Today we’d like to introduce you to Wealthi Freeman.
Wealthi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Wealthi Freeman. I was born and raised here in Atlanta, GA. Cooking has always been something I enjoyed. My mom put me in cooking classes when I was only eight years old. I also enjoyed watching the food network and other cooking shows. Learning to make new things was always a challenge to me but I enjoyed it. It helped to strengthen my talent. After graduating from college, it was hard to find a job in my field. I then realized that I wanted to start my own business but I was unsure of what it would be. It was back in Feb 2018. I was working overnight in Alpharetta, GA and I was discussing with a coworker that I wanted to start a business so that I didn’t have to rely so much on clocking in somewhere to see a check. I was going over business ideas with her (my coworker) because we were talking about how we didn’t want to work a 9-5 forever. I’ve always liked to cook and baking was even more of a thing to me.
So my coworker was like, why don’t you start selling your cakes. I thought it was a typical but bomb idea; the only thing was I wanted to make it different than the average selling of cakes. I then thought about how the kids sold lemonade in the mason jars and she was like, ayyyeee ! you could put your cakes in mason jars. That way, it wouldn’t be too much for anyone to eat. Not only that, but it could be taken on the go with you and saved without a problem. I then begin to bounce names back and forth with my logo designer. I then bought the idea to my husband to see what he thought. He was very happy about it and thought that it was a great idea. He assured me that I had his support and that if it was something I was completely serious about, he’d fund the start-up of it. So, there it was the start of my business. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I was unsure of if I would make any sales if anyone would support me for real, let alone at all, I was unsure if I would succeed period. My husband reassured me that I’d do just fine.
After I began posting, I started to get orders and sales. I was happy but that didn’t last long. Halfway through my first year, business slowed up. I almost got discouraged but I was determined to succeed. This slow period rolled over into the beginning of the second year. Overall, not giving up got me to where I am today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has definitely not been smooth by a long shot. The end of my first year was VEEERRRYYY slow, leading into the second year. I was glad to actually have a job during this slow period. But this taught me and gave me a taste of what it could/would be like when I expand. I also had to realize that not everyone is into sweets. So I decided to give smoothies a try. I will soon be adding them to the menu permanently. I also decided to add a food menu for those who just didn’t feel like cooking and wanted to order out without it being so expensive.
Business, sure enough, picked up again. I am grateful for those who have supported and those who will. I pray, God willing, I will one day (soon) be able to open a small storefront.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about A Rich Taste – what should we know?
A Rich Taste is my bakery. I started off specializing in jarred desserts. This is what I was originally known for. I was making the cake jars, as some would call them. However, I expanded to providing whole cakes, pies, and food now. I am most proud of my company because it is slowly expanded and reaching other cities. I currently have customers in Macon, Ga and Tennessee. I just pray that it continues to grow and expand. What sets me aside from others? I feel as though I was one of the first to start making the cake jars. I only say this because I had never seen it before I started advertising. But my look definitely sets the business apart from others. Once you’ve tried a dessert and DEFINITELY some food from A Rich Taste, you’ll see what sets me aside from others.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My Husband, first and foremost, has been my number one supporter. He funded the start-up of my business and has pushed me when I needed it the most. I would like to thank many family members and friends for supporting and spreading the word about A Rich Taste. Special thanks to my former coworker, Ciara Blakey for helping me pitch ideas back and forth.
I would like to first thank a long time friend and my hair stylist, Tia Stephens-Troutman for first allowing me to do a pop-up shop at a private event she hosted.
Thank you to a school mate/friend, Latandra Brooks for allowing me exposure by being a vendor at an event she held. I also want to thank Jason Frisby and Chris Hunter for also having me as a vendor at an event both held. Thank you to Krisica Clark for recommending that VoyageATL check me out. Thank you again to all those who have supported by purchasing items and/or simply spreading the word. You are greatly appreciated.
Pricing:
- Well my prices vary depending on what you order of course. Nothing exceeds $40.00 though
Contact Info:
- Phone: 850-764-2481
- Email: arichtaste@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/arichtaste
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/arichtaste
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