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

Hi LaWana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Actually it was an accidental accident, Previously I’d worked in social services for 15 years before getting injured on my job. In my down time I started to bake some old family recipes and give them to people I knew. In that process I fell in love with how happy it made people, and those people actually pushed me to do it as a business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d like to think that my ancestors are the creatives and I’m just the vessel in which they show artistry. In a vast market of dessert makers, treat makers and so on, I stay true to small batch scratch made family recipes. It gives me great joy to share my families traditional recipes (and some with my little twist) with people and see their reactions. My favorite moments are from the conversations with stamps of approval and well wishes of the elders that I serve. I’m no trained chef or culinary school student. I do what I’m passionate about and love and that’s baking . I first made my biggest move by suppling restaurants and markets in the Bay Area with wholesale retail desserts. After relocating back to my home state of Louisiana I sat out to build my brand by participating in local markets and restaurants to supply desserts. My goal here in Texas is to open my first storefront. We specialize in small batch scratch made “Authentically Southern” desserts. Personal portions, office/ corporate, catering and resale. It’s been 7 years since my official start. It’s been difficult, sometimes more than others, but extremely rewarding. I’m a very reserved person so going out and meeting people and pushing my brand has been challenging, not to mention most of the time I’m a 1 person machine. I’ve made many mistakes along the way but I made a plan and promise to myself to provide the best quality product possible and deliver it with a standard. The presentation is just as important as the product. When people see or hear of my brand they expect a certain level of quality. We are committed to excellence in our customer service and product. Our products are a part of our family so they’re produced with love.

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.
I’m in love with the Dallas farmers market, it is a great place for interactive moments with small business owners like myself, amazing food, music and shopping. I’m really into green spaces and open areas. Food is an adventure that I thoroughly enjoy. My friends and I brunch on the weekends..it’s a most! Because I’m still so fresh to the area it’s like a treasure hunt every week to find a new great place to try.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Mary London, my mom. She always believed in me and pushed me no matter what I decided to do in life and told me I was the best. When she became terminally ill 3 years ago my business came to a screeching halt. I became her caregiver. In one of our last conversations it was about me relocating to Texas and taking my business to a new level. I made her that promise and that’s what I’m doing.

Instagram: @tummytimecakesdesserts

Facebook: Tummy Time Cakes and Desserts LLC

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