Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Bazunu.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lauren. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I realized that my passion and happy place always dealt with entertaining guests and hostessing. What started as a dream and creative outlet back in 2011 has blossomed into a full-fledged event styling company. I’ve added many facets of the business including lifestyle content creation, intriguing social events and the annual Toast & Twirl Workshop, a #crafternoon for those who love all things party, crafty and creative.
At the end of 2014, I began to offer a cotton candy service (one of my favorite desserts) was created – Twirl Cotton Candy. Over time, I have developed gourmet flavors and now what has become the most popular – alcohol infused cotton candy flavors. Imagine Strawberry Champagne, Blue Hawaiian, Lemon Drop Sour, and Mai Tai just to name a few. I’m always adding to the flavor list.
Being able to look back on my career journey to realize that every odd job, internship and career move all was needed to help in the bigger picture of pursuing my passion and dream.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was not a smooth road. I definitely found myself being comfortable in jobs I was not passionate about. The worry of income, bills and being successful on something I saw that would be “so fun and my dream” seemed unreal. If it wasn’t for me being pushed out of my comfort zone and taking risks then I wouldn’t be growing and walking into my passion. Realizing that the risk of following my heart is worth so much more than ever wondering “what if” and regretting not doing it.
Please tell us about Toast from the Host.
Toast from the Host™ was created by Lauren Bazunu in 2011 as an outlet for her passion of fun parties, home entertaining and hosting social events.
Online, you can get entertaining and party ideas, tips, recipes, and event inspiration. My passion with blogging and bringing colorful lifestyle content, is to inspire those to create an atmosphere where they are intrigued and want to duplicate a look or idea.
I do offer my service in planning any event and being hands on with all my clients. I also cater to those looking to plan and style a private social event whether for a baby shower, bridal shower or birthday. I try to incorporate all five senses in the planning process as to make every event an experience.
An extension of all the colorful parties, I host an annual one day workshop – the Toast & Twirl Workshop. I call it a “crafternoon” geared towards those that love the creative industry and want to craft and even for those who have no idea where to begin. It is a space where you can learn a new skill set and have a fun time while doing it.
Lastly, Twirl Cotton Candy is a cotton candy catering service and online store in which customers can purchase FRESH, gourmet cotton candy in classic and seasonal flavors. Most popular are the alcohol infused flavors and gift boxes for most holidays, think Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have taken the risk sooner of jumping into the creative industry. I would have built a better business foundation with a business plan. It may not be the “pretty” side but it’s the most important. Better to start with the foundation than to have to backtrack to build one.
Write and document everything – anything and everything can be content for the future.
Pricing:
- Twirl Cotton Candy product is available in our online shop and range from $3 – $30
Contact Info:
- Website: toastfromthehost.com
- Email: hello@toastfromthehost.com and info@twirlcottoncandy.com
- Instagram: @Toastfromthehost @TwirlCottonCandy @ToastTwirlWorkshop
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ToastfromtheHostfacebook.com/TwirlCottonCandyTX/
Image Credit:
Stacy Anderson Photography
Vashti.Co Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston 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.
