Black History Month
KCC's Black Entrepreneurs Series
Samanda Rene | Sam’s Delights LLC
Growing up, Samanda Rene noticed how delighted people would be when they received an edible goody to take home at the end of an event. While studying for a law degree, she began watching videos and trying out different ideas and was soon creating her own chocolate treats and party favors as gifts for her family and friends. At their encouragement, her passion blossomed into a small home business.
Sam’s Delights has been creating a variety of chocolate delights for events of all types and sizes since 2015, including such items as chocolate lollipops, cake pops, and all things chocolate covered, including the ever-popular Oreo, with gluten-free and sugar-free options. They can also personalize certain items with a logo. “I love bringing to life a client's vision of what they want to see for their events,” she shared. “It’s rewarding when my clients love their treats or party favors.” The company recently started offering such new items as hot cocoa bombs and “breakable hearts.” Both have been big hits.
Rene’s first professional event was a small Sweet 16 – fitting for a company where everything is chocolate! A few years later, she created a dessert table at an awards ceremony for about 350 people. “I was excited to have my chocolate treats out there for many people to see and enjoy,” she gushed. “They did not last very long.”
“It takes time, energy and dedication to build a successful business,” noted Rene. “I am also an attorney, so balancing everything has kept me very busy – especially during the holidays – but the journey has been worth it because I truly love what I do.” Her goal is to keep growing the business and possibly open up a storefront one day.
In addition to creating “feel-good” chocolate experiences, the practicing attorney is currently majoring in mental health and human services at Kingsborough Community College. “I discovered I wasn't living my true purpose, which is to help people become a better version of themselves, so I decided to change professions and become a life coach,” she said. “I will not completely give up my legal profession but I will be switching my focus.”
Rene encourages future entrepreneurs to take advantage of free resources for businesses. “I did not have a specific mentor, but I did have some small business owners I could turn to for any advice. I also did a lot of research and participated in many free webinars and events to learn how to promote my business.”
She feels her greatest triumph is knowing she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to, even though it might be hard. “Never give up on your dream. If it's something that you truly want, work hard and enjoy the journey towards accomplishing your goal. There will be ups and downs, but keep going because you will accomplish what you put your mind and heart in.”
Sam’s Delights LLC
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Minimum for most items is half a dozen