Today we’d like to introduce you to Beronica Radford.
Beronica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Bee’s Pops all started in 2011 when a girlfriend asked me to be in charge of the desserts table for bridal shower. I wanted something that would POP and stand out – hence Cake POPS. I researched how to make them and after over a dozen test batches working to perfect sizing and cake to chocolate ratios, I finally got it right. The best part is, they were a hit!!! Eventually, I started making them for baby showers, weddings, and just for fun to see where my talent could take me. After becoming a foster mom to two under three years of age, the amount of time I had to continue my passion dwindled. Fast forward to 2016; my sister asked me to do some desserts for her baby shower. I was excited to get back into baking but never expected it to become what it is today. After that baby shower, I started getting orders from the guests that were there, which then rolled into getting orders from guests at their events. I ended up leaving my full-time job in accounting and focused on just Bee’s Pops.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The hardest part of doing what I am doing is juggling personal life and business life. It isn’t a normal 9-5, and sometimes I am baking late at night, or waking up before the sun to get things done. Figuring out the cake pops and my recipes were difficult in the beginning, and a lot of my orders I had to give for free because the quality was lacking. Becoming your own boss can be difficult, you become your own worse critic. You want perfection, and if it isn’t, you are the only one to blame. I have learned to not be so hard on myself, do what I love to the best I can, and the rest will flow easily.
Please tell us about Bee’s Pops.
Bee’s Pops is best known for and specializes in cake pops. However, the business has branched out to cupcakes, cakes (mainly smash cakes), and chocolate-dipped goodies (rice krispies, Oreos, marshmallows, and pretzels). As a company, I am most proud of the referrals I get. When someone new orders, the most frequent comment is, ” I had so many people refer you!” That in itself is humbling. I am also proud that I can create something that sets the tone for a party. A lot of people base their parties around the food and desserts, and to know my desserts are a huge factor, really makes me proud. I think what sets me apart from others is the personable aspect I bring. Some customers come and it is a quick exchange, but more times than not a conversation happens. I try to get to know my customers, and not treat my business as just income. I have built friendships, and I believe customers come back, not just for the tasty treats, but because they know me more than just Bee’s Pops.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I wouldn’t change anything. I have grown and learned so much through this experience.
Pricing:
- Just dipped cakepops are $21/dozen
- Decorated Cakepops start at $30/dozen
- Smash cakes start at $25
- Cupcakes start at $24/dozen
- Chocolate dipped pretzels start at $18/dozen
- Chocolate dipped oreos start at $24/dozen
- Chocolate dipped marshmallows (3 per stick) start at $21/dozen
- Chocolate dipped rice krispy treats start at $21/dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beespops.com
- Phone: 619-333-9617
- Email: beespops@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bees_pops/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beespops
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