Today we’d like to introduce you to Tameia Frank Jones.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started this journey because I had just had my second child, Londyn. I suffered from postpartum depression really bad. I, one day, had a conversation with my husband Byron. I said: babe, I want to start a fun business. Something that makes people face just light up, something for the entire family. Well, he literally said: like what Tameia? I said: what if we start a cotton candy business? He kind of heard me but really didn’t care for the idea. I wanted to prove to him that I was going to start this business and make tons of money. Well, I had no money to start with, maybe $300 to spare if that. I began to learn everything about cotton candy. I first had to come up with a name. I have two beautiful daughters so I wanted to incorporate their name somehow because once this business boomed, it will all be theirs. So, I came up with Sweets With L&L Cotton Candy for Lauryn and Londyn. So, I began to brainstorm on how I would start making money. What better way than to start hustling and going to kid’s businesses and ask if you could set up shop and sell your cotton candy on the weekend.
It all started at Baby Gap on Market Street In The Woodlands, Texas. I would set up free of charge and sell my product. The first time didn’t go as planned, but the go-getter in me said: Tameia try it again. I prayed about it and sure, I spoke with my Father which is my Pastor all the way in Flint, Michigan. I wanted this to work out and prove to my husband. Well, total flop didn’t do well. Well, I tried one more time and that time was a success. Every weekend after that, I wanted to set up shop. I did just that. I did so good, I connected with another Gap Manager in Memorial City Mall. I did so good there, I went for about five months straight making tons of money. Now, I had let people know who I was still needed my own machine, still needed supplies, it got so discouraging but I kept praying and kept believing. Fast forward to 2018, I’d start doing pop up shops.
At the end of 2017, we’re still wasn’t satisfied so I do events, I started making custom cotton candy flavors and it just took off. I was finally able to purchase signs advertisement and a commercial cotton candy machine. All my hard work paid off. I then thought I want to open a cart in Memorial City Mall and September 2018, I opened and still going strong. I know God has been on my side the entire way. I come from praying parents and they’ve always taught me and my siblings to believe that God will make a way out of no way. Even when it seems like things look down. You have remained faithful and be of a good courage. The main thing is I started this business out of my sister -n-law and brother-n-law kitchen. Yup, a full-blown shop and never heard one complaint. To Adree Humpfrey, I love you. She’s been by my side since day one, pushing me, haha! Saying ‘T you got this.’ My husband finally said: you’re on to something and stop complaining about all the money I was using from our account. I’m working on my second location and I’m the near future making it all a franchise. Final thing I want to say is I wasn’t scared to try, I was nervous along the way. I cried, I lost money, but I kept giving it my all and remaining faithful.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Heck, no!!! My main thing was finances. I had to figure it all out. I’m going to make this work. I did festivals where I thought I was going to make thousands and made hundreds. Smh! I cried I was hurt. Because I was spending money I thought I would be flipping, not losing.
Sweets With L&L LLC – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Sweets With L&L is Gourmet Cotton Candy Company that has over 20 flavors. Our location is at Memorial City Mall. We’re known for our cotton candy on a glow stick bigger than your head. It’s literally bigger than your head. The kids go crazy when they see it in the mall. You have to have one when you see it. We also provide custom party favors for any occasion. Then, we have the catering part where we can come and spin on-site unlimited Cotton from 1-3 hours. I would say what sets me apart is that I’m always kind, I love people so much, I make it personal and inviting.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is achieving those long term and short term goals. Striving for greatness is the best you can be at what it is you’re doing. Me, personally, I put 150% in whatever I’m doing and I never stop. I’m looking to make my company be a multi-millionaire cotton candy business. I will achieve this here shortly. I’m proud to say it. I say it will confidence. 😊
Pricing:
- 1 hour catering service $375
- 2 hours catering service $575
- 3 hour catering service $875
- Everyday Special Buy 3 Cotton Candy Cups get 1 free Cotton Candy Cone Free
- Custom part Favors Bags $3 each
- Cups $4 each
- Containers $6 with bow and label
Contact Info:
- Address: Memorial City Mall
303 Memorial City Way
Houston, Tx 77024 (Located down Sears Wing) - Website: Sweetswithll.com
- Phone: 281-961-1174
- Email: sweetswithll@gmail.com
- Instagram: Sweetswithll
- Facebook: Sweetswithll
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.
