So Sweet Dessert Emporium

What is So Sweet Dessert Emporium?

So Sweet Dessert Emporium is a custom dessert business founded and managed by Shreya Talwar. The company is dedicated to delivering delightful, custom-made treats tailored to the unique preferences and specific needs, like allergies, of each customer. For those with allergies, Shreya works with customers who specifically detail their concerns and finds  solutions that do not compromise the quality or deliciousness of her desserts. Shreya also oversees every aspect of the business, from managing inventory and developing innovative products to maintaining excellent customer relations and handling financial management. The business model revolves around creating personalized desserts, ranging anywhere from cakes, cookies, and cupcakes to anything imaginable, which are designed according to the specific requests of clients. By combining her passion for baking with her business acumen, Shreya has built a brand that is both creative and socially inclusive.

At So Sweet Dessert Emporium, the custom-designed desserts cater to a wide range of client needs that can come out of complete imagination on the client’s end. To help gain a grasp on the client's vision, Shreya asks clients to first send preview images or ideas, which also can be a mix of different designs they want to incorporate into their order. Then, Shreya then draws up rough sketches and sits down with clients over call to personalize and revise the designs further, ensuring that she fully grasps their vision. This meticulous process allows her to create desserts that truly reflect the client's wishes and emotions. The business has catered to various themes, such as garden landscape, fruit motifs, and even butterflies scenes, for various events including birthday parties, welcoming parties, and weddings. 

Shreya manages her business through multiple communication channels, including a dedicated business phone number, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram profiles. These platforms allow her to reach a broad market and stay in touch with clients efficiently but also spread her product and accommodating service to anyone who may need it. She uses a Notion calendar to plan orders and schedule meetings, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, even during busy periods.

About the Founder

Shreya Talwar’s journey into the world of baking and business began with a personal challenge. Growing up with food allergies, she often found herself unable to enjoy the desserts at birthday parties and other celebrations. This experience sparked a desire in her to create treats she could eat and share with others, leading to a deep passion for baking. Influenced by her mother and grandmother, both avid bakers, Shreya started baking as a hobby at the young of 3. What began as a bonding experience with her family soon grew into a business she founded at 11 that allowed her to share her love of baking with a wider audience.

Shreya’s path to entrepreneurship was not without challenges. Balancing her schoolwork with her passion for baking was a significant hurdle, especially when she found herself baking late into the night to meet orders. This experience taught her the importance of time management and adapting to the demands of both academics and running a business. Over time, Shreya also overcame her initial shyness, becoming more comfortable with spontaneous client requests, client conferencing, and meeting new people. Her participation in programs like DECA and IncubatorEDU further fueled her love for business, providing her with the skills and confidence to pitch ideas. Shreya has also gone the lengths to complete certifications for business management, marketing, and food handling that play hand in hand with the responsibilities and tasks she has with her business. She hopes that she can apply her skills and expand on her experiences and venture into business by continuing to bravely start other ventures that she aspires to go beyond what she was able to accomplish at So Sweet Emporium.

Overcoming Challenges

One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences for Shreya was catering her cousin’s wedding, where she provided desserts for a large audience and attendance of family and friends. Despite being based in Texas, the event took place in California, requiring Shreya to adapt to an unfamiliar setting. She took only essential materials with her, flew out to California, and worked out of a new environment, successfully managing the large order under pressure. This experience showcased her ability to handle significant orders and adapt to challenging situations, ensuring that the quality and service of So Sweet Dessert Emporium remained top-notch.

Future Outlook

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Shreya’s message is one of encouragement and determination. She advises others to take any chance to explore their passions and not to let fear or self-doubt hold them back. Every experience, she believes, is valuable for learning and growth. Shreya envisions a future where So Sweet Dessert Emporium continues to grow and expand its offerings, blending her love for baking with her commitment to social responsibility. Beyond her business, Shreya is also dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, raising funds for causes like the Rainforest Trust and serving as a brand ambassador for Go-Nanas, a company that creates desserts for individuals with allergies and food intolerances.

Through So Sweet Dessert Emporium, Shreya Talwar strives to inspire others to blend their passions with business, creating something that not only brings joy to customers but also supports meaningful causes. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.