Meet Sheyla Kahalehoe | Dessert Business Owner

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

Hi Sheyla, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think about risk as one of the factors that lead to success. You never really know until you try has been a saying I have heard my entire life. I come from Hawaii, one of the most melted pots in the world and one fo the most isolated places in the USA. To make it to the next level or to even attempt to make a life or go to college, we had to take risks and get on a plane and make a life for ourselves. Even before turning 18, taking risks and making mistakes were something that was encouraged by my coaches, teachers, and parents. In basketball, you take risks that have the consequence of losing the game, at worst, a championship game. In school, you take risks with the consequence of ruining your reputation. However, in life, taking risks may involve risking a lot more and with bigger consequences. However, it just might be the decision that makes you a millionaire instead of making thousands, it might be the match you needed to light the fire to your successful idea. In 2020, I had good news and bad news, My daughter was born that February and I was a mother of 2. The bad news is that the coronavirus created a worldwide panic and I was laid off of work. I was running low on money and I was desperately trying to find something that would help me finance my family and keep our basic necessities. With only $300 I decided to go on amazon and start my strawberry business. At first, I didn’t have the funds to buy a whole business. It took me a while but I raised the money and then it was time to buy my LLC . This was also another risk and more of a risk because it involves the law, the government, and the IRS. If I break any rules or if I get into trouble, I can be facing jail time, fines, and my life could be ruined. I also needed an LLC to be legit and secure with my money. I bought my LLC and business was slow the entire 2020. In October, I got a chance to promote my business on the radio and that brought me so many customers and I got a chance to talk to Trick Daddy and Trina, famous rappers in Miami. I also got this opportunity this year in 2021 to be able to furthermore share my story and my new business that is now doing steady and beginning to pay more bills and become a more consistent form of income. This past month, June 2021, was the first month that I was booked every weekend and I was so grateful and happy because I am now starting to see my work pay off. My inventory is doing great, I never really had to run to the store last minute for anything anymore. My kids motivate me everyday and test taste my new inventions and love to stick around for the leftover strawberries. I am now saving up to buy my first car and that would help me to do deliveries and even do things such as go to the grocery store, taking my kids to their doctors appointments, and attending more small business events. I took more than one risk to make this business. reality for my family and I. I took my position back as the provider and I can financially support my toddler and my baby. I risked my kids not eating, my food money was gone, I risked money for bills, and we had to buy bar soaps for a few months straight. Without a car, I continue to take risks to this day by providing customers with my address for pickup. Thank to corona, I can do contactless pick up. I try my best to do as much security and background checks up to a point (because I can’t just be all in my customer’s business and I have to respect privacy). I also take risks by not having a POS system and correct receipt keeping system. Everything is written and kept in both a physical and electronic journal. Although risks are something we try to avoid to be in, risks and sacrifices are what creates characteristics such as dedication, discipline, and resilience. Without risks, we would never know what could’ve been. If we fail after taking a risk, we never will have learned more without taking the risk. Risks should not be something we should be afraid of. Risks are what makes money and money, as many people say, makes the world go round.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business started off with me selling chocolate covered strawberries. I knew I wanted to sell something that was pretty and yummy like Godiva but with low, affordable prices. I also needed something to make me stand out from Godiva (a well-known chocolate company who makes money just off their name) and Edible Arrangements (who cuts their fruits into flower shapes). I decided to start with toppings for my berries: Oreo, golden Oreo, fruity pebbles, and cotton candy. I also did different color chocolates and assorted sprinkles. I perfected my craft with every order. Using the extra berries to make more content for my Instagram page. I had a testing app to give me another number I could use for customers to contact me directly. I didn’t know the layout of my page yet because with my business, my niche is the customization and I wasn’t sure how to properly charge someone through the system because I like looking over and order and coming up with a reasonable price. Low, affordable pricing was also part of my advertisement. Today, I am almost done perfecting my online menu and with a car in the near future, Ill be able to launch it and provide delivery more consistently. So far, I am grateful to say that Ive been able to fulfill my duties not only as a business owner, but a stay at home mom and a full time student earning my bachelor’s degree in Information and Technology in 2023. I post everyday and have been complimented on the berries and customer service. My menu has grown and my customers are really the geniuses with their creative ideas. With my business, I am able to pay my bills and provide food for my kids, With my business, I have connected with so many other businesses, bloggers, and just local Miami people who love to support a small, yummy business.

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?
Id immediately drive by the hard rock hotel, its a big guitar! if you were my friend, you’d be staying there because id recommend it! we would stop by Walmart on 199th by the hard rock stadium where the dolphins play. we can grab necessities and go to a famous area at the same time. depending on the time, we would eat at Waffle House, oh wait, its 24 hours so it doesn’t matter.
Id take them to Aventura mall when there’s a farmers market to get the full experience.Seaquarium, which according to reviews, can be more fun than Seaworld (Ive seen it)
The Miami zoo
Wed eat lunch on a boat on the water in either Miami or Ft Lauderdale. Jetskis? Dolphins?
Wynwood to view the art, selfie museum, and have a poke bowl at poke_og because the owner is also from Hawaii and the poke there is awesome!
Eat at FingaLickin or Wingstop , Sundays might be crowded. It is everyday
Fat Tuesday at Bayside or walk around to the Heat Stadium
South Beach at Night to hit up clubs and walk the strip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family My customers, especially the loyal ones who order once a month
My dad for always catching me when Im down a couple dollars
Rachel Stevens, my dear friend and inspiration

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheylakahalehoe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daberryplug305/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/da-berry-plug-miami-gardens