Meet Laneit Jones | Soulful Vegan Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laneit Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laneit, what do you attribute your success to?
When reflecting on the journey that led to my success, three words come to mind: resilience, consistency, and positivity. It is often said that coming up with a business idea is the easy part but transforming that idea into a business is challenging. Despite the difficulties I encounter, it is crucial for me to persevere and swiftly overcome obstacles. Maintaining a positive outlook during these times proves invaluable in facilitating quick rebounds from setbacks. Dwelling on challenges only hinders progress. Additionally, a vital aspect of my success involves consistently being present and delivering exceptional service to my customers. This includes baking desserts using quality ingredients and never compromising standards.

Here is a brief story that illustrates my three key factors. Last year, I had the honor of vending at a huge 3-day festival in New Orleans. I thought I baked more than enough desserts but sold out on day 2. I approached the obstacle with positivity and a solution-oriented mindset, and that made all the difference. I was able to find a shared commercial kitchen space at the last minute, allowing us to bake more cookies that night. While I planned as much as I could, I learned that sometimes, life has its own plans.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What distinguishes Neitly Vegan Sweets is our dedication to exceptional customer service and our commitment to using quality ingredients in all our desserts. Our goal is not only to delight customers with delicious treats but also to ensure they feel warmly welcomed and valued.

I am incredibly proud of the positive impact our business has had on the community. Those with health issues or lactose intolerant can indulge in tasty desserts without the harmful side effects of diary. We are changing the misconception that vegan food is bland one bite at a time.

The journey to where we are today has been anything but easy. Like any business, we faced our fair share of challenges along the way. From sourcing quality ingredients consistently to navigating the competitive market, each obstacle has been a learning opportunity. However, through perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering support of my team, we have overcome these hurdles and grown stronger.

A significant lesson I have discovered is the importance of remaining authentic and staying true to your brand’s essence. Among the many of opinions on how a brand should be perceived, it is essential to stay grounded in your brand’s purpose. While new dessert trends may emerge, understanding the “why” behind your brand is paramount. Additionally, building a strong network of fellow business owners and supporters has been invaluable. The sense of community and shared knowledge has been a guiding light during challenging times.

What I want the world to know about Neitly Vegan Sweets is that we are more than just a bakery. We were born out of a passion for creating healthier, home-like plant-based dessert alternatives without sacrificing the flavors our community love. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply curious about plant-based desserts, we invite you to join us on this sweet voyage of flavor.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s my plan for an enjoyable Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday:

Begin the day with breakfast at Seven Mile Café, where you’ll find an extensive menu for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. They also offer morning cocktails to kickstart the day.
Next, head to Cowtown for a rodeo show, a favorite pastime for my husband and me.
In the DFW area, there’s always a pop-up event supporting local businesses, so we’d make sure to swing by and show our support.
For dinner on Saturday night, Casa del Vegano is a must-visit for its great vibes and yummy wine cocktails. Don’t forget to say hello to Hershel and Tony!

Sunday:

Start the day with church then brunch at TLC Café, a favorite spot where you can’t go wrong with their lasagna or General Tso’s dinner.
Wrap up the weekend with a visit to the arboretum or perhaps a few rounds of axe throwing at Stumpy’s Hatchet House for some added excitement!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to acknowledge three individuals who have played pivotal roles. Firstly, my husband, David, deserves special recognition. He not only encouraged me to start Neitly Vegan Sweets but also assisted with operations, financials, marketing and all things IT related. You will often find him at our pop-ups and festivals sporting his signature cowboy hat. There isn’t a challenge he can’t tackle, making him an invaluable cornerstone of my business.

Secondly, I am deeply grateful for the supportive community of fellow business owners who have stood by me throughout this journey. Whether it was offering invaluable advice, sharing resources, promoting my business or simply lending an ear to listen to my ideas. Having a network of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and triumphs is truly invaluable.

Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my loyal customers, my ride-or-die supporters. Your every purchase, recommendation, social media tag, warm smile, and heartfelt hug have meant the world to me. Neitly Vegan Sweets would not be where it is today without your unwavering support and enthusiasm. You are the heart and soul of this business, and I am forever thankful for each and every one of you.

Website: https://www.neitlyvegansweets.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neitlyvegansweets/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeitlyVeganSweets

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@neitlyvegansweets

Other: TikTok: @NeitlyVeganSweets