts. Over time, the desire to start making strawberries as business increased. Buckhead Berries, LLC was launched in the Fall of 2012. I devoted everything to “building a brand.” I am still learning what it means.” I wear a lot of hats, and sometimes I fall short on increasing Brand Awareness.
I began selling Buckhead Berries in Beauty Salons across Metro Atlanta and I believe the word began to spread. Our Online has seen an increase but initially, it is the referrals of Atlanta Businesses and their patrons and my Repeat customers who have encouraged me to continue.
My vision is to create a beautiful, calm, inviting work environment where customers enjoy coming inside Buckhead Berries! Incentives, cash bonuses, little things like healthy lunches, “SALAD DAY” free lunch to employees to keep the morale up at work. Everyone will be allowed to work sitting down and wear headphones!! I believe in positive, happy work environments. I also believe in hiring help to assist. I believe in paying people a little more to get the job done correctly. Peace of mind for me is having no loose ends when it comes to delivering quality service.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a small business owner and the CEO, there is no one to blame if something doesn’t go quite according to the plan. Staying motivated is perhaps the number one job. Gaining new business truly comes from the referrals of others. Networking is key and can be a little difficult if you are primarily creating in the kitchen. Holding steady, maintaining a positive outlook and keeping positive vibes in your environment is crucial. Music has played a major role in my life. I diligently work while listening to some type of motivating rhythm blasting in my headphones! It makes my workflow fun! And I control my vibe. Usually dancing creeps in as I’m working, which continuously keeps me in a good mood, expressing myself in ways I never could if I worked in a traditional office environment.
The challenge is always getting more business. I am kind of shy however, in business that doesn’t apply. Marketing can be costly, so one has to come up with creative ways to keep interested. I believe that’s where Instagram – Social Media becomes a valuable tool. I am still learning as I go. There are so many platforms, it is easy to get down on yourself and think that you’re not measuring up… that’s usually when I have to step away and pause… eat my favorite Chocolate Strawberry (Milk Chocolate pecan) and with just that one bite… it makes me realize I just can’t give up! My product taste too good to quit… afterwards, it makes me feel better about continuing to move forward. And believe I will make it… and enjoy the journey. I will not allow myself to become overwhelmed by NOT DOING ENOUGH/TIMELINES… there will always be something to do. I pace myself and require solitude to recharge and THINK… sometimes just sleep.
Please tell us about BUCKHEAD BERRIES.
I’ve been creating Gourmet delicacies since the 7th grade. Professionally, Buckhead Berries, LLC was launched in the Fall of 2012 Buckhead Berries is not just a chocolate strawberry… it is a delicacy wrapped in luxurious chocolate, a light sweet crunch, combined with a blend of International nuts that exuberates the tastebuds. Making for an exquisite, decadent luxurious experience.
Our company has taken chocolate strawberry to the ultimate level of perfection.
Our strawberries come in a rich blend of white chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate.
Our organic hazelnuts are blanched, diced and internationally flown from different parts of the world. Our pecans are simply divine and homegrown right here in Georgia!!
Our recipes have been passed down for generations.
Due to the small nature in size of Buckhead Berries, we are able to personally provide our online customer with up to date delivery en route ETA notifications. First-time customers and senior customers feel more comfortable ordering direct over the telephone and speaking with someone life. (Me -the Owner) I believe in offering excellent customer service every day. It is a blessing that customers TRUST in Buckhead Berrie’s consistency to deliver the perfect gift, the perfect dessert, and the perfect corporate gift. By request, we can add your logo/event label on packaging for your special day!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wish I started Buckhead Berries earlier than 2012… I have to make time to network. It is most definitely crucial and you can make excuses and talk yourself out of going out… to your detriment. there is no room to be shy. Having business forces you to PUSH past every fear or insecurity. You don’t work, you don’t eat. Always have a business card on you at all times! Be aware, be kind, be respectful. POSITIVITY never goes out of style.
Pricing:
- CATERING BOX -$150 (Fifty Strawberries) – White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate: Hazelnut or Pecan Crunch Topping
- DOZEN -$45 White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate: Hazelnut or Pecan Crunch Topping
- HALF DOZEN – $20 White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate: Hazelnut or Pecan Crunch Topping
- CANDY $20 – White Chocolate Hazelnut Crunchies, White Chocolate Pecan Crunchies or Milk Chocolate Pecan Crunchies
- Two-Pk Small Gift Box $5 – Corporate Gift, Patron Gift, Weddings, Celebration Gift, Banquet and Dinner Party
- Buckhead Berries offers Delivery to Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, Metro Atlanta
Contact Info:
- Website: www.buckheadberries.com
- Phone: 4047509519
- Email: info@buckheadberries.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buckheadberries/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buckhead-Berries-760071977406867/
- Other: https://www.prepatl.com/prep-members/#top
Image Credit:
SARA HANNA PHOTOGRAPHY – STRAWBERRY PHOTOGRAPHER (STRAWBERRY PICTURES ONLY)
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
