Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Miller.
Hi Christian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I am a Baltimore native, born & raised in the city of east Baltimore, the eldest of 10 siblings, mother of 3, college graduate, domestic violence survivor and entrepreneur. I am an example that you do not have to be a product of your environment, that you can overcome any obstacle and with God, determination, focus and hard work nothing is unattainable. I got the name “Queenies” from my late grandmother. It was her childhood nickname. I would bring the banana pudding to family gatherings, work potlucks, etc., and one day I decided to turn something I loved doing as a hobby into a business. I started in 2018 and since then dropped Puddings off the company name and kept it as Queenies because we’re more than just puddings. Since opening, I have stepped outside of my comfort zone with classes, a very supportive circle & more importantly, my children as my taste testers. Queenies now specialize in desserts as a whole, not just puddings.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road at all. People look and think that business owners have it easy. The cost of living and inflation in products has been a lot. I’ve had to raise my prices and have lost customers due to that. It’s a competitive field, and small business grants are hard to receive. However, through the grace of God, consistency, and determination, Queenies is still growing and thriving 4 years later. I decided to resign from my job in June and take a leap of faith to pursue my gift and finish nursing school. A big risk and leap, so being a full-time self-employed entrepreneur is a lot—there are days when I have no orders and weekends when I’m fully booked. You must be patient and trust your process but always put God first in your plan. He is the director.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a self-taught baker. I specialize in puddings of all flavors and am known for the “Banana Cray” flavored pudding. I am most proud of my creativity in how my desserts are displayed and are versatile for any event, whether a family cookout or a wedding. I think the thing that sets me apart from others is how family-oriented my business is. This is a business, but the warm feeling of love and family is there. It’s a vibe.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have my cheer team. The love and support I get from them are unexplainable. You know, at times, you can be your own worst critic. My children Corey, Marlin & Sanai watch me in the kitchen. They pick me up when I’m ready to throw a cake. My sister Alanna visited from California and saw I was using a hand mixer. That next week I came home from work, and a stand mixer was on my front: my auntie Julia, Lyndsay, and Meagan. My mother Crystal gifted me a custom apron and cries when she sees what I’m accomplishing. And, of course, my closest friends speak so much life into my business and push me so hard. I am thankful for them all. I can not forget Dr. Hall. I worked with her as her medical assistant when planning to start Queenies. We had one conversation, and I came to work with a big box of baking supplies waiting for me. She planted the first seed. This is God’s plan cause I’d never thought this would be something I’d be doing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_queenies__?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Queenies11
