Today we’d like to introduce you to Shameka Thompson
Hi Shameka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cooking and baking started as a hobby for me. One
time, I ordered an expensive custom cake, meant to
feed about 150 people. However, it ended up being
very small, the size of a personal cake. It inspired
me to try and make a larger cake, that was more
affordable. I became interested in cottage style
baking, making cakes with different recipes, and
experimenting with my own. I eventually sold my
cakes to customers on Facebook and built a
clientele. I progressed and branched out to other
foods. I experimented with serving drinks, other
desserts, and eventually food plates. I came up with
the name “Gem’s Sweets” in 2018. The Gem stands
for Gemini, my zodiac sign, and for the gem in the
quote “diamond in the rough”. Geminis are known
for their duality, and I express that in my food by
focusing on sweet and savory flavors.
I eventually joined the VendATX Facebook group,
where I connected with an event coordinator. I
started attending farmer’s markets, where I sold
cookies, loaves, pies, and other treats. As I
networked and got more popular, I got invitations to
other markets in the city.
In some of the markets, I noticed vendors serving
cooked food. My interest in concession vending led
me to attend trail rides, where I would serve brisket
eggrolls, and brisket nachos. I would eventually
attend larger markets, private events, and festivals,
focusing on brisket-based foods.
Today, I have a slate of concession vending events
throughout the year, and I sell sweets and desserts
in markets around Austin and beyond. I spend most
of my time perfecting my recipes, and I love sharing
my food with customers throughout the city.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our first food festival was insane, because I was
making the transition into food vending. I learned a
lot of lessons from that event. There are more
guidelines we had to follow that differ from cottage
style baking. One major challenge was making sure
we were following health and safety guidelines,
because each vendor is audited and inspected by
the health department. We pride ourselves on
putting our best foot forward when it comes to food
safety, by using latex and powder free food handling
gloves, practicing good hand washing, sanitizing,
having the correct fire extinguisher (this was hard to
find!), etc. Another challenge was managing the
business itself. It’s important to protect yourself and
your assets, so we had to find business insurance.
We must keep all our financial records and
accurately report them to the IRS. We had to design
and maintain our website, figure out the best
equipment setup for our booth. Lastly, finances.
Cooking is second nature, because I have 12 years
of food handling experience. That aspect of Gem’s
Sweets has been smooth. But, because this
business is entirely self-funded, and the money
earned from loyal customers is put back into the
business, getting enough funding can be very
challenging. Once I learned that not every event will
be a success, I fell out of love with making money,
and focused on the creativity, which is ultimately
what I loved, anyway. I don’t regret it, because I
simply love owning everything that we use, and not
owing anything other than taxes.
As you know, we’re big fans of Gem’s Sweets LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Gem's Sweets LLC offers gourmet cookies,
brownies, brisket eggrolls and chicken fajita eggrolls.
We are known for our specialty: quality treats with
distinctive looks and flavors.
What sets me apart from others is my product's
uniqueness. I've spent a lot of time developing my
recipes, making sure each product has a signature
look. For our popular s'mores cookie, I torch the
marshmallow and chocolate, giving a striking
caramelized shell. The cherry chip has uncommon
ingredients, which gives it a memorable flavor and
texture. I strive to make cookies that look and taste
like a work of art.
I am most proud of my progress with this business,
and the relationships I form with my customers. I'm
proud of each vending experience, from large
festivals like Pecan fest, to small private events. I
keep the temp permit documentation for each event
as a souvenir, and a reminder of my progress.
What I want readers to know about my brand is that
Gem's Sweets is a labor of love. Quality won't
diminish as the business grows, and it will always be
guaranteed. And remember: like a gem, a gourmet
cookie can be your best friend!
What I want readers to know about my brand is that Gem’s Sweets is a labor of love. Quality won’t diminish as the business grows, and it will always be guaranteed. And remember: like a gem, a gourmet cookie can be your best friend!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I like being alone, and I value independence. It’s not
that I feel like I’m above asking for help, sometimes
my mind creates a quick solution. I don’t believe in
the word “can’t”, but I do believe in the word “won’t”.
When I’m in a room full of people, I prefer to stay
quiet. Staying quiet and listening gives you the
opportunity to gain a different perspective. It’s easy
to be overlooked when everyone is talking at the
same time, and I believe a person seeking your
perspective is more valuable. And I prefer to be
called Gem and not Shameka when at work!
Pricing:
- Cookies: $24-$42 for 6-12
- Brownies $26 for 4
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gems-sweets.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shameka.thompson.7
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gems.sweets26
- Youtube: @Shameka.thompson.7
