Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandee Portier-Pickney.
Hi Brandee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for baking and cake decorating stemmed from generations of family bakers. (my dad, mom and grandmothers) I started baking as a hobby in 2010, taking cake decorating classes at Hobby Lobby & Michael’s and watching videos on YouTube University (as I often call it). During that time, I decided to turn my hobby into a business but it was short-lived. However, it wasn’t until 2019, I was browsing videos on treat making on YouTube and I stumbled across the famous Ms. Roshell Ingraham, “It’s Your Girl Ro in the building” yeah that one lol, who immediately became my mentor. After gaining the knowledge needed to become a successful treat maker, I officially started Empress Bee’s Sweet Treats, LLC March 2020. The crazy thing about it, I started the business at the peak of Covid-19. I really felt like it was going to be challenging because of it but the business actually thrived since everyone had to get creative with how they celebrated special occasions or special moments in their lives. I’m excited to see what is in store for Empress Bee’s Sweet Treats in 2023 and beyond. Also, look out for my newly created business Kween Bee Kreations, LLC where I specialize in custom party favors.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would have to say that the most challenging thing for me was learning how to juggle a family, working full-time and a business all at the same time. I eventually found my rhythm and it worked itself out. Another challenging moment is the fluctuations in orders. I have those moments when business is slow and when business is booming. I use those slow times to create new ideas, recipes, maintain my social media pages to make sure I keep the content flowing. The other challenging thing at the start of the business was finding clients. My co-workers is mainly where my clientele started. I can’t forget about those family members who also became clients as well. The word spreaded fairly quickly and I have gained some of the best new and repeat clients in Houston and surrounding cities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a “custom” treat maker and baker/cake artist. I specialize in most types of cakes ranging from pound cakes, German Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Strawberry, etc. and the “most popular” being “Vanilla Bean”. I also specialize in making treats that can coordinate with any party theme. The treats I create are as follows: chocolate-covered rice Krispie treats, chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate covered oreos and strawberries, cake pops/cakesicles and custom sugar cookies. If you just have a taste for something sweet, I can assist with that as well with my signature cookies of all flavors with the “most popular” flavor being Chocolate Chip Pecan. It gives me so much joy and pleasure when my clients receive their order(s) and it’s beyond their expectations. I strive in providing the best customer service, and quality products and helping my clients to make their celebration extra “sweet” when they order from me! My slogan is “Satisfying your Sweet Tooth with Delectable ‘Sweet Treats”!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck but I do believe that everything happens according to its divine time and place.
I read this quote and it reads, “What’s meant for you will never miss you, and that which misses you was never meant for you.” – Imam Ali
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empressbeessweet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpressBees
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