We had the good fortune of connecting with Christian Sargent and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Christian, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of our brand is authenticity and being relatable. As millennials, we understand that we live in a society where influencers and oversharing goes hand and hand. No one wants another cookie cutter brand trying to convince you to buy a product you don’t need and cannot relate to. This is why we decided to carve out our space in the CPG industry and instead of being just another pancake mix brand we became the relatable breakfast brand that speaks to life while including our family traditions along with a killer product that feeds the heart and soul.
We share the behind the scenes, how we started, the exciting opportunities our brand receives and we use our platform and exposure to share resources with our customers and followers. We do not seek perfection, we share reality. We are huge advocates for UGC (user generated content) and we believe in the power of collaboration! By sharing how much others enjoy our brand and connect with our story we have been able to build a strong community of not only customers but “cousins” as we like to call it who affectionately and organically hey our brand without having to be asked to or incentivized.
If Cardi B, Lizzo and Tabitha Brown can authentically be themselves and become National brands outside of their talents; surely we can become a brand and company that customers love, support and see themselves proudly represented in every single day.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As the owner of Vicky Cakes I am most grateful for the opportunity to lead a team of creatives and visionaries who value family and representation as much as I do. It is so exciting and exhilarating to share the future with likeminded individuals who get that we are a needle in a haystack taking on a Goliath in an industry where we are underrepresented, funded and believed in. What we have built at Vicky Cakes will be the blueprint for many others who come up with us and after us. We are holding the door open by sharing resources with other brand creators and leveraging access as we have the opportunity to go beyond food and straight to the heart of the consumers at their tables on a daily/weekly basis.
We have faced challenges from sickness to finances and we have had to figure out how to stay in the game several times and every time we have come out better than before. Overnight success only exists to those who were asleep while you were working. True success is a product of consistency and relevance and I would like to believe have learned and mastered the importance of both. We are relentless in our mission to brings families together and to remove stigmas, culturally appropriated brands and misrepresentation from the forefront of societies minds about Black Owned Businesses.
We want entrepreneurs to know you can be, do and have it all. The only boundaries that exists are the ones we set and accept by not learning more, applying pressure or taking risks.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Great question!!!
Monday: The Dallas Museum of Art – It’s free & quiet! Who doesn’t love those 2 things.
Followed by lunch at Klyed Warren Park! Love the food trucks and people watching on the lawn!
Tuesday: Taco Tuesday at Blue Goose Cantina and dessert from Cookie Society! Can’t go wrong with this pair in Frisco, followed by a walk in the Square.
Wednesday: A day at the Arboretum. The beauty of the gardens is perfect for getting out and having a view while enjoying a picnic or any one of the many lawns!
Thursday: Top Golf and Pappadeaux for dinner. Food and fun is always on my menu and both of these will do just fine! Plus, Pappadeaux has amazing food and drinks to work out the kinks from my bad swing! lol
Friday: Shopping at NorthPark and dinner at Kitchen + Kocktails By: Kevin Kelley. Nothing else needs to be said.
Saturday: A day on Little Rodeo Dr., Legacy West that is! Brunch at Bulla Gatstro Pub, they have the best tapas menu & cocktails! Then we check into the Virgin Dallas for a fun night full of memories!
Sunday: A day filled with rooftop poolside relaxation and brunch onsite before we checkout and head back to the airport!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother, Vicky, my husband Cortney & Tabitha Brown
My mother because without her there would be no Vicky Cakes or recipe. Her resilience and strength as a single mother has empowered me to never settle and to always move through obstacles with grace and integrity. Her love and support strengthens me.
My husband because he came up with the name and idea for us to turn the recipe into a business and his skills and talent as a graphic and web designer is the reason we were able to launch this now multi-million dollar brand with $12.17. He is my inspiration, motivation and aspiration to turn every roadblock into a blueprint of success.
Tabitha Brown, she has no clue just how much her endorsement was the catalyst and momentum that forever changed the reach of our brand. She gave our “vegan pancake mix” legs to run and soar! We are forever grateful for her genuine heart.
Website: vickycakesonline.com
Instagram: @vickycakespancakemix
Twitter: @VickyCakes007
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vickycakespancakemix
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UClh0_ERxt_a-VUShG2b2GBQ
Image Credits
Courtesy of Vicky Cakes Pancake Mix