Meet Elyssa Thompson | Baker and Small Business Owner

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

Hi Elyssa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was all a blur. Baking had always been a hobby of mine, since I was about 8 years old. At the time, I was a senior in high school using baking as an outlet to better my mental health. I would give myself “baking challenges” each week and challenge myself to try something new in the kitchen every Monday. This particular week I decided to master cake balls. I made a batch of three different flavors and decorated them nicely, so I could post them on my social medias. To my surprise, so many of my friends and acquaintances were interested in buying them, they were a huge hit! That week I sold all of the cake balls and got great feedback. I was ecstatic to bring people joy through my product. As the weeks went by, people ordered more goods from me and I got more practice mastering different treats, such as chocolate covered strawberries and custom cakes. I knew that this was something I wanted to continue doing and started my plan from there. I created a menu with prices and polices, set up an Instagram account, and expanded my craft even more.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Simone Sweets has been such a fun journey to embark on. My love for baking is as strong as ever and I really enjoy making new things, creating seasonal menus, accepting challenges from a customer to try something new, and more. It gives me a chance to be creative and turn any obstacle in life into motivation to better my craft. However, owning a business does take time and special commitment along with tough decisions. At the height of COVID, while I was still in my college dorm, I decided that it wouldn’t be ideal to bake treats in a shared kitchen. As sad it was to put a pause on Simone Sweets, I knew I had to put safety first. Though I was out of college and in my own space, it took a while for me to start up again, because I was convinced that I had lost my touch. I was also in a new area and did not know who my new clientele would be, where I would get supplies and more. Despite the extra pressure I put on myself, my relaunch turned out great. I gained new customers while still having support from the ones that are now a little farther away. My small business is a work in progress. Everyday I am learning the different values and what it means to be a business owner. That is what sets me a part from others. I am honest and transparent, even about what I am struggling with. I hope that one day I am able to open up a bakery, and I am working toward that goal and taking it one day at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love being a Dallas native! There are always places to go eat, shop and explore. One really fun and unique experience you have to try is the DIY silk scarf class at Dallas Silk Art. It i such a fun experience to design your own custom, multi-use scarf and watch it come to life. Another place to visit is the Dallas Museum of Art. I love visiting and looking at the different exhibits. Though these are fun, my favorite place to visit is the Dallas Arboretum. It is like walking through a fairytale garden every time! I love looking at the different assortments and the different seasonal themes. The best thing to do is to go on a nice day, set up a little spot and read a book while enjoying a nice treat. Some of my favorite food spots in Dallas have to be Ocean Prime, Truluck’s, and Perry’s Steakhouse. They all have great food, drinks, and ambience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Though I have had everlasting support from friends and family throughout the years, I would like to give a special shoutout to my late friend Marissa. She was the first person to order a custom cake from me and really encouraged me to do it. I was so nervous to make and decorate a cake, especially for something as important as her mother’s birthday. I was so nervous it wouldn’t come out right or I would mess the cake up. Marissa believed in me even when I didn’t, and she was right all along! The cake turned out beautifully and she told me that everyone loved it. She then ordered another one from me for her birthday the following week, which I was so delighted to make for her. Now, I love doing custom cakes and look forward to those orders, especially when I am trying something new. I am so grateful she gave me that little push out of my comfort zone for me to be great.

Instagram: @simonesweetss_

Other: Email: elyssathompson20@gmail.com