Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Wilson and Reginald Peacock.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Tamika and Reginald. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started really baking in 1993 when my oldest daughter was one year old. I did not want to order her a cake so I decided to make it. I would make cakes from time to time for co-workers but nothing close to the ones I make now. Back then, my cakes were not pretty but they tasted great. Fast forward to 2004 when I lost my job during the holidays. I did not have money for gifts but wanted to make sure I gave gifts. I was watching the Food Network and they were showing different recipes for holiday cookies. I decided to make cookies and create gifts for my family and friends. The cookies were a hit.
In 2005, I moved to Houston and started a business with my sisters called Blessed Occasions. I created the desserts and cakes for all of our events. In 2008, when my sisters no longer wanted to be caters, I prayed to God about my next step. He gave me Heavenly Desserts.
I use to work my business as a hobby until one day, I realized that I really wanted to do more. In 2012, I attempted to open up a storefront. I was not ready! I thought after a few good months with orders that I could run a store. I knew absolutely nothing about running a business. Needless to say, the store closed in December of that same year. I was only open for six months. I was heartbroken. The fact that I failed weighed on me and it haunted me for a long time.
In 2017, I decided to push myself to do more. I started taking classes to perfect my craft and learn the business side of things. I followed a lot of cake industry people like Porsha Kimble and Kake King. I would watch YouTube videos and join different Facebook groups to learn more. I started doing small vendor events to get myself out there more.
In 2018, I launched my jarred dessert line and sold that along with brownies and slices of cake at different vendor events.
In 2019, my boyfriend and best friend Reginald Peacock started helping me with my business. He is a true salesperson at heart. He pushes, encourages and motivates me to work this business like a boss. He is not afraid to help in the kitchen, setup events, sale or just stay up late to get me thought the long hours. Prior to having Reginald at events, I had my awesome family and some amazing friends come help me at events. Without my community of family and friends, I would have given up a long time ago. Thank you to everyone who supports and has supported Heavenly Desserts.
Great, 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?
No, it has not been a smooth road. There were many struggles along the way. Lack of money to build or promote my business properly. Lack of confidence in myself or skills. Trying to stay motivated when you do not have any orders. Balancing my time with family, friends, work and your business. Many times I struggled with no clear direction for my business and lack of vision for my future.
When my store closed, I struggled with being embarrassed and feeling like a failure. The feeling of failure can make you close up shop forever. I had to realize that failures will come. I had to learn to forgive myself, learn from my mistakes and move on. I had to believe in myself when it seemed no one else did. I know I am made for this business. I had to change the way I think and respond to certain situations.
Please tell us about Heavenly Desserts.
Heavenly Desserts is a dessert company. We offer a wide variety of desserts and custom cakes. We specialize in providing excellent desserts. We are known for our banana pudding, triple lemon cake and our dessert cups.
As a company, right now we are most proud of the growth in our product presentation. I remember when my product presentation was not clean or pretty. Now we make sure that each order leaves with our satisfaction. We want our customers and their guest to be amazed by our desserts and cakes.
What sets us apart is our creativity and our versatility. Our customers call us with some of the weirdest concoctions. We have been able to create the flavors that they wanted with no issues.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is from when I was nine. My grandmother, Lucille Wilson would let me help her in the kitchen. I use to love watching her cook. Spending time with her in the kitchen over the summers was always the best.
After I moved back from Arizona in 2005, I spent more time with my grandmother in the kitchen. This time our time in the kitchen was extra special. My grandmother was in a wheelchair due to a stroke. During this time, she passed down all of the family recipes to me. I made sure that I practiced them because I wanted to make her happy. I finally made her peach cobbler and sweet potato pie recipes for our family at Thanksgiving. Everyone including her were very happy they tasted just like hers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heavenlydessertstx.com
- Phone: 7135385191
- Email: heavenlydessertstx@gmail.com
- Instagram: @heavenly.dessertstx
- Facebook: Heavenly Desserts TX
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