Client:
Original Sin Desserts
Tanya DeCell
4125 Portola Drive
Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 477-7776
www.OriginalSinDesserts.com

SBDC Consultant: Sanjay Lanka
Central Coast SBDC
sanjay@innoweght.com

Tanya DeCell had decided to “retire” from her busy Silicon Valley career to change her path in the new millenium and indulge her baking passion. After attending the Culinary Institute of America and the Cabrillo College Culinary Program, DeCell began a successful wholesale catering business in 2003.  In late 2007, DeCell decided to consider expanding her business to include a retail location. She was driving in Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz and noticed a closed bakery being dismantled.  DeCell immediately seized the opportunity and moved quickly to create her business plan and look at financing options.   
   
DeCell has an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Santa Clara University and was confident in presenting her business plan to the Santa Cruz County Bank, who encouraged her to review her projections with the Central Coast SBDC.SBDC Counselor Sanjay Lanka met with DeCell to review her business plan, and they reworked the sales forecasting to show positive cash flows within the first year. The bank approved the SBA loan, allowing DeCell to remodel the bakery location, including expanding her kitchen space to 1600 sq.ft. to continue growing her wholesale business.  She also hired an additional 10 part-time workers to support the retail sector, many from the Cabrillo College Culinary Program.

The quick and successful grand opening of “Original Sin Desserts” Bakery and Cafe in May of 2008 highlights the collaborative success of all parties in supporting a motivated business owner. Due to the wonderful local press, marketing and community response, DeCell reports that she was 25% ahead of projections in the first month, and on target with projections in the first quarter. She is grateful for the successful expansion in such difficult economic times, and continues her confident outlook of success in the coming months and years.

Client Statement: “I really appreciated Sanjay Lanka’s quick responsiveness and expertise in helping me refine my numbers to obtain the SBA loan.  Having his help really made the difference in the eyes of my bank, so a big THANK YOU!”