Meet EDWINA THOMAS

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful EDWINA THOMAS a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

EDWINA, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity is deeply rooted in my upbringing and life experiences. Growing up in Compton, CA, I was actively involved in my community and church, attending weekly services, singing in the choir, and teaching both Bible study and Sunday school. These experiences instilled in me the values of compassion, selflessness, and giving back to others.

Throughout my school years, I participated in numerous extracurricular activities, which helped me develop a strong sense of community and teamwork. I have always been a giving person, believing firmly in the principle that you get what you give. This belief drives me to consistently put positive energy into the atmosphere, as I am convinced that acts of kindness and generosity have a ripple effect, making the world a better place.

Whether through small gestures or larger acts of kindness, my goal is to uplift those around me and contribute positively to their lives. My faith, community involvement, and personal philosophy have all shaped me into the generous person I am today, always striving to support and inspire others.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At Yummy Snacks Treats and Goodies, our passion for creating delightful treats comes from the joy and satisfaction we see on our customers’ faces with every bite. Our brand is special because we focus on bringing happiness and delicious flavors to the community, making every occasion a bit sweeter.

Here at Yummy Snacks Treats and Goodies we specialize in custom cakes and baked goods including but not limited to cookies, cupcakes, pies, and so much more. We also offer catering services which include international cuisine and servers who strive to provide an excellent experience.
We are thrilled to share that we were semifinalists in Chef Carla Hall’s Next Favorite Chef competition. This recognition is a testament to the quality and love we put into our creations.

Exciting events are on the horizon! Mark your calendars for July 20th, when we will be hosting a skateboarding competition. It promises to be an exhilarating day filled with fun, food, and fantastic tricks.

Stay connected with us and follow our daily updates on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok at Yummy Snacks Treats and Goodies. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at our kitchen, sneak peeks of new treats, and more.

We are also excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new Goodie Box. This curated selection of your favorite treats, straight from the Yummy kitchen, will soon be available. Stay tuned for more details!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been most impactful in shaping my path: flexibility, time management, and optimism. These attributes have helped me navigate challenges, achieve goals, and maintain a positive outlook. Here’s my advice for those early in their journey on how to develop or improve these essential qualities

Flexibility

**Why It Matters:**
Flexibility enables you to adapt to changing circumstances, overcome obstacles, and seize new opportunities. It fosters resilience and open-mindedness, essential traits in an ever-evolving world.

**How to Develop Flexibility:**

1. **Embrace Change:** Accept that change is a constant in life and business. Instead of resisting it, seek ways to leverage change to your advantage.
– **Tip:** Regularly put yourself in new situations, whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on a different role at work, or meeting new people. This will help you become more comfortable with change.

2. **Practice Problem-Solving:** When faced with challenges, practice viewing the situation from multiple perspectives and brainstorming various solutions.
– **Tip:** Engage in activities that require quick thinking and adaptability, such as improvisational theater, puzzle-solving, or strategy games.

3. **Stay Informed:** Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and developments can help you anticipate changes and adapt more effectively.
– **Tip:** Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and network with peers to stay informed and gain new insights.

– Time Management

**Why It Matters:**
Effective time management helps you prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and reduce stress, leading to higher efficiency and a better work-life balance.

**How to Improve Time Management:**

1. **Set Clear Goals:** Define what you want to achieve in the short and long term. Break these goals down into manageable tasks.
– **Tip:** Use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to set your goals.

2. **Prioritize Tasks:** Focus on what’s most important and tackle high-priority tasks first. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance.
– **Tip:** At the start of each day, make a to-do list and highlight the top three tasks that need to be completed.

3. **Use Tools and Techniques:** Leverage time management tools and techniques such as planners, calendars, and apps to organize your schedule.
– **Tip:** Try techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused intervals with short breaks) to boost productivity.

-Optimism

**Why It Matters:**
Optimism fuels motivation and persistence. It helps you stay positive in the face of setbacks and maintain a proactive attitude towards your goals.

**How to Cultivate Optimism:**

1. **Positive Thinking:** Train yourself to focus on the positive aspects of situations, even when faced with challenges.
– **Tip:** Keep a gratitude journal where you write down things you’re thankful for each day. This practice can shift your focus from problems to positive experiences.

2. **Surround Yourself with Positivity:** Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you. Avoid those who drain your energy or foster negativity.
– **Tip:** Join communities or groups that share your interests and values, where you can exchange positive energy and encouragement.

3. **Visualize Success:** Regularly visualize your goals and the positive outcomes you aim to achieve. This mental exercise can help maintain your focus and motivation.
– **Tip:** Spend a few minutes each day imagining the successful completion of your goals, reinforcing your belief in your ability to achieve them.

_Conclusion

Developing flexibility, time management, and optimism has been crucial in my journey, and I believe these qualities can greatly benefit anyone starting their path. By embracing change, managing your time effectively, and maintaining a positive outlook, you can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve your goals. Remember, the energy you put into the atmosphere will come back to you, so strive to contribute positively to your journey and the world around you.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my mother ever did for me was to bus me to a school outside of the community where I grew up. Living in Compton, CA, I faced limited resources and opportunities. However, my mother’s decision to send me to school in the San Fernando Valley opened up a world of possibilities that I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced.

Attending school in the San Fernando Valley exposed me to a broader range of educational resources, extracurricular activities, and cultural experiences. This significant change provided me with a more diverse and enriching education, allowing me to pursue opportunities that helped shape my future.

In addition to her dedication to my education, my mother, Johnetta Grayer, worked with several non-profit organizations. This involvement granted us the chance to attend events with athletes and entertainers, further broadening my horizons and inspiring me to aim higher in life.

My mother is truly a superhero. Her unwavering commitment to providing me with the best possible opportunities has profoundly impacted my life. She instilled in me the values of perseverance, hard work, and the importance of giving back to the community. Her sacrifices and dedication have made me who I am today, and I am forever grateful for her love and support.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://yummy-snacks-treats-and-goodies-108161.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yummysnackstreatsandgoodies/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yummysnackstreatsandgoodies/

Image Credits

I own the rights to all photos.