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

Hi Tahira, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
“You need a business plan to start a business”

Not having a business plan has allowed me to be open to anything presented to me and not be so ridgid in my thinking. When I started I thought I knew exactly what I wanted for my business and how it would grow. I did not. Opportunities have come in wholesale orders, events and sponsorships that I would have never taken based on my original “business plan.” Not having a business plan also made me able to pivot and change my type of business when the pandemic hit, I was able to leverage my resources and sell curbside direct to customers throughout the lockdown. That has created an opportunity now for me to move into a commercial space that I will be able to combine not only my passion for baking, but also teaching and events. Don’t overthink your business before starting, you will learn so much along the way that a business plan will not prepare you for. Cover the basics and get started!! We need what you have to offer.

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 is Scrumptious Houston. I specialize in wholesale and direct to consumer orders of cheesecakes, custom cakes, cupcakes and chocolate covered treats. I am most known for my Cheesecakes, I have about 20 flavors and counting and they are served in 3 businesses in Clear lake & South Houston. I’m a little different because I offer preset items and menus but I also offer fully customizable desserts. You can order a dessert that is completely unique to you and your event starting with the flavors and all throughout the design. With the opening of my storefront you will also be able to shop a weekly menu of grab and go desserts and food and also have the option of hosting private events.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Seabrook so a lot of what I would show them is there. My 2 favorite breakfast places are Seabrook Waffle Company for an assortment of sweet and savory waffles & Habanero Taco Company for some of the best breakfast tacos and the very best sauce. I would take them to visit the Kemah Boardwalk, Space Center Houston and walk along a secret beach spot I know. I would then take them to Pier 8 for lunch, where they could choose their fresh seafood and have it served to them perfectly fried and piping hot. For nightlife I would take them to my favorite sports bar Cabo Clear lake, which also has the best bar food anywhere, including Scrumptious cheesecake.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to shoutout my husband for always believing in me no matter how crazy my ideas seemed, even to me. He gave me the push I needed to leave my job and focus on my business full time and has always been there to help pick up wherever I may be slacking. He brags about me to anyone who will listen and that has been so instrumental in growing my confidence in my talent and my business acumen.

Website: www.scrumptioushouston.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ScrumptiousHouston
Linkedin: Tahira Christensen
Facebook: facebook.com/ScrumptiousHouston