Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Drews.
Hi Vanessa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey of baking cheesecakes began over 20 years ago by simply baking for family and friends. It started as something I purely enjoyed doing in my free time, but over the years, a small voice inside my head grew into a larger vision to bake for all fans of cheesecake and amazing dessert. Fast forward to 2013, I began working for Prince and would often bring in cheesecakes for staff and band members to welcome them to Minnesota with some made-from-scratch awesome dessert – shoutout to Liv Warfield and the NPG!
Near the end of 2019, my passion for creating cheesecakes grew into something I no longer wanted to do just in my spare time. I decided to step away from my position as a Senior Paralegal, make the biggest leap of faith on myself, and embark on growing my brand, Cheesecake Funk. After Prince found my cheesecakes in the fridge at Paisley Park, I was often asked to bring more. Prince soon began mentioning “CHEESECAKE FUNK” on Twitter and on international invitations to Paisley Park. I am forever thankful to have brought a bit of dessert joy to his world.
The decision to step away from my career was hard, especially being a single mother, but I knew it was THE best decision for myself and children. I wanted to focus on growing my brand into as many restaurants across the Twin Cities and directly to people seeking amazing cheesecakes. This has been my focus ever since.
I am currently baking within the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest Hotel in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Cheesecake Funk can be found on many restaurant menus across the Twin Cities – including – all Crave American Kitchen & Sushi bar locations, Butcher’s Tale, Union Rooftop, Tequila Butcher, Hotel Landing, Minneapolis Marriott Southwest hotel & its restaurant Blue Birch, The Suburban and Coastal Seafoods market.
Cheesecake Funk is also offered to guests who visit Paisley Park daily.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No path is ever smooth and easy. I believe that you can achieve your goals by having drive, determination, and the will to make your dreams come true. This cheesecake journey hasn’t been smooth, especially when a pandemic happens during its growth – however, I am so proud that Cheesecake Funk is thriving in the present state of business. Future goals of shipping cheesecake and manufacturing are some things I’m working towards. If anyone has manufacturing and/or shipping connections, let’s connect!
We’ve been impressed with Cheesecake Funk, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cheesecake Funk is THE best cheesecake you’ll ever have! If you love an amazing cheesecake or dessert you’ll forever dream about, you have found your match! Located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, we welcome you to preorder through our website anytime you plan on visiting Minnesota.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is making my Aunt Joi’s rolls with her. They were amazing and always available during family gatherings. She was an avid baker, especially entering baking competitions at the grand Minnesota State Fair. I think she would be proud of me creating a cheesecake that so many people from all over the world enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cheesecakefunk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheesecakefunk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheesecakeFunk/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheesecakefunk?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2F
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/1CHEESECAKEFUNK/status/1174391653886562305
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cheesecake-funk-minnetonka
Image Credits
Cheesecake Funk
