Today we’d like to introduce you to Deena Stovall.
Hi Deena, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My husband Mike and I moved to Franklin in 2019. One of our daughters graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville and while visiting her during those 4 years, we decided Nashville might be a good fit when Mike retired.
Some friends of ours told us about their home in Westhaven and as soon as we visited, we knew Franklin was where we wanted to be! We are both originally from Evansville, Indiana, but had been living in Gurnee, Illinois (near Chicago) for 19 years.
We raised 7 girls who now have families of their own and are scattered throughout Indiana, Illinois, Arizona, Florida, and Nolensville. When I was expecting my 2nd child in 1980, I started catering to friends and acquaintances. It seemed like a good way to earn extra money and allowed me to be at home with my children and control my schedule. Over the next 20 years, my love for catering and my business grew and evolved. Eventually, I built a full-service, home-based business in Evansville called Catered for you.
I had a wonderful staff and great success! When Mike was offered a career opportunity in Chicago in 2001, we moved our family there and I walked away from Catered for you, focusing on getting us settled in our new home. I continued to donate my catering expertise for events from time to time but chose not to re-establish the business. I had always had a dual part-time career in fitness, and while living in Gurnee, I invested myself more in that field.
But thanks to the cottage kitchen law in Tennessee, moving to Franklin allowed me to come full circle, back to catering. Sugar Mama was established shortly after we moved here. Baking has always been my passion and Westhaven has generously responded to my menu. I continue dual careers, so when I’m not in my kitchen baking, I’m teaching fitness classes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Establishing Sugar Mama here in Franklin has been a lot of work and a lot of fun! Figuring out the business aspect of my baking business has always been my biggest struggle. But thankfully, my husband and daughters are willing to handle many aspects of marketing, website, and accounting.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My Sugar Mama Franklin bakery offers an eclectic menu that includes classic, dressy desserts as well as homespun, traditional favorites. My love affair with pie started me on my baking journey, but I currently bake a lot of cakes, as it seems someone in Westhaven celebrates a birthday every day!
I also make small and large wedding/celebration cakes with understated details and simple decoration, focusing on fresh flowers and a variety of designs. My sweetbreads and cookies are also popular for assortment trays and gifts or family/business gatherings. I have special holiday menus with gift packaging for Valentine’s Day, and other holidays… and my biggest single special holiday is Thanksgiving!
I work very hard at creating small decorating details that personalize what I bake. I bake everything from scratch, using local and organic ingredients when possible and I pour my heart into everything that goes out the door. People who order from me know I use high-quality ingredients and take great pride in making sure what they order is both delicious and beautiful.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Honestly, for me, luck has nothing to do with it. I’m fortunate to have been introduced to my Christian faith when I was 13 years old and I believe that my fortune or misfortune in life has all played a part in God’s plan for me. My parents provided a wonderful home where they modeled love and hard work and weathered the ups and downs together. I’m so grateful for their example.
As an adult, I experienced divorce, was widowed, survived cancer, and navigated the perils of raising 7 daughters, all relying on His grace! My catered for your business and Sugar Mama have provided me with challenges, victories, growth, and creative expression and given me the opportunity to share my gifts with thousands of people. What could be better than that?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sugarmamafranklin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarmama_franklin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarmamafranklin
