Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Brundage.
Hi Debra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is a God story because it has only been by the Grace of God that I am able to do what I do and have the place where I can bake today!! 25 years ago I had a pretty bad accident and landed in a wheelchair for 8 years. I was told I would never walk again!! I told the drs don’t put that on me, I know the great physician and I will walk again one day. I worked in marketing and public relations, 60 hr weeks, taking care of a my family Paul and my 2 amazing children Ryan and Amanda when I had this accident. I was mostly in bed for the 1st year and tried to work the best I could to help my family by working as an independent contractor typing medical transcriptions and real estate appraisals. Once I was able to get around more in a wheelchair, I decided to make apple pies and sell them from my home, since I was always asked for the recipe! During that long healing time period a customer requested a cheesecake, which I had never made before, and thought I’d give it a try! It took me over a year to develop my recipe and many, many taste testings and after a long recovery, trial and error, Debi’s Cheesecakes was finally born!!
I baked out of my home for many years and became known in our little town as “the cheesecake lady”. I never dreamed that this would be my destiny baking cheesecakes for a living but the process has only brought me so many blessings and joy beyond words. The people I’ve met along the way and all the support, I’ve received, I could never imagine in my own mind this was possible. God has truly been so good to me to provide the way for today.
A couple years ago, I had a stirring in my heart to open a place where people could rent from me to further their dreams and provide for their family but unable to do so due to licensing and financial restrictions. I too wanted to bigger place so I can reach the community, further my dream and sell to restaurants. I finally found a place, got my license, spent 7 months working with contractors, planners, compliance and banks. Spent thousands securing the right people, lawyers, etc. However, after 7 months it all fell thru and the bank said it was to risky. I was devastated and couldn’t understand how God could put this thought into my heart and have it all not work out? I heard in my spirit; I didn’t say that place or now, you must wait!!
After another 7 months and much prayer and self reflection, my husband and I were out driving and came across a plaza and saw a bright yellow sign that read; “FOR LEASE”. It was only a quarter of the size of the last building and needed a complete overhaul to get it into a working bakery, where the other place had already the infrastructure. The monthly rent was less than what I asked God for and the landlords were kind and generous. I truly didn’t know what I was doing or getting my self into but the last experience put me in a position to learn and ask questions. I signed the lease, stepped into believing that God had my back and knew He would get it all together for me in His timing. I walked into the Green Cove county building met a lady that was kind, understanding and told me they were there to help and from that moment on everything just fell into place without me asking. I then, with their help, became the GC on the project and things just started to fall into place.
The suite was only 800 sq ft compared to the 2800 sq ft of the last adventure but I knew if God brought this to me I could make it work. Within 3 months the entire building was transformed into a little space where I could bake, create and help others with their journey. It’s a non seated bakery and only opened to the public on Friday’s where I sell cheesecake slices and other sweet treats. I do all my baking there and customers pick up their orders placed on line. I named it Cater Haven but dba Debi’s Cheesecakes. Cater Haven was given to me 2 years prior in a dream meaning a safe place to serve and help others. Every worker that came into this building was sent by God and every worker felt a blessing over this little place. I was told by the county that it’s a miracle that my place was put together in 3 months when it takes sometimes a year or more!! I said; when God is in control….nothing is slow!
It’s been another 7 months, a whirlwind and a blessing. My dream of owning my own place, freedom to take the time to talk, connect and help others in the community has truly blessed me. My next venture is to connect with a few restaurants to bless more in our community with my cheesecakes. I recently started shipping my cheesecakes and even tho the process is more involved, I’ve been able to cross off another item on my list of things to accomplish with Debi’s Cheesecakes. It’s not just about having a business and a place to legally sell my baked goods, it’s about bringing joy to those who just need a place to come, to be heard, or prayed for while adding a little “sweetness”!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing worth fighting for is smooth and it’s been a very long road but I never gave up on my dream. If God puts a dream in your heart and you visualize it coming together and you believe He’ll make a way, in His timing it will come to pass the way He wants it to!! I’m so thankful to my family who never game up on me and continually supported and encouraged me to keep fighting.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about CATER HAVEN, LLC d/b/a Debi’s Cheesecakes?
Debi’s Cheesecakes is homegrown with a lot of tears and joy. I created my recipe over 24 years ago and have been creating new cheesecakes ever since. I put love into each cake I bake and no two are the same but made individually like it’s the first time creating it. I treat each customer like my only customer and nothing is mass produced. Each cake is made fresh and not frozen unless it’s being shipped.
I’ve always been know as the Cheesecake Lady and what sets me apart from others is my cheesecakes are fresh, not frozen, creamy not dense with lots of taste but not too sweet. I’m most proud of how I have built my cheesecake business starting with only a few flavors to over 60 today.
I want the readers to know my story and where God has taken me. I don’t take it lightly and I’m proud of my product and only want to make my customer’s “taste buds smile”. I give quality service, communication and treat each customer like my only customer because without their support Debi’s Cheesecakes wouldn’t be in business. To many businesses are only worried about their bottom line and customer service is not first anymore. I don’t worry about my bottom line cause I know God has my back so focusing on my customers needs are my first priority at the bakery.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I was born an identical twin so my favorite childhood memory was playing with my sister and doing everything with her. Riding our bikes and playing tricks on our family and friends, I wrote a unpublished book called “It’s a Twin thing” that tells all about being a twin growing up since everyone has always asked me what’s it like being a twin and I say; I don’t know it’s a twin thing!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://debischeesecakes.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debischeesecakes
