January Alumni Accolades

How Bettina Slaughter Is "Sweetening the Day, the Adult Way" with Boozy Treats

When Bettina Slaughter launched her business, Be Delicious Sweets (DBA-Boozy Treats), she knew she had something special: a way to sweeten any day with treats crafted especially for adults. But like many entrepreneurs, she faced challenges in managing her growing business. Thanks to her journey with Sunshine Enterprises, Bettina not only overcame those hurdles but gained the tools and confidence to take her business to the next level.

Bettina’s “Sunshine Story” began with a referral from New Covenant Community Development Center (NCCDC) in Chicago. “Many of my classmates at NCCDC had attended Sunshine Enterprises first and spoke highly of the program's impact,” she explains. “With so many glowing recommendations, I knew it was a must to enroll and continue growing my business through Sunshine Enterprises' support and resources.” In Fall 2023, Bettina joined our South Shore cohort, where she learned from instructor Kimberley Mbayiwa and site monitor Penny Frierson. Reflecting on her experience, Bettina remembers the class as a pivotal moment in her entrepreneurial journey.

One of the most transformative aspects of our Community Business Academy (CBA) curriculum for Bettina was learning financial management and cash flow. “As a small business owner, managing my finances effectively is essential for sustainability and growth,” she shares. “The program helped me develop a clear understanding of budgeting, pricing, and tracking expenses, which has been instrumental in improving my business operations.” Marketing strategies were another highlight for Bettina. “Learning how to identify my target audience and communicate my brand's unique value has had a direct impact on increasing my sales and customer engagement,” she says. These lessons helped Bettina refine her messaging and better connect with her audience, driving both awareness and revenue.

Bettina also took full advantage of our Business Acceleration Services, including the 90-day coaching program. She was paired with Erika Durham, who Bettina describes as an incredible resource and mentor. “What stood out the most was how well Erika could relate to the challenges I was facing,” Bettina recalls. “She truly listened to my concerns and offered practical solutions that directly improved my business. Her guidance gave me the clarity and confidence to take actionable steps toward growth.” She also found immense value in our Lender Readiness Bootcamp for Food Entrepreneurs with Sunshine’s Director of Access to Capital Noelle Curtis. “Noelle provided a wealth of information that not only helped me understand how to get lender-ready but also guided me on the steps to get my business certified,” Bettina says. “She broke down the process in a way that was clear and actionable, and she emphasized the key steps small business owners should be taking to grow.” The bootcamp was not only engaging but practical. “Noelle even gave us homework that continues to assist me in my business growth to this day,” Bettina adds. “It was an invaluable experience!”

Before finding Sunshine Enterprises, Bettina faced significant challenges in managing the financial aspects of her business and effectively marketing her products. “I struggled with understanding how to manage cash flow, create a sustainable budget, and price my products effectively,” she admits. “Additionally, I faced challenges with marketing—specifically, reaching my target audience and clearly communicating my brand’s unique value.” Through Sunshine, Bettina gained the tools and resources to tackle these challenges head-on. “The marketing lessons helped me refine my messaging and better connect with my audience,” she explains. “Sunshine didn’t just teach me the theory—they gave me practical steps and continuous support to ensure I could apply what I learned to grow my business effectively.”

 

Bettina’s Advice to Entrepreneurs

Never stop learning and seeking out resources that can help you grow—whether it’s through mentorship, business programs, or networking with other entrepreneurs. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision but aren’t afraid to challenge you to think bigger and work smarter. Be patient with the process, but always stay consistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight, so celebrate the small wins along the way and learn from the setbacks. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help—there’s strength in knowing when to lean on others for guidance and support.
— :Bettina Slaughter
Jeannine Skarbek-Kubas