Meet Vanessa Champagne

We recently connected with Vanessa Champagne and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose through something that has always brought me joy—sharing my baked goods and cooking with others. Food has a unique way of connecting people; it’s universal, comforting, and healing to the soul.

One moment in particular truly solidified my purpose. At one of my markets, I had a customer try my Biscoff cookie. As she took her first bite, I noticed a wave of emotion come over her face. Her eyes welled up, and she shared that the cookie reminded her of pinwheel cookies she and her grandmother used to bake together when she was young. She explained that she hadn’t thought about those memories in a long time, and she thanked me with such sincerity that I found myself getting choked up as well. We shared a hug, and in that moment, I understood something profound—baking isn’t just about the food itself; it’s about the memories, the connections, and the joy it can bring to others.

That experience affirmed my purpose: creating delicious baked goods that spark happiness and nostalgia, and that bring people together. For me, it’s about much more than recipes; it’s about crafting moments that remind people of what matters most—family, connection, and the simple joys of life.

This sense of purpose drives everything I do, and I’m excited to bring that passion into every opportunity I have to share my creations with others.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the owner and baker behind Champagne Delights, where I specialize in creating handcrafted baked goods that bring people joy and spark cherished memories. Baking has always been my love language—a way to connect with others, celebrate life’s moments, and offer comfort through food. I focus on using high-quality ingredients and crafting recipes that combine nostalgia with a fresh twist. Whether it’s a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth banana pudding cookie or a seasonal specialty, my goal is to create treats that feel both familiar and extraordinary.

What excites me most about my work is the way food brings people together. Every cookie, cake, or pastry I bake has the potential to tell a story or evoke an emotion. For example, one of the most meaningful moments in my journey was when a customer told me my Biscoff cookie brought back memories of baking with her grandmother. It reminded me why I do what I do: food has the power to connect us to each other and to moments we hold dear.

Right now, I’m focused on growing my business and bringing my baked goods to even more people. I’ve recently introduced peanut butter cookies and customer sheet cakes, and I’m excited to launch limited monthly cookie flavors. I’m also expanding my presence at local markets and exploring opportunities for shipping my baked goods nationwide, so people can enjoy them no matter where they are.

What I’d like folks to know about my brand is that every item I bake comes from the heart. My mission is to create more than just delicious desserts—I want to craft experiences that bring people joy, whether it’s through a cookie that feels like a warm hug or a cake that makes a celebration unforgettable.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: passion, adaptability, and resilience.

Passion for my craft
My love for baking has always been my guiding light. It’s the reason I get up early to perfect a recipe or spend hours creating something truly special. Passion isn’t just about loving what you do; it’s about staying connected to your purpose, even during challenging times. For anyone starting their journey, my advice is to find what truly excites you and dive in wholeheartedly. Let your passion fuel you, but also nurture it by constantly learning and experimenting.

Adaptability
As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that things rarely go exactly as planned. Whether it’s experimenting with a new recipe that doesn’t turn out quite right or adjusting to shifts in customer preferences, adaptability has been key to my growth. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. My advice is to stay flexible and open to change—sometimes the most unexpected detours lead to the best outcomes.

Resilience
Building a business is not without its ups and downs. There have been moments when sales were slow, recipes failed, or I felt overwhelmed. Resilience is what keeps you going during those times. It’s about believing in yourself and your vision, even when things feel hard. For those starting out, my advice is to stay patient and persistent. Celebrate the small wins, and remember that setbacks are part of the journey. Each challenge you face will make you stronger.

Ultimately, I believe that success comes from a mix of passion, hard work, and a willingness to learn. Don’t be afraid to take risks, ask for help, and stay true to your values. Surround yourself with a supportive community, and never underestimate the power of a kind word or a heartfelt story—those moments will remind you why you started and inspire you to keep going.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe it’s important to lean into your strengths while also being open to improving areas where you’re less confident—though the key is knowing which areas truly need improvement to achieve your goals. In my experience, doubling down on my strengths has been the most rewarding and impactful strategy, but I’ve also learned the value of growth in areas outside my comfort zone.

For example, baking has always been my strength and passion. It’s where I feel most confident, creative, and inspired. When I started my business, I poured most of my energy into perfecting my recipes and making my baked goods the absolute best they could be. This focus allowed me to build a reputation for quality and to connect with people on an emotional level through my food.

However, running a business also demands skills I wasn’t naturally strong in, like marketing, financial management, and logistics. Early on, I tried to do everything myself and found it overwhelming. Over time, I realized that while I didn’t need to be an expert in everything, I did need to learn the basics to effectively manage my business. So, I invested time in learning social media strategies, keeping track of finances, and creating efficient workflows. These weren’t my favorite tasks, but they allowed me to sustain and grow my business while keeping my strengths—baking and connecting with customers—at the forefront.

For me, the balance comes down to this: play to your strengths and use them to stand out, but don’t let your weaknesses hold you back. If a skill gap is blocking your progress, commit to learning enough to manage it or find someone who excels in that area to help.

To anyone starting out, my advice is to identify what makes you truly exceptional and go all in on those strengths. That’s where you’ll create the most value and find the most fulfillment. At the same time, stay open to growth and seek out opportunities to stretch yourself—because often, it’s in those uncomfortable moments of learning that you’ll find new skills, confidence, and possibilities you didn’t know existed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://forms.gle/thEHPrPzDHj8Lj5f7
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/champagne_delights_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564897456268