Breaking Barriers, Building Buzz: The Growth of Paradise Bites
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Introduction
Founded in February 2020 by entrepreneur Monifa Potter, Paradise Bites is a delightful local bakery based in Bordeaux on the island of St. Thomas (STT). Launched with just one employee—Monifa herself—the business opened its doors on February 14, 2020, offering an irresistible lineup of mini donuts in a variety of tropical flavors including strawberry, blueberry, mango, lemon, and guava. Despite launching at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Monifa remained committed to her dream, adapting quickly by offering delivery-only service. Since then, the business has grown to include additional offerings like mini sugar cookies, now sold at one of the island’s busiest gas stations.
Challenge
While the products and customer service have consistently delighted customers, Paradise Bites faced a critical challenge: limited visibility. Operating on an order-only basis from a residential location in Bordeaux made it difficult to attract foot traffic and build brand recognition. Monifa recognized that increasing advertising efforts and public awareness would be essential to expanding the business. Without a storefront or consistent exposure, reaching new customers and scaling operations remained a hurdle.
Solution
Monifa turned to the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (VI SBDC) for guidance—and found exactly the support she needed through Business Advisor Liza Mongolis. Liza offered not only encouragement but also strategic insights into marketing, product development, and pricing. From brainstorming creative ways to reach new audiences to identifying opportunities for brand exposure, Liza provided Monifa with actionable solutions tailored to her goals.
This ongoing mentorship gave Monifa the tools and confidence to refine her business approach and improve her market positioning. Whether it was tweaking product offerings or evaluating advertising strategies, the guidance from VI SBDC empowered Paradise Bites to evolve.
Results
While Paradise Bites remains a small, owner-operated venture, it has achieved measurable growth in brand awareness. One of the most notable accomplishments has been the expansion of retail distribution—specifically, placing the business’s signature mini cookies in a popular local gas station. This increased visibility marks an important milestone and represents the business’s first step into broader retail opportunities.
Although no additional jobs have been created yet, Monifa is building a strong foundation for future expansion. With a clearer understanding of pricing, marketing, and customer engagement, she is well-positioned to scale her operations over time.
Client Testimonial
“I truly appreciate Liza’s words of encouragement and the valuable information she shares with me about the current market. Her insight into pricing strategies and effective marketing is exceptional, and her guidance has been incredibly beneficial.”
— Monifa Potter, Founder of Paradise Bites
Conclusion
Paradise Bites is a shining example of how determination, creativity, and expert guidance can transform challenges into opportunities. With the support of VI SBDC, Monifa Potter is laying the groundwork for long-term success, one delicious bite at a time. As she continues to expand her reach and grow her customer base, Paradise Bites is poised to become a staple in the local community—and a sweet success story for years to come.