Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherene Smith.
Hi Sherene, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
LillyRose VC Bakery was born from a dream that first took root in my early twenties. Long before I knew exactly how it would unfold. When I transitioned back to a 100% plant-based lifestyle. Something powerful happened my creativity was reawakened and my love for baking and cooking came alive in a deeper way. Food became more than nourishment it became expression, creativity, connection, and love.
What began quietly through word-of-mouth referrals soon grew into something bigger. One customer led to another and before long LillyRose VC Bakery was supplying desserts to our local vegan cafe Dajen Eats. Every step forward felt guided by faith and legacy. I was determined to keep the of my mother and grandmother in everything I created. Honoring their kindness and generosity. In the way they made people feel welcomed through hospitality.
After covid, I stepped boldly into Orlando’s vegan festivals, markets and doing pop’-ups. This provided us an opportunity to sale face to face on a weekly basis. Then came a phone call that changed everything. Opportunity for a space of my own. I said yes without hesitation. It felt like faith meeting readiness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many small, purpose driven businesses, LillyRose faced real challenges along the way. We made the difficult decision to close our Orlando location due to inconsistent foot traffic. Which made sustainability a constant uphill climb. Staffing was another hurdle finding and retaining the right team while maintaining our standards of quality and love wasn’t easy. On top of that my family in another state and navigating entrepreneurship without close personal support nearby added an emotional weight that isn’t often talked about.
But none of these moments were failures. They were lesson in alignment, timing and faith. Closing the chapter forced me to slow down, reassess, and protect the heart of LillyRose VC Bakery. Its mission, it’s integrity and its legacy. It reminded me that success isn’t always about staying open at all costs. Sometimes it’s about having the courage to pivot, preserve your vision and rebuild with intention.
Every challenge strengthened my resolve. LillyRose VC Bakery continues to stand as a testament to resilience, purpose and the belief that. When you lead with love, setbacks don’t stop the story, it refines it.
We’ve been impressed with LillyRose VC Bakery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
LillyRose VC Bakery is more than plant-based bakery. It is a reflection of legacy, intention, and love. Founded and led by pastry chef Sherene D. Smith. LillyRose VC Bakery specializes in handcrafted vegan pastries, gourmet cupcakes, and celebratory cakes that marry indulgence with purpose.
Every dessert is made from scratch, thoughtfully designed to showcase bold flavors, comforting textures, and the elegance possible in plant-based baking. From elevated gourmet cupcakes to custom cakes and curated dessert experiences. LillyRose challenges the idea that vegan desserts are a compromise. Proving instead that they can be decadent, soulful, and deeply satisfying.
What truly distinguishes LillyRose VC Bakery is its heart. Smith draws inspiration from family traditions and the enduring influence of her mother and grandmother. Infusing each creation with values of kindness, hospitality and grace. Food is a love language, she says and that belief guides everything from recipe development to customer experience.
Serving individuals, events, pop-ups, festival and community spaces. Now serving the city of Rochester Hills, MI LillyRose VC Bakery is super excited.
I’m most proud of brand wise, is that LillyRose VC Bakery has remained deeply rooted in it values. In an industry that often prioritizes speed and scale. Our brand has chosen intention, integrity, and love. Every element of LillyRose reflects a legacy inspired by generations of women who believed in grace, hospitality, and kindness.
I want reader to know that LillyRose is more than a vegan bakery. It’s a full- service plant-based dessert experience. We specialize in handcrafted pastries, gourmet cupcakes, and custom cakes. We also offer catering services for weddings, private parties, corporate events and special celebrations. Including beautifully curated dessert bars designed to elevate any event. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or large wedding, our desserts are created to feel personal, elegant and memorable.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I view risk-taking as an act of faith especially when it’s aligned with purpose. Every meaningful chapter of my life has required stepping into the unknown and LillyRose VC Bakery is no exception.
One of the biggest risks I took was leaving a stable career in banking to pursue my calling as a pastry chef and entrepreneur. In 2019 I founded my second company LillyRose VC Bakery using my own personal funds. Just belief discipline, and a vision I couldn’t ignore. Walking away from predictability into a new industry was both terrifying and freeing.
I’ve taken other significant risks along the way. Including saying yes to opportunities before I felt fully ready. Opening physical space, taking extremely large orders, becoming a vendor at major vegan festivals of 10k plus attendees and trusting instincts even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. Each risk stretched me not just as a business owner, but as a woman building something meaningful later in life.
What I’ve learned is that risk doesn’t always mean recklessness. Sometimes it means choosing yourself, honoring your gifts and trusting that your purpose will meet you on the other side of fear. Even when outcomes required pivots or difficult decisions, every risk strengthened my resilience and clarified my vision.
LillyRose exists because I was willing to be on myself. And that’s a risk I would take again
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillyrosevcbakery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lillyrosevcbakery
- Yelp: LillyRose VC Bakery
