Do you have anyone in your family with a food allergy, or that is a vegetarian? Well, if you said "yes," then you probably know how hard it is to find or even make sweet treats for them/yourself. A handful of my family and friends have gluten allergies or are diabetic. So, when it comes to making desserts for holiday parties or gatherings, I find myself making a handful of treas to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. In the past, I tried making gluten free or vegan baked goods, when they never came out good. Either they were too heavy, didn't have a taste, or didn't taste good. As a result, I turned to the Internet to find bakers and vendors who sell baked goods to meet the dietary needs of my family and friends. And, this is when I stumbled across this week's Spotlight Mom, Tonya Lynette Deveau of My Vegan Sweet Tooth. Tonya makes all vegan baked goods, including gluten free, soy free, sugar free, and raw options.
And, when I reached out to to Tonya, not only was I excited about being able to share her mom entrepreneur story with you all, but also be able to share a personal review and more information about her vegan baked goods. Stay tuned on Friday when I share a review of a few of her baked goods she so kindly sent along last month, as well as a coupon code for 25% off an order of $20 or more. But, in the meantime, please enjoy my interview with Tonya Lynette Deveau of My Vegan Sweet Tooth.
Name: Tonya Lynette Deveau
Company Name/Product/Service: My Vegan Sweet Tooth. I make all
vegan baked goods, including gluten free, soy free, sugar free, and raw
options.
Company Location: I currently work out of my home in Virginia Beach, Va.
Company Website: www.myvegansweettooth.com
Twitter Handle: @myveganswee2th
Age of Company: A little over 2 years
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: True bravery is being afraid of something and doing it anyway.
Favorite Book: Anything by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What
are their ages? Your hobbies?
Two children, Madison, 12 and Darin, 9. Cooking is obviously a passion. I am also very passionate about helping animals. I love reading and being with my family, etc.
Two children, Madison, 12 and Darin, 9. Cooking is obviously a passion. I am also very passionate about helping animals. I love reading and being with my family, etc.
Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?
I used to make vegan goodies for people all the time without telling them they were vegan. They told me they were good enough to sell. My kids really wanted me to start selling my stuff, and my husband was very supportive.
I used to make vegan goodies for people all the time without telling them they were vegan. They told me they were good enough to sell. My kids really wanted me to start selling my stuff, and my husband was very supportive.
What is a typical work day like?
I get up early in the morning to clean some SPCA cats for about an hour. When I get home, I am home schooling my children until about lunch time. I check my orders and am usually cooking into the night.
I get up early in the morning to clean some SPCA cats for about an hour. When I get home, I am home schooling my children until about lunch time. I check my orders and am usually cooking into the night.
What has been a struggle while starting up your
company?
Since I do not have a store front, it is harder to spread the word and get my company name out there.
Since I do not have a store front, it is harder to spread the word and get my company name out there.
What did you do in your past work life?
I was a manager at a law firm before I decided to stay home with my children.
I was a manager at a law firm before I decided to stay home with my children.
What have been some of your major successes?
It was exciting when the production company of cupcake wars approached me to send in an audition tape for their season of vegan Cupcake Wars.
It was exciting when the production company of cupcake wars approached me to send in an audition tape for their season of vegan Cupcake Wars.
What have been some of your major challenges?
It can be very challenging to juggle home schooling when I have extremely busy day. Thankfully, my husband is a big help.
It can be very challenging to juggle home schooling when I have extremely busy day. Thankfully, my husband is a big help.
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
I know it is hard for people to find allergy free foods, and I am happy to be able to provide that at a reasonable cost.
I know it is hard for people to find allergy free foods, and I am happy to be able to provide that at a reasonable cost.
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and
family?
Since I get to work from my home, I think that is an advantage. And, my family is very supportive and helpful.
Since I get to work from my home, I think that is an advantage. And, my family is very supportive and helpful.
What is next for your business?
We are currently in the process of expanding my storage room off the kitchen, but the long term goal is to open a storefront bakery.
We are currently in the process of expanding my storage room off the kitchen, but the long term goal is to open a storefront bakery.
Do you have any advice for other
mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the
fence
about starting a business?
I am not outgoing by nature, and do not like to try and have to sell myself to people. But I managed to do it, because it was something I wanted. I figured, it wouldn't hurt to try. Just get started.
I am not outgoing by nature, and do not like to try and have to sell myself to people. But I managed to do it, because it was something I wanted. I figured, it wouldn't hurt to try. Just get started.
Tonya's GF chocolate chip cookies are to die for! They are still so moist when they arrive at my door in Texas. Needless to say, they only last 24 hours in my house before *I* have devoured them ALL!
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