Community Highlights: Meet Chantall Proffitt of Berries n Cream Bakery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantall Proffitt. 

Hi Chantall, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I had been playing around with a lot of different concepts, everything from sandwiches to Indian cuisine to even gardening but nothing seemed to fit or work out for one reason or another. I knew for a long time that I wanted my own business, I didn’t know when or what that would be. My husband and I were married at the end of 2016 and found out we were expecting our first child by the New Year of 2017. We decided that I would be the stay-at-home parent but quickly realized that we needed more income. So, I got some spiral notebooks (yes, plural) and got to planning and figuring out my business direction because there was no better time than the present. I was done working for other people and waiting for decisions to be made. But most of all I was tired of being scared, not necessarily scared of failing but scared of being successful because with success comes responsibility, reliability, and dependability. Once I figured this out, I was ready to dive in headfirst. 

I had an informal birthday party and made myself a cake that later became The Signature Cake and namesake. People loved it so much they said I should sell it. Thanks to our family friend Sammy Barrett (co-owner of The Cobra) who sat there for five seconds and briefly laid out a plan of what I could do, just like that Berries n Cream Bakery was born and I had our 6-month-old baby strapped to my back as I worked. After months of planning and exploring a bakery never made the list, but all of a sudden it fit. Baking was always something I did when I had a craving or was a poor college kid trying to save a dollar. I love food and get excited when I find unique flavor combinations and ingredients. 

I started out doing wholesale at The Wild Cow and later Thistle Farms Cafe. When the pandemic hit, I was determined to have the shutdown work for me and not against me, it was never a question in my mind it was a fact. At the time I didn’t know how or when it would happen, but as the months went by the community was my best supporter; they were looking for small, local, women-owned companies to support. I was able to get my website up and running and even though I function within a 25 miles radius people from as far as England were ordering from me so that I could deliver it to a loved one. That may seem like a duh thing, but I still get blown away by the power of the web. 

The thing that was most encouraging to me was that people wanted to just be married and start their lives together, these are the people who would frequent The Wild Cow or Thistle Farms Cafe and would ask me to create their wedding desserts. The pandemic offered me more weddings and events and it has been so rewarding. I love getting to know all my customers and their life journeys. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth journey! I think anyone who owns a business will say there are good days and bad days. Shortly after I started the company, I found out I was diagnosed with graves’ disease. I thought I was tired all the time because I got married, bought a house, had a baby, and started a company all in 15 months. But when I couldn’t dig a 12” hole in the garden or sweep the floor without taking frequent breaks, that was when I realized something wasn’t right. I’m fortunate to have a supportive husband, family, and friends who know me better than myself and saw symptoms long before I would admit it. Getting the company off the ground while bootstrapping it all made it easy and challenging at the same time. I didn’t have to worry about my next loan payment and I could grow at my own pace. In the early days, I relied on the next order to make the order and have enough to get the baby formula and groceries, later the pandemic forced me to re-evaluate the business structure. I try to take everything in stride and I fully believe in silver linings. If I had known that entrepreneurship was more of a journey than a qualification; I would have started the business much sooner. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Not only are our desserts delicious, but we focus on accommodating clients’ classic, vegan, and gluten-free vegan needs along with a sustainable approach that gives Nashville the extra level of uniqueness. We pride ourselves as a business where food meets culture and we know you’re going to love what we have to offer. Berries n Cream Bakery was created to bring baked goods to the community who not only have dietary needs but those who have a cuisine flair to their pallet. We strive to use the freshest local ingredients possible and innovative combinations and pairings. BCB is consistently exploring new cultures, learning the traditions of baking, and bringing it to our brand to help educate our community. 

A few things we stand for: 

The Earth. From composting, eco-friendly packaging, to supporting sustainable living 

Advocate for Women Health. Encouraging and uplifting the mind and spirit 

Food Education and one of the newest Board Members of Slow Food Middle Tennessee 

How we bake it: 

All of our items are made from scratch, from pie crusts to cake fillings such as custards and compote to vegan eggs. We pride ourselves on knowing exactly what is in our ingredients. Plus, less processed food just tastes better. 

What makes you happy?
Spending time with loved ones and being outside. Growing up we practically lived outdoors, we lived in tents in the woods while building our house on 15 acres. I like doing as many outdoor activities as possible. I joke that if I could still live in the woods and off the grid I would. Having my core people around me is how I function in the world. I have been fortunate to have good moral and spiritual people who support me and want the best for me. 

Pricing:

• average $5-$9 per person for events
• average customer spends $15 at pop-ups

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.berriesncreambakery.com
• Instagram: @berriesncreambakery
• Facebook: berriesncreambakery
• Other: www.pinterest.com/berriesncreambakery-nashville

Image Credits
@Ruby Picnic
@rayanneroseweddings
@lanierandcompany
@landlfarm
@michellejohnsphotography
@modernstemssugar
@pleasebeseatedrentals
@momentpicnic
@evies_table
@berriesncreambakery
@heatherduncanbeauty
@hs_artistry
@lvdbridal
@stitchandtie
@nordictentco
@polishandpowertools
@lillyreynolds
@praiseworthypetals