Chamille Weddington‘s Schweet Foods business, dubbed “a love letter to Chicago’s West Side,” is more than just a neighborhood dessert shop. It’s the kind of beloved homegrown small business you see in the movies that has a cupcake or pie everyone loves and is active in the community through mentorship, local events, and spearheading other positive initiatives. Their ethos: “Community is the real currency of a business, isn’t just a motto; it’s a mission.”
In addition to previously holding senior management positions at global advertising agencies working with brands such as Discover Card, State Farm Insurance, and McDonald’s, Weddington is also a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of experience at Columbia College Chicago, where she served as a professor in the Business & Entrepreneurship Department before opening Schweet Foods in 2016.
After starting the brand by expanding into local markets, Schweet Foods quickly became a favorite of discerning palates who appreciate a simple yet decadent specialty cheesecake. Inspired by Granny’s homemade pastry recipes, the brand prides itself on paying tribute to her way of cooking and “sharing delicious food with the folks we care about“. And that’s where her love for community comes back into play. Weddington says giving back is a core ingredient in all they do.
“We’re real people, not just a brand. We’re natives of Chicago’s west side, and we believe that community is important,” Weddington says. “Every purchase you make supports us in providing entrepreneurship workshops, partnerships, and speaking engagements for underserved communities at no or low cost. So when you buy a Schweet cheesecake, you’re not just indulging in an artisan cheesecake – you’re also making a positive impact. Now isn’t that Schweet?”
N’DIGO recently sat down with Weddington to learn more about her story and what Schweet Foods has in store for the future.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Chamille Weddington?
Chamille Weddington: She is an educator, entrepreneur, and strategist. Over the course of a multi-year career in education and advertising, I’ve created a brand that harnesses several facets of my professional gifts and personal pursuits. I consider myself a master conceptualizer and a natural author of first-to-market ideas and new processes.
What are three words those closest to you would use to describe you?
Adventurous. Creative. Focused.
When did you discover your love for baking desserts?
I’m a foodie, so a love of texture and taste takes you places. Eating and creating food is an extended opportunity to “go places,” such as to other neighborhoods, trying new dishes, and even hosting a gathering that brings people together who don’t look like you. The real love is for adventure, and being able to eat is the end reward.
Please tell us a bit about your segue from the educational field into the entrepreneurial lane to start your company, Schweet Foods?
I haven’t really segued from being an educator. Teaching and storytelling are in everything that I do (even my website copy and social media posts!). However, after 19 years in collegiate academia at Columbia College Chicago, I was ready to segue into entrepreneurship. It has always been embedded in me as a child: the possibilities, creative license, and physical freedom/control that it provides are so very rewarding. I watched my family work long and financially unrewarding jobs when I was a child. That experience planted a seed in me that knew I did not want to work for anyone until retirement age!
What’s the “It Factor” that makes Schweet Foods stand apart?
Schweet is committed to quality, artisan foods (namely our cheesecakes) that are simple, delicious, and local. We started our brand in 2016, which was bootstrapped with $1,500.00. We incrementally grew the business and perfected our recipe through careful trial and error to produce an amazing dessert line that balances simplicity while symbolizing great quality. We’ve developed a pastry (our core product) that is focused on freshness. Zero additives and preservatives, as well as minimal processing, is our platform. You can literally taste the difference.
Can you tell us a little about your focus on community and why it’s important for Schweet Foods to be active in the community?
For me, planting seeds and pouring into the place you live has both nostalgia and purpose attached to it. Where you come from is very much a part of your identity, as the memories (good or bad), as well as how you’ve grown into the adult you are as a result of being in that space, show themselves as gems that you can use to make your community good and better. That is, if you are tethered to values that position the greater good as important to uphold.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about owning and operating a food business and a confectionery shop?
We have been in business since 2016, and operated a brick-and-mortar for 4 years before returning to an online/delivery-only platform.
During these 9 years, we’ve learned:
– Just how loyal consumers can be to particular brands.
– How culture and food availability play a big role in what we are willing to eat.
– How is it possible to change the palate and perceived value of a food item if you give them an experience?
What can you tell us about your new brand, Phillip’s Wife?
Yes, we are launching my sister brand, Phillip’s Wife (she represents my alter ego). It is a niche brand that targets women buyers with limited specialty food items and curated goods for the home and body.
How do you balance and manage your busy life between family and entrepreneurship?
I balance my life by first weighing the worth (short and long-term costs) of a potential commitment before I say “yes” to it. Also, since I am older now, there are more risks that I can assume because I am not as burdened by demands on my time and finances. The right to this type of position has been earned by eliminating debt and choosing to move through life with a spirit of gratitude. Much satisfaction comes from these two things, as my wants and needs are few.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
To be mission-driven. The work you pursue should be in alignment with your unique talents and interests. This is, in part, foundational for living a professional life that is purposeful and fulfilling. It can be lonely, but worth the risk and effort!
Best advice or words of wisdom to young entrepreneurs?
When everyone goes “right“, you should consider going “left.” It is in this space of not following the trend (but being the trendsetter) where the niche opportunities are. It’s where there is less competition, more room for creativity, and room to dominate when the majority wants to be in that space. It especially works when you are limited on funds and/or operate in a crowded industry that has barriers to entry and unique macroeconomic pressures.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Community is the Real Currency of a Business” – by Chamille Weddington
What’s next for the Schweet Foods brand?
We recently launched two new cheesecake flavors: Tiramisu and Oreo, and they are both quickly getting popular. We’re on the lookout for a new brick-and-mortar home where we can expand our hot menu items and continue baking our artisan cheesecakes.
As we like to say, “We’re Your Cheesecake People“, but a big goal of ours is to influence a return to family-style dining in the Fast Casual category.
For more information on Schweet Foods, please visit their website www.schweetfoods.com and connect with them on Instagram at @SchweetCheesecake.
