Meet Ala’Zia Gomillion | Pastry Chef & Clothing Brand Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ala’Zia Gomillion and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ala’Zia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk is something that a lot of people are afraid of. I, myself, was afraid of risk at one point before I started my own business. I was scared of failure, as in what if I take this risk and I don’t succeed with my business. I constantly questioned myself if the dream that only I could see, would be worth taking the risk. But now as I look back on how far I’ve come, taking risks has played a huge role in my life and my career as a business owner.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets Simp’Lay Sweet Kreations apart from other businesses in my field is that everything I do, I do out of love and to give back to my community as well as it being my career. Within my entrepreneurial journey, I specialize in crafting delectable sweets from scratch, expertly satisfying even the most discerning sweet tooth. My business not only offers a delightful experience, but also serves as a medium of self-expression and love. In addition to my culinary venture, I have ventured into the world of fashion with my clothing brand. A clothing brand that reflects my unique style and creative vision. My passion for self-expression transcends into this brand, where I strive to bring authenticity and originality to each piece and each product.

Getting where I am today was not easy. I overcame a lot of challenges by continuing to believe in myself and constantly using that reminder as to why I started to keep me going. Along the way, I learned many lessons as a business owner. I learned my target audience when marketing my brand, I learned how to optimize each and every situation that I come across in the best way I know how. I’ve obtained many qualities and skills to help me along the way as well such as communication skills, building trust with people, how to build clientele, strategizing your supply and demand, etc.

I want the world to know that my brand represents my grandfather and that means my brand represents love. My grandfather was truly a loving person. My grandfather stuck his neck out to do whatever for everyone around him whether he knew them or not, love was just who he was. He made it his business to keep a smile on everyone’s face and as a business owner, that’s one of the few things I strive to do with my customers and everyone else in the world. I also want the world to know that through my commitment to quality and innovation, I have a developed a reputation for excellence in both my culinary and fashion expertise’s as well. I look forward to continued growth and the opportunity to connect with those who appreciate the artistry and dedication that goes into each of my endeavors.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my bestfriend was visiting the area I would definitely take her to my favorite seafood place. I would also take her downtown to some of the bars and clubs down there that give you such a relaxing feel to let loose and enjoy yourself.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my grandfather that passed away in 2016. He is the main reason as to why I started my business and why I continue to strive to diligently when it comes to Simp’Lay Sweet Kreations. I took culinary classes as extra elective classes but before my grandfather passed away, he ordered a red velvet cake from me and told me “This is going to be your money maker”!!! It wasn’t until he passed, I started to take my career in baking more serious. I would also love to dedicate my shoutout to Leo Jones (CMetro) and The Roan Media Group. Leo has truly been a fantastic mentor throughout my entire process as far as taking a risk with my business and helping obtain the correct skills and knowledge needed to succeed with my business. Mr. Jones is also the head of The Roan Media Group, located in Columbia, South Carolina. He has offered me so many opportunities to work with different business owners and different events these past couple of years. I’ve met Kareem Youngblood, a baker from New York, who Leo introduced me to. Me and Kareem did a collaboration together as Pastry Chefs for Roan Media Group’s “Tequila Garden” Event in which I participated in in 2022 and 2023. I owe a lot of thanks to Leo; he photographed my mother’s wedding photos in 2019 and we were having a conversation, and he was telling me how he took a risk with photography and just stepped out on faith while believing in himself and became successful in his field of work. I also want to give credit to my mom and dad for pushing me to be the best version of myself when it comes down to my business. Often times, I’d feel overwhelmed and ready to give up but they always remind me why I start, my grandfather.

Website: https://simplay-sweet-kreations.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplaysweetkreations/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/SimpLay-Sweet-Kreations-LLC/100083080999346/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/4PqQ95vKVqs?si=4iy821XKmdJzV1Lw

Image Credits
Roan Media Group