Meet Sharonda Lawson | Owner of Bakers D’lite

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharonda Lawson, Owner of Bakers D’lite and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharonda, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The success of my brand has always hinged on great customer service and staying innovative. With all of the new trends in the industry, it is important that I am constantly improving my craft and offering my clients jaw dropping designs yet staying affordable. I make sure that all of my clients know how appreciated they are no matter their budget. I have clients that keep returning (and promoting) not only because of the visual aspect and wonderful taste, but because they said and I quote, “some places won’t even give you the time of day if you aren’t spending over $100 with them, or they make you feel like you aren’t worth their time, but you have great customer service and never made me feel like I wasn’t worthy of your services.” I treat all of my clients like they are special, because they are! Without them, Bakers D’lite wouldn’t be the growing success that it is today!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you motivated professionally?
8 years ago I walked away from my desk job working for a very prominent Mortgage Lender (where I had been in the industry for over 12 years) to take a leap of faith in an industry that I had ZERO knowledge in. I called my husband and told him that I believed the Lord wanted me to quit my job and open my Bakery. He was 1000% supportive and I did just that, I walked away and never looked back. I had no idea what I was doing, but I had faith that it was what I was destined to do so I stayed the course. I started teaching myself by watching YouTubes of different techniques etc. I didnt even know how to make American Buttercream Icing lol. I approached every order with full confidence that I could deliver whatever the client requested, I NEVER said NO! That wasn’t in my vocabulary, I know it sounds crazy, but the challenge is what drives me. The road has definitely not been easy and at times I wanted to give up and go back to what I knew, but I was constantly reminded that God will never give us a task and not equip us to succeed. There are hundreds of people offering sweets and custom treats, but I try to stand out from the rest by always offering something affordable for almost every budget, and making sure that all my clients walk away feeling special and appreciated. I’ve learned along the way that you can not mimic your brand after someone else’s brand that you deem successful. You have to figure out what works for you, find your niche and run full force with it. Always invest in your business and find ways to say innovative. If you don’t believe in you then how can you expect anyone else to? Don’t be afraid to take risks, because with risks comes rewards. Today I am proud to say that I am a 100% self taught custom cake boss!! I didn’t fight for a seat at someone else’s table, I built my own.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmm DFW is so big and has a vast variety of places to eat and things to see and. I reserve the upscale dining for me and hubby, but when its us girls and we just want to go hang out and have some fun, drink some cocktails, laugh, shop and eat. Some of my favorite places to go and just relax and have a good time are Pappadeauxs Seafood Kitchen, I love the Swamp Thang, Glorias Tex-Mex at the Harbor in Rockwall just sitting on the patio enjoying the scenery and the views of the harbor. Christina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant has some very tasty Salmon Tacos! We would check out the Addison Improv for a good laugh! There’s a fairly new spot in town called Stike + Reel where you can bowl, eat and watch movies so that’s a definite, and all girlfriends need to do a Dallas by Chocolate/Bites food and wine tour! There’s also a spot we must stop at called TRUE Kitchen + Kocktails located in Downtown Dallas on Elm St.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a wonderful support system! My wonderful husband who has supported all of my crazy ideas, financed my vision, and continues to encourage me. My children – all 11 of them- who love to brag on me and say I’m a bad ass super woman who can do anything! My sister (Carlisa Williams- owner of CJ’s Custom Candles [yall should definitely check her out]) who is always in my corner and rooting me on and being listening ear or voice of reason! My wonderful friends who support me, but one in particular (Torwyne Ashley)- this chic is the one who continued to encourage me (to the point of badgering lol!) from the beginning to step out on faith and take the leap! AND last but most certainly not least, my wonderful clients who continue to show their love and support for BakersD’lite!

Website: www.bakersdlite.com
Instagram: @BakersDlite
Twitter: @Bakers_Dlite
Facebook: @BakersDlite
Yelp: Bakers D’lite