By Tammy Reese | Sunday, September 28, 2024 | 3:00 PM ET
From the moment T’Juanna Winters first tasted her grandmother’s homemade sweets, she knew she had found her purpose. What began as a childhood delight has blossomed into Lizzie Lu Luxury Treats — a confectionery brand that marries nostalgia with a modern touch of luxury. Guided by a vision to create not just treats, but experiences, T’Juanna has transformed her passion into a thriving business. Her journey is a testament to the power of vision and purpose, as she crafts each product with the same love and care that first inspired her. At Lizzie Lu, every bite is a tribute to the sweet memories of the past, reimagined for today’s indulgent moments.
Let’s learn more!
Your journey from a childhood love for sweets to founding Lizzie Lu Luxury Treats is inspiring. How did your grandmother influence your approach to confectionery, and how do you incorporate that nostalgia into your modern creations?
T’Juanna: My grandmother was the heart and soul behind my love for sweets. She believed in creating desserts that were simple yet filled with love and care, and that’s something I’ve carried with me. Growing up, we didn’t just make treats; we made memories. That nostalgic feeling is what I aim to infuse into every Lizzie Lu product. While I’ve added a modern twist to many of our treats, the essence of those warm family gatherings and the taste of homemade goodness is always present in everything we create.
What is vital for our readers to know about Lizzie Lu Luxury Treats?
T’Juanna: Lizzie Lu isn’t just about sweets — it’s about creating experiences. Every treat we make is handcrafted with high-quality ingredients and a touch of nostalgia. We focus on delivering luxury in every bite while also preserving the heartwarming moments that come from sharing something delicious with loved ones. Our products are perfect for anyone who wants to indulge in a bit of luxury while reliving the comfort of simpler times.
Please tell us the backstory of being dubbed the “Female Willy Wonka.”
T’Juanna: The “Female Willy Wonka” nickname came from a blend of creativity, playfulness, and my passion for all things confectionery. I’ve always loved experimenting with flavors, colors, and textures to create something whimsical yet refined. Much like Willy Wonka, I see candy-making as an art form where you can push the boundaries of imagination while still delivering a sense of joy and wonder. It’s a title that I wear with pride because it encapsulates the fun and excitement I strive to bring into every product we offer.
What was the vision and purpose of your company from the beginning, and how has it changed or stayed the same in the present day?
T’Juanna: The original vision for Lizzie Lu was to create treats that brought families together, just like my grandmother did. I wanted to build a brand that honored her legacy while delivering something special to my community. Over time, that vision has evolved, but the core remains the same. We’ve expanded our reach and elevated our products, but at the heart of it all is still the desire to create moments of connection and joy through luxury treats. What’s changed is how we’ve scaled and refined our offerings, adapting to trends while staying true to our roots.
Launching on Amazon is a significant milestone for your brand. What were some of the challenges and opportunities you faced in making your luxury treats available to a broader audience online?
T’Juanna: One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that the luxury and quality we’re known for remained intact as we expanded to an online platform. Scaling production while maintaining that handcrafted feel wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to stay true to our brand. On the flip side, the opportunity to reach a broader audience and introduce our products to people who may not have otherwise discovered us was thrilling. Amazon has opened doors for us to connect with new customers across the country, which aligns perfectly with our goal of spreading joy through our treats.
Luxury is a key component of your brand. How do you define luxury in the context of confectionery, and how do you ensure that every product you create embodies that concept?
T’Juanna: For me, luxury in confectionery is about more than just the finest ingredients; it’s about the experience from start to finish. It’s the attention to detail in the packaging, the craftsmanship in every product, and the sensory delight when you taste it. We ensure that every Lizzie Lu treat embodies luxury by focusing on quality at every step — from sourcing premium ingredients to meticulously crafting each item by hand. It’s also about creating a sense of exclusivity and indulgence that makes every bite feel like a special occasion.
As someone who turned a childhood passion into a thriving business, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to break into the luxury food market?
T’Juanna: My advice would be to stay true to your vision but be adaptable to change. The luxury food market is competitive, so it’s important to find your unique value proposition — what makes your product special and how it stands out. Don’t be afraid to invest in quality; luxury customers are willing to pay for excellence, but they know the difference between hype and authenticity. Lastly, stay patient and persevere. Building a brand, especially in the luxury space, takes time and consistency, but if you keep your standards high, the results will follow.
What’s next for Lizzie Lu Luxury Treats? Are there any new products or innovations on the horizon that you’re excited to share with our audience?
T’Juanna: We’re always working on something new! We have some exciting seasonal flavors and limited-edition products in the works that our customers are going to love. We’re also exploring partnerships and collaborations that align with our brand’s values, which will allow us to innovate in ways we haven’t before. Additionally, I’m really excited about expanding our presence in more retail spaces, so more people can experience Lizzie Lu firsthand. Stay tuned because there are definitely some sweet surprises on the way!
Be sure to keep up to date with T’Juanna Winters and Lizzie Lu Luxury Treats online:
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About Tammy Reese
Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.
She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.
Other articles by Tammy Reese in Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.
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