We had the good fortune of connecting with Neelah Hinds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neelah, why did you pursue a creative career?
Initially I pursued a nice stable career in nursing. I hated going to class every day and eventually I hated going to work daily. I’ve always drawn, sang or painted and right around highschool I began to bake and that’s when I really started to feel like myself. After a few life events I kinda fell into my creative career path…And I’m so grateful! 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Vanille & Brulee is my first business baby. I’ve learned so many things about business and life through trial and error, but I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything. And everything I’ve learned has set me up for the things I’ve been praying and working towards. I do not compare myself or my business to anyone else, as each of us has a unique world view and something uniquely ours to say. We are working to offer tasty, quality food and service that top our past performance all the time. So I’ve got some really fun stuff I’m working on for the new year and I’d love for you guys to take the journey with me; so if you’re interested in watching me learn and share follow me on Instagram and or fb @vanillenbrulee. This year has been one of inspiration for me, among other things. There’s been one particular thing I’ve wanted to do for quite some time that I honestly didn’t feel qualified to accomplish. But one positive thing that this year granted me was the space and opportunity to really make it a reality. This summer I opened The Candler Black Market, a local farmers, makers, and artisan market off of Candler Road in Decatur, Ga. Our inaugural season was awesome and we got to help launch and work with so many awesome black owned businesses. We have been working really hard and have some great new opportunities for next season, which I so excited about! We are looking for local black owned farms, makers and artisans that want to participate in next seasons markets. If that’s you, follow us on instagram or Facebook @candlerblackmarket and send us a dm!

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?
I’m a wife and a mommy of three so most of the things we do are kid centered. We do a lot of parks, play places, educational stuff, the zoo we love legoland, the aquarium and the children’s museum. For just the adults we’d probably just eat. Lol. Some of my favorite places to eat are: Vegreen, Slutty Vegan and De One Roti shop. If they just wanna hang or walk around anywhere local farmers markets are always fun, and Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market are also pretty fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
That’s so true! I’d love to shout out my support system. It’s not very large but it’s very powerful, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. So to my main cheer leaders;my momma and my husband, my littles (3), my sisters, my best friends Adriana, Peace, Brittany and Kyra. And all if my customers over the years.

Website: www.vanilleandbrulee.com
Instagram: @vanillenbrulee / @candlerblackmarket
Facebook: Vanille and Brulee / The Candler Black Market
Yelp: Vanille & Brulee Catering Boutique/ The Candler Black Market

Image Credits
Scott Hinds

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