Meet Shirick “Rick” Faison | Confectioner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shirick “Rick” Faison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shirick “Rick”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
For as long as I can remember I’ve known that I wanted to have my own business. As a teenager, I would sell candy or whatever else I thought I could make a small profit on. I never knew exactly what type of business I wanted to start though. In my 20’s I looked into franchises and even started a business recreation business with a friend, but it didn’t really interest me. After a spending some time in Central America, I realized I wanted to do something with food.

So, the idea for sorbet actually came to me in 2018 while I was in culinary school. I thought it would be a nice dessert option for my mother for Mother’s Day. It’s a long standing tradition with my family that all the men would cater to the women that day. Being that I was in school, the menu became my responsibility. Being that I’d been accepted to UH (Conrad Hilton), and I knew I was leaving I wanted this last dinner in New Jersey to be special. That day I served a Rosé Apricot sorbet and everyone enjoyed it. At that moment, I knew this could be a business opportunity.

Fast-Forward to 2019 I’ve relocated to Houston and am working as a restaurant manager for the Hyatt Regency. I have to add that being from the Northeast I missed having my Italian Ice. What I’d tried here was ok, but I knew I could create something better with better ingredients, and less artificial EVERYTHING. Most products that you’ll find on the marjet today are full of artificial colors, fruit flavors, colors, and contain high fructose corn syrup. I wanted to take those items out, and use actual fruit. I began to test some recipes on my coworkers and surprisingly they liked them (After much trial and error). I began to work on figuring out how to start a sorbet business as a something I can grow and in a couple of years make it my full time job. Unfortunately, Covid hit and March 16, 2020 I was furloughed. That’s when I decided to pursue my American Dream.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
So, my business Dulce Vida Treats TX is a faith based business that was established in 2019 but we didn’t begin to sell to the public until July, 2020. The initial idea was to make a more wholesome frozen dessert that everyone could enjoy. In addition to making a good product I wanted something that would be fun for adults, why should the kids have all the fun. That’s when the alcohol came in! Besides making good tasting sweet treats our goal is to be an asset to the community. As we grow we want to not only be a be a local business located in different communities. The goal is that we become a part of the community. We believe that God has called us to serve the communities that welcome us in and support us. With the goal of giving just as much as we receive.

I would say that I’m most proud of the fact that we’re building a viable business. That we have customers who enjoy our products, and appreciate the effort that goes into making them. I’m most excited for what’s to come. I know that we’re only just getting started but, the journey ahead will be Amazing. The people we’ll meet, and help. The lives that we’ll be able to touch, and the people that will also pour into us.

The business has gotten to where it is because of God’s favor primarily, because I had no idea what I was doing when I first started! Everything was a struggle. Finding cups, sourcing different products, information with the state, county and city health departments that all require something different. It wasn’t easy at all. The way I was able to overcome many of my obstacles were by asking questions, utilizing my resources, and having people that are smarter than me on speed dial.

Throughout this process I’ve learned to trust my gut. If it doesn’t feel right initially, there’s a reason why. Also, that every opportunity that presents itself doesn’t mean it’s the right opportunity for you!

Finally, what do I want the world to know about my brand? That we’re a small family run business with humble beginnings, but be on the lookout for great things to come from us in the future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start off taking them to a farmer’s market. Houston has some of the best small businesses that attend the markets, especially on Saturday morning. Then we’d hit up some of the amazing food establishments (Turkey Leg Hut, Pinkerton’s BBQ), and craft breweries (urban south, 8th wonder) that the city has to offer. We’d go to buffalo bayou park, the zoo, check out an astros game.

Head over to San Antonio and go to the river walk, the pearl, and the alamo.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My whole life is a testament that it takes a village. My parents sacrificed to give my brothers and I better opportunities than they had. My wife has definitely been my biggest cheerleader and supported me throughout the different stages of this entrepreneurial journey. I’ve always been blessed to be able to reach out to someone who knew more than myself for an encouraging word, business advice, or just direction. Most recently many people have poured into my life and business in ways that I would’ve never imagined. Two organizations specifically that have been a serious help have been the guys at Baker Ripley, and the Hyatt Regency Houston management team.

Website: www.dulcevidatreats.com

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Other: email- info@dulcevidatreatstx.com