Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherene Smith.
Sherene, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well LillyRose VC Bakery & More was born out of a dream. I had a dream in my 20’s to become a caterer or private chef. I was vegan in my 20’s. So now I am living my dream out loud. Providing my community with a way to enjoy the sweeter side of plants. And this also allows me to education my customers about the benefits of the plant-based lifestyle eating. My company is two years old. I started out by word of mouth and short period providing desserts for a vegan local restaurant before covid. I made a pivot in my business to outdoor markets 2021. We have been growing our brand every since.
LillyRose VC Bakery & More is endearingly named after my grandmother Lillian Johnson. Whose was the crown jewel of our family. She was a woman of class, kindness, grace and an amazing mentor of women. She was a woman of great influence around the country. I wanted to honor her in some small way. I had the honor to take care of her when fell ill.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. The challenge I have faced is knowing how to get in front of the right audience. Making the decision on whether to do a brick and mortar. The challenges has been learning this industry coming from banking background. This industry is ever-evolving and growing its landscape.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about LillyRose VC Bakery & More?
LillyRose VC Bakery & More is an exclusively vegan pastry and bakery. We offer gourmet and rustic styles of pastries and baked goods. We have additional services such as private chef and catering opportunities.
We are known for moist plant-based baked goods and quality products. We bring old fashion baking with a new flare. I am most proud of how brand has grown in a short time. And how I get an opportunity to get to know more people in Orlando and the surrounding areas. I have had customers come from Daytona Beach on a monthly basis to pick up a large order of baked goods from us. I appreciate all of my returning customers that tell people about us.
What sets us apart is our line of Artisan breads and pastries. We are more than a cakes and cookies that’s plant-based. We live this lifestyle of eating and I am a certified holistic health and wellness coach. I really love what I do.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest Cheerleader is my mother Patricia Johnson. My mother has been an entrepreneur since I was ten years old. She has been my role model, mentor, encourager and so much more. Friends Deidra Pittman like a big sister and tax advisor and Lena Morris friend who helped me to set business goals… People whose relationships has been priceless.
I don’t have a team yet. We hire sub-contractor depending on events. Soon we will be building a team.
Contact Info:
- Email: lillyrosevcbakery@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lillyrosevcbakery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lillyrosevcbakery
