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

Hi Vee, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I love expressing myself, I enjoy not fitting into the “corporate box” and let’s be honest, that gets boring after a while. Years ago when my great grandmother found out I was pregnant, she gave me a brown paper bag. In that bag was a collection of her recipes (magic). I told her thank you and I put the bag in our storage room and forgot about it. Then one day, I decided to try one of her recipes and it was a Pineapple Upside Down Cake, it was delicious. I then tried the Italian Cream Cake, another success. It was actually my son, Dwight, who told me to start a Facebook page for my business, he was my first follower. From there is where the creative bug bit me and I knew I wanted to have a business, my business where I can take vintage recipes, mostly Southern and give them a modern flair. I’ll never forget the first market I did, I made my great grandmother’s pecan pralines. A husband and wife came to my table and asked about them. He took one bite and tears came to his eyes, then I started tearing up. He told me he hasn’t had pralines, since his grandmother passed, it reminded him of her pralines. That was a special moment for me. And that is one of the reasons why I do what I do. It brings me joy to create confections that bring back memories of being in the kitchen with our grandmothers/great grandmothers.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As my business grows, I’m also expanding my knowledge and skillset. I’m learning more about the science of baking, creating recipes and stepping outside of the box with my confections. I really enjoy coming up with new recipes or re-working an older recipe. I started out being known for my cakes and pralines, but now I’ve added French macarons, gourmet cookies and breakfast pastries to my roster. I also enjoy helping others, I’m a big believer in the statement “there is room for all of us”. I support/promote my fellow bakers, because I believe in community. When I first started, I didn’t have another baker to learn from or to do to for advice, it was every baker for themselves. I’ve learned to change that narrative, just because we sell similar products, doesn’t mean we can’t support each other. Eventually, I want to expand into other areas of the business, perhaps internships, philanthropy, offering business classes and so much more. I want my business to be a staple in the community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are definitely going downtown to start, there is always something going on downtown. Brunch is the best thing ever. Day 1 – Brunch (Ruby Slipper), walk around downtown for little sight seeing. Lunch will most definitely SeeWeeRoll, it’s all you can eat sushi, can’t get any better than that. Dinner would be at one of my aunt’s house, hopefully auntie will be in the mood to maker her famous gumbo.
Day 2 – Breakfast at my house, baked grits, sticky buns, eggs and Conecuh sausage. Naptime, because it’s a whole feast. Take a day trip to the beach and enjoy the Gulf Coast, have dinner at the Original Oyster House.

Day 3 – REST, eat left-overs or have delivery

Day 4 – Brunch at Big Bad Breakfast, it’s something about being able to drink alcoholic beverages in the AM. Lunch at Mary’s Southern Cooking, so good! Shopping at the outlets, dinner at SOCU

Day 5 – Kolaches and Donuts, lunch at Dauphines, Roll Mobile and ArtWalk on Friday night and enjoy the night life. Grad some grub from Box Owt, it’s a great spot that has something different for everyone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I started Vee’s Vintage Sweets, I didn’t have a mentor, just a cheering section aka my family. They were my first critics, supporters and volunteer workers. My son, who pushed me out of my comfort zone to do the social media thing. My first “employees”, Shanee (cousin), Marsha (my mom, who only lasted 1 day), Makayla, Trinity, Jackson, Brandon and I can never forget my aunt Wanda. Wanda was a force and she really enjoyed working the markets with me. She passed away in 2020, but she will always be my #1. These are just a few of my tribe and I’m so thankful for each and every one of them.

Website: www.veesvintagsweets.com

Instagram: instagram.com/veesvintagesweetsllc

Facebook: facebook.com/veesvintagesweetsllc

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.