Meet Cheryl Mosley Micah Cobbs: Delish! Sweets and Treats Co-Owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cheryl Mosley Micah Cobbs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheryl Mosley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Delish! Sweets & Treats began in December of 2009 because we wanted to make homemade cake pops as Christmas gifts for our family. With great feedback from family and friends, we began to experiment with other desserts, such as cakes, cookies, and other small pastries. From that point, we decided to try our hand at creating an official business. Cheryl: As I learned more about baking, I became inspired by the memories of my grandmother, who used to bake all the time! I also thought It was important to teach Micah the foundation of entrepreneurship. I wanted her to learn that she had options in life, even at a young age. Micah: I enjoyed baking with my mother for fun, but became skeptical of starting a business at such a young age (11). When I finally got on board, my mother decided to name the business “Manipops” after my middle name, “Imani”. As we gained more clientele, I started to fall in love with having a business with my mother and learning the ins and outs of being my own boss.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Cheryl: While building and operating Delish! Sweets & Treats in the early years, I commuted 1 hour every day to work full-time as the Director of a school for students with disabilities. I was also raising three children and going to school myself. All while building Delish! I eventually left the school and decided to open a storefront when Micah, my last child went to college. Was that easy? Not at all. But it has proven to be worth it. After we decided to close the brick and mortar, I returned to non-profit work and still operated Delish! as a home based bakery. I currently direct a community center for the local food bank in Roanoke. That pivot was paramount to continuing to do what I loved, but also ensure that the bills got paid. Along this 12 year journey I’ve learned so many things, but I think the most important thing I’ve learned is that being able to bounce back and recreate yourself after experiencing hardship is one of the most critical skills you can have in life. As a person who loves the spirit of entrepreneurship, I have owned my own shoe store and have figured out how to monetize many of my skills and talents over the years. Now I am able to operate Delish! on my own terms, in a way that fits my lifestyle. I finally completed my first college degree at 45 years of age, I am looking at ways to expand the Delish! brand beyond pastries, and I’m even considering a new business in Interior Design. I think it’s always important to remember that life can be limitless as long as you don’t limit yourself.

Micah; Growing up while owning a business, was not ideal for an 11 year old. At the time, I didn’t understand or truthfully, want to be apart of the brand but as time went on, and business grew, I quickly realized that my mom was setting me up to be my own boss, calling all the shots and grew to love having my own business. When the time came for me to go to college, it hit my mom and the business hard because I would no longer be available to help out as much as I had before. Despite being 45 minutes away from home, I managed to dedicate my weekends to returning back and helping out with the business. It wasn’t easy co-owning a business and being in school, but I enjoyed baking and had such a passion for seeing the business succeed, that I pushed through all adversity that came my way. After graduating college, I returned home to also start working in non-profit for the local food bank, while continuing orders for Delish! Throughout the years, I’ve learned that passion, dedication, and faith are key values in having a successful business. I want to the world to know that you are never too young to start a business, no matter what that may be or look like. Never give up when things get tough, with passion, dedication, and faith, you will always prevail in life and your business.

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?
First our best friends would be greeted with a welcoming treat from Delish! Secondly, we would take them to some of our favorite local spots, which include, RND and Morning Brew for coffee. For lunch, we could enjoy, Farmburguesa, Alejandros, or Screaming Vegan to name a few. And we’d definitely have to hit up Fortunato and Bloom for dinner! Next on the itinerary would be a visit to the Roanoke Star, which is an iconic landmark in the city. For some fun, a visit to the Tubman museum or hiking on local trails could be some great options.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, we have to definitely thank God. The journey of creating our own business has not been an easy one. During the entire process we developed a business while working, going to school, and navigating everything else that comes along with life. That definitely has taken a lot of faith and trust! Our family and friends have also been a HUGE support in helping us develop, test, and market our products every step of the way. When we opened our brick and mortar, friends and family were there to volunteer their time helping us operate the business smoothly. Micah: I cannot count how many times my brothers, Rayshon and Bryce, have have helped us complete some of our biggest orders at the last minute. They didn’t know much about baking, but they jumped in and helped regardless. Our family and friends were a huge emotional support when things got tough. Lastly, we would like to thank the Roanoke Community. Without our community, Delish! Sweets & Treats would not be the household name that it is today.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelishSweetsandTreats

Other: Email: Delishonjefferson@gmail.com