Today we’d like to introduce you to Miriam Dawn Hamilton.
Miriam Dawn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child of two entrepreneurs; I always aspired to start my own business. One day, at the age of ten, I started my first small business called Bonsy’s Corner. I would buy, sell, and barter sweets, treats, trinkets and Avon to my friends and siblings. Every year until I was about 15, I would host a small event called Bonsy’s Big Bash and it was a hit. There would be music games and prizes. The spirit of Free Enterprise ran deep in my veins and I had a niche for throwing parties and events. Despite it all, my mother who was a nurse by trade really encouraged me to go into the medical field so by the time that I was 16, I was attending a vocational high school and was training in Patient Care Assisting and Operating Room Aide.
When my nose wasn’t buried in my books or preparing for the next day’s clinical, I was literally my mother’s shadow. One of her favorite hobbies was baking and I was learning the ropes working side by side with her in the kitchen. Her specialty was Pineapple Upside-down cake and she made that every Sunday! What I admired the most about her was that she didn’t need recipes she baked from the heart and that took a lot of skill and practice.
In June of 2001, I completed my medical training at Inlet Grove High School and was graduating and preparing to embark on my medical career. On the 23rd, of that same month, I received my college acceptance letter and was preparing to go for a lunch date with my mom to celebrate. Hours later that morning, her heart stopped… she was gone. My life changed forever.
It became my lifetime goal to continue her legacy, to peruse my desire to start a business and to continue to perfect my craft in baking. That winter, I began my pursuit of a degree in Business at Northwood University Florida campus. In 2005, I received my degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing and Advertising.
That year, I was working as a Grocery Manager for a major retail chain and I started a home-based business making cakes and desserts, In honor of my mother who shares the same middle name, I named it Dawn’s Delights.
I literally feel my mother’s spirit with me each and every time I’m in the kitchen and each year, the business has continued to grow and expand since then. From baking for friends and family and word of mouth marketing to acquiring clients nationwide.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As the saying goes, nothing worth having is going to be easy. I started off working two full-time jobs and gradually built my business. Being an entrepreneur comes with long days, sleepless nights, and lots of sacrifices. I remember feeling like I just did not have enough time. It can affect your family, friendships, and relationships but I never took my eye off the end goal and I am so eternally grateful for the people that stood by me and motivated me through the ups and downs.
People I cared the most about fell off, people I expected to support didn’t always… it can be a lonely road to the on your journey to the top, but the most amazing thing is that there are some very incredible people… women particularly that understand the struggle and are so supportive! Social media has been good to me… joining groups with other women that support, promote, and encourage each other is just a great reminder that there are people who want to see you win!!… and they are winning right next to you!
My biggest challenge was learning the different laws and requirements to properly run my business. I did a lot of trial and error and research and I am able to share that knowledge with others so that is a plus. I feel it’s my duty to give back based on my blessing. I continue to do what I love and serve my community by volunteering to feed the homeless via canteen w/ Salvation Army and offering cake decorating sessions to the youth.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dawn’s Delights – what should we know?
Dawn’s Delights specializes in custom cakes and confections. I do it all and each and every item is fully customizable to each client’s preference. I don’t have a “cookie-cutter” menu. I pride myself in the variety and diversity of my portfolio.
What sets me apart is that I currently offer 101 different flavors and that does not apply only to my cakes… a client can have any of these flavors made into cupcakes, cake pops, truffles… krispy treats or pretty much any other dessert item they choose. I also allow my clients to make up a flavor, I then create a sample of their creation for them to sample prior to making the final product. My clients are allowed to creatively be a part of the conception process of their custom creation… that’s the Dawn’s Delights way. Also, I never pre-bake or freeze product. All orders are made fresh the day of delivery.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, my supreme thanks goes to my Mother up above for teaching me the skill. My father who is also an entrepreneur and self-employed commercial fisherman has taught me the value of a hard-earned dollar. He has shown me the discipline and dedication it takes. In all my years, I have only know my dad to take 1 day off before he retired. I have learned from them both that there is no greater fulfillment than daily pursuing something you love and generating income from that is just the cherry on top!
I worked for a short time in the bakery at WInn Dixie while I was in college and the bakery manager Lorraine, I appreciate you for always challenging me and making me step outside my comfort zone and fellow co-worker Tangee who showed me the ropes.
My younger sisters: Christa for giving me my first professional bowl mixer when I was using a handheld. My talented and driven little sister Esther because she has been with me every step of my journey. My besties: Cameria for always encouraging me and reminding me, “you’re worth so much more, raise your prices girl” lol. I lost it all and rebuilt with her rooting me on. Tennell for being my personal cheerleader and scouting for buildings for me #ComingSoon.
Pricing:
- Mobile Cake Tastings- 2 slices 3 flavors to-go $25
- Cupcake Samplers- 1 dozen 101 flavors to choose from $36
Contact Info:
- Website: www.finaltouchevents.biz
- Phone: 561-255-1933
- Email: dawnsdelights@finaltouchevents.biz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_delights/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dawnsdelightsdesserts
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dawns_delights_
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dawns-delights-west-palm-beach
- Other: http://eboneats.com/food-listing/west-palm-beach-fl-dawns-delights/
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
