Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Pitts
Hi Cara, 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?
Southern Roots Vegan Bakery started as a labor of love, inspired by family and a passion for Southern baking. I’ve always been the go-to baker at family gatherings, known for my comforting desserts. When my husband, Marcus, transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle, I saw how much he missed those familiar treats. So, I began veganizing my own recipes, determined to capture the same warmth and flavor we both grew up with.
What started as baking for friends and family quickly grew. People loved the idea of enjoying delicious, nostalgic desserts without compromising their values. In 2018, we officially launched Southern Roots Vegan Bakery, and since then, our journey has been incredible. We now ship nationwide and partner with retailers like Sprouts, bringing joy to people all over. We’re committed to proving that vegan treats can be every bit as indulgent as traditional desserts—while staying true to our Southern roots.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As a small, family-owned business, raising capital has been one of our biggest challenges. Finding investors who believe in our vision and understand the value of a Black-owned, vegan bakery hasn’t always been easy. We’ve also faced rising costs, from rent to ingredients, which put a strain on our budget. And there have been moments where we simply didn’t have the guidance we needed, which meant learning by trial and error.
But every setback has taught us something valuable. We’ve learned to adapt and pivot when things get tough. Each obstacle has made us stronger and more resilient, and it’s helped us grow both personally and as a business. We believe in our mission, and that’s what keeps us going, no matter how rocky the road may be.
We’ve been impressed with Southern Roots Vegan Bakery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Southern Roots Vegan Bakery is all about redefining what vegan treats can be. We specialize in handcrafted vegan baked goods that don’t compromise on taste, offering desserts so good you can’t even tell they’re vegan. Known for our cake donuts and cookies in flavors like Red Velvet, Lemon Drop, and Funfetti, each treat is made with quality ingredients, care, and love. And with nationwide shipping, we make it easy for everyone to experience the joy of our baked goods.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity and flavor. As a Black-owned, family-run business, we create a welcoming space for all dessert lovers, whether vegan or not. We’re proud to break the stereotype that vegan desserts are bland by delivering treats that are rich in flavor and perfect in texture.
I’m also incredibly proud of the community we’ve built and the partnerships we’ve fostered. We’re honored when other big brands and companies choose us for their corporate gifting needs. It’s a huge compliment and validation of our mission, and we’d love to continue growing these partnerships. Southern Roots Vegan Bakery isn’t just about sweets; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection. Whether you’re gifting our treats or enjoying them yourself, you’re supporting a brand that values authenticity, community, and, of course, unforgettable flavors.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A few resources have really helped me along the way. I’m a big fan of the Startup CPG podcast, Earn Your Leisure, and How I Built This. These podcasts share stories of founders, entrepreneurs, and industry insiders, and each episode is packed with insights that help me see different paths and avoid common pitfalls. It’s inspiring to learn from others’ journeys, and it reminds me that I’m not alone in the challenges we face as a growing business. For me, it’s all about continuous learning and finding motivation from those who’ve walked a similar path.
Pricing:
- https://southernrootsvegan.com/collections/order-nationwide
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southernrootsvegan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernrootsbiz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernrootsbiz
