We had the privilege of interviewing Chef Alannah Williams, 17, at the Lightfoot Farms Market in Millington, TN. Alannah is the owner of Dance Like a Cupcake and specializes in baking vegan treats. She has built up an amazing business and social media presence! We were so inspired by Alannah and loved learning about how she got started baking.
CEM: What is your name?
Alannah: My name is Alannah Williams, and I’m the owner of Dance Like a Cupcake.
CEM: Tell us about your business. How did you first get the idea?
Alannah: I was inspired by this business because of my little brother. He had food allergies, and whenever he’d go to events, he’d feel left out. I decided that people with food allergies should be able to try desserts.
CEM: What supplies and resources did you need to get going, and how did you get a hold of them?
Alannah: To start, I had to find allergy friendly ingredients. I had to find tables, pop up events, and my parents were able to help me with that. It was a little difficult at first, but now we have it.
CEM: What are some challenges you faced in business, and how did you overcome them?
Alannah: I’d say having the right taste of desserts. People, when they think of vegan… they’re kind of like, “Hmm, I don’t know…” But I have to create new, creative flavors so that people are willing to try them. I have a new flavor here called the Strawberry Lemonade cookie.
CEM: Do you have any advice for other aspiring kid entrepreneurs?
Alannah: I’d say just start! Even though people might [think] you’re a child starting a business, just start it, because you never know how far you’ll go.
CEM: How long have you been doing this?
Alannah: I was 10 when I started, and I’m 17 now, so seven years!
CEM: How can potential customers get in touch with you?
Alannah: They can follow me on Instagram at @dancelikeacupcake_treats and on Facebook at Dance Like a Cupcake.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Alannah! We hope to see you again very soon!
