Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Parman
Hi Doug, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Approximately 10 years ago I originally switched to plant based food for health reasons. Shortly after that I made the personal transition to Veganism, as It had quickly became a central part of my life. This change eliminated all my existing health conditions, changing my life in a profound way.
As a plant based eater I quickly found that restaurants at the time only had limited options for me. Even worse, desserts were generally not available, or just simply bad.
As a pretty good home cook, I decided to try my hand at plant based desserts. I did extensive research, and started with a nut based, chocolate walnut truffle. I shared this with family and friends, and the universal response was “quit your job and do this!”. So, I did.
I started out doing small farmer’s markets, kept adding more and more markets over time, and now I attend from 3 to 5 markets every week, as this is now my full time career.
Over the years I have added dozens of different plant based desserts to my menu, all with one common theme. Everything I make is Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, no added sugars, and no man-made or artificial ingredients.
I have a total commitment to Quality, Flavor, Health, and simplicity. Clean food for a healthy, enjoyable life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started off with a steadily growing business back in 2017, but when Covid showed up in 2020 it completely shut down the market scene. It wasn’t till close to the end of the year before things really were back up and running, but many of my previous markets never came back.
So, since Covid I have been steadily looking for new markets and opportunities, which brought me to Orlando in 2022. Now I have expanded to covering the central Florida area, and continue to expand as opportunities arise.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Vegan, Plant Based desserts. I make everything from chocolate nut based truffles, chocolate nut butter cups, chocolate bars, specialty items such as chocolate peppermint patties, and even Pecan Pies. I handcraft everything from scratch, I make all my nut butters from scratch, I even make my chocolate from scratch directly from 100% pure dark Cacao.
A great many of my customers say I make the best chocolate they’ve ever had, which is what I am particularly proud of.
I am different from everyone else because I make clean, healthy desserts that are actually good for you, and at the same time taste amazing. Even people with food issues can generally enjoy my items without worry.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Starting your own business is much tougher than most people realize. Be prepared financially to not make a dime for the first year or two, have a plan to survive the ups and downs of fate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vegandd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegandessertdelights/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganDessertDelights
