News Summary
Denae Murray, founder of Dee’s Deelish Desserts, has successfully expanded her dessert business in Savannah by leveraging community connections. A graduate of Spark Savannah, she emphasizes the importance of local support and sustainability, catering to various special occasions with unique offerings. Murray’s journey reflects her dedication, with growth attributed to customer trust and local resources, as she continues to enhance Savannah’s dessert scene.
Savannah – Denae Murray, the founder of Dee’s Deelish Desserts, has expanded her dessert business through strong community connections and support. Murray, a graduate of the first class of the Spark Savannah program, which focuses on the success of small businesses, has been making strides in the Savanna dessert scene by leveraging local opportunities and relationships.
Murray operates as a regular cake vendor for Geneva’s Famous Chicken and Cornbread Co., thanks to a connection from her high school graduating class. In addition, an opportunity with the Hyundai Motor Group Meta Plant has allowed her to serve her cakes during lunchtime at the facility. These experiences have facilitated significant exposure and growth for her business over the past year.
Learning from Spark Savannah’s program, Murray has focused on not only profitability but also sustainability within her business model. While monetary opportunities are appreciated, she believes that spreading awareness about her products through connections can be just as valuable. Her mission is to be the best dessert provider, emphasizing that her offerings are tailored to various special occasions, including weddings, retirements, and other celebrations.
Dee’s Deelish Desserts specializes in decorative homemade cakes, gourmet cupcakes, and unique seasonal treats such as banana pudding. The business prides itself on custom orders that cater to individual client preferences, allowing for a personal touch in every creation. Murray utilizes a mobile cupcake cart featuring a pink-and-white logo, which enables her to custom-decorate cupcakes at community events, further engaging with her customer base.
Murray’s baking journey began in her childhood when she first used an Easy Bake Oven. Over the years, she developed a passion for baking and cake decorating after training with a professional baker. Although she faced challenges, including burnout after focusing on driving, she eventually returned to her passion in 2022, leading to the growth of her business as a reliable source of income.
Since her relaunch, Dee’s Deelish Desserts has seen a positive trajectory, with one customer favorite being Murray’s key lime cake, which is available for pickup at Geneva’s. Murray attributes her business’s success to the trust her customers place in her for their important life events and celebrations. This trust underscores the vital connection between her community and her business endeavors.
Support from local resources has played a crucial role in Murray’s journey. Mahogany Bowers, the program manager of Start Up Savannah, emphasizes the reciprocal relationship within the community, suggesting that the community will respond positively when individuals also contribute positively. Murray’s experiences reflect this dynamic, highlighting the significance of community in fostering small business success.
In July, Murray graduated alongside 14 other entrepreneurs from the Spark Savannah program, with her mentor, Bowers, guiding her throughout the process. This program has equipped her with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the business landscape effectively.
As Dee’s Deelish Desserts continues to grow, the integration of Murray’s personal story, community engagement, and dedication to quality desserts positions her well within Savannah’s competitive market. By establishing significant connections and offering unique products, Murray is not only building her brand but also reinforcing the importance of local support in the realm of entrepreneurship.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Savannah Welcomes New Leopold’s Ice Cream Parlor on Whitemarsh Island
Kimpton Brice Hotel Welcomes New Executive Chef
Savannah Hosts Annual Family Feast Fundraiser
Savannah’s Starland District: A Thriving Hub of Creativity
Savannah Prepares for the Echoes of the East Festival
Startup Savannah Launches SPARK Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Products: Hidden Gems You Need to Try!
Dairy Queen Unveils New Summer Blizzard Menu
Additional Resources
- Savannah News: New Cohort for City’s Business Accelerator
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Savannah Business Journal: Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce
- Google Search: Small Business Success
- AfroTech: Savannah James’ Reframe Beauty Brand
- Google Scholar: Community Support for Entrepreneurs
- Savannah Business Journal: Elevating Entrepreneurship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
