Meet EDWINA THOMAS | CHEF/ OWNER OF YUMMY SNACKS TREATS & GOODIES

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

Hi EDWINA, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Growing up in Compton, CA, and attending school in the San Fernando Valley had a profound impact on who I am today. It was in the Valley where I first discovered my passion for cake decorating, a trade that has become a central part of my identity.

Raised by a single mother who was determined to provide a better life for me and my siblings, I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. My mother took us on regular outings where we were exposed to entrepreneurship and saw minorities owning businesses. These experiences instilled in me a strong sense of ambition and a drive to succeed.

From a young age, I always strived for perfection in everything I did. Whether it was participating in sports and cheerleading or singing in talent shows, I always gave my all. This drive for excellence has carried over into my professional life, where I continuously strive to improve and excel in everything I do.

Overall, my background and upbringing have shaped me into the ambitious, hardworking, and determined individual that I am today. They have instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and a belief that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artistry was cultivated in a home where creativity was encouraged, and doing your best was always the goal. Growing up in Los Angeles, CA, I was surrounded by beauty, which sparked my interest in cooking from an early age. I would eagerly await Saturday mornings for shows like Julia Child’s and Martha Stewart’s, and then spend afternoons watching “The Joy of Painting” with Bob Ross alongside my brothers, who helped shape my artistic sensibilities.

While being artistic came naturally to me, creating and cultivating my business, Yummy Snacks Treats & Goodies, presented its challenges, from securing funding to figuring out product placement. However, the advent of social media has revolutionized the way I operate. Marketing and networking, once done solely in person, can now be managed from anywhere, allowing me to create on the go and reach a wider audience.

What sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and my willingness to go the extra mile when others might not. I am particularly proud of being nominated for Woman of the Year by California State Representative Eloise Gomez Reyes’ office, recognizing my dedication to my craft.

My journey hasn’t been without its obstacles. After attending college for culinary arts in 2006, I felt compelled to solidify my craft and turn my passion into a business. This led to the creation of Yummy Snacks Treats & Goodies. As my family grew, I realized the need to adapt, which led me to revamp my business into an online-based model, which is now thriving.

I want the world to know that Yummy Snacks Treats & Goodies is more than just a catering company. We are a team of dedicated individuals ready to cultivate amazing events with flavorful options and cake decorating that rivals any bakery. Creating a business from something I love has been a dream come true, and I am excited to continue sharing my flavors and ideas with the world.

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?

**Monday:**
– Morning: Explore the Getty Center or the Getty Villa for art and architecture.
– Afternoon: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or the Natural History Museum.
– Evening: Dinner at Dulans Soul food in Inglewood

**Tuesday:**
– Morning: Take a tour of Grand Central Market. have breakfast at The Donut Man They have the vest fresh fruit filled donuts ever
– Afternoon: Visit the Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city. Lunch at Tommys the Chili Cheese fries are is to die for
– Evening: Enjoy a dinner at Soulos Kitchen inside of Lokels in Chinatown

**Wednesday:**
– Morning: Visit the California Science Center and the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Breakfast at the serving spoon in Inglewood
– Afternoon: Explore the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. Lunch at Bucca De Beppo
– Evening: Dinner at the State in Redlands CA

**Thursday:**
– Morning: Spend the morning Cabrillo Beach for a light jog and relaxation
Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe
– Afternoon lunch at BusyBees market (best sandwiches ever)
– Evening: Watch the sunset at dog park and enjoy dinner at Big Nicks Pizza

**Friday:**
– Morning: Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre. Breakfast at a Taco truck
– Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Warner Bros. Studio. Afternoon Snack at Wut a Pickle in Long Beach
– Evening: Attend a live performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Dinner at M&Ms Soul food

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a special shoutout to my mother, Johnetta Grayer, who has been a driving force in my life. Her unwavering support and determination have taught me to never give up, no matter the challenges I face. I also want to shout out Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy for recognizing my true potential and always putting me in the room. My church, Holy Way COGIC, deserves a shoutout for keeping me grounded and providing me with spiritual guidance. Last but not least, a big shoutout to Ampac Business Capital for their support and assistance. Thank you all for being a part of my journey!

Website: https://yummy-snacks-treats-and-goodies-108161.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yummysnackstreatsandgoodies/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwina-thomas-18626854/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/e9MS-MxEnCk

Other: https://www.instagram.com/queen_wina_pooh/