In 2021, Brandy Jackson’s vegan journey led her to an unexpected and delicious destination: creating 313 Cinnamon Rolls. Frustrated by the lack of satisfying vegan desserts, Jackson found herself often disappointed with the available options. “I used to travel all over to try different desserts, and more times than not, I ended up disappointed or bored,” she recalls. Missing the indulgent treats she loved, like cinnamon rolls, danishes, and donuts, Jackson playfully mentioned starting her own vegan dessert company. That playful thought soon turned into a serious venture, leading to the birth of 313 Cinnamon Rolls.
The name “313 Cinnamon Rolls” is deeply connected to Detroit, a city with a special place in Jackson’s heart. Initially, she launched a broader concept called Vegan Luxury Desserts, but her cinnamon rolls quickly became the standout product. After some contemplation and divine inspiration, Jackson decided to rebrand the company around her cinnamon rolls, creating 313 Cinnamon Rolls.
Crafting Unique Flavors
Jackson’s approach to creating her cinnamon roll recipes is as spontaneous as it is creative. “313 Cinnamon Rolls really creates itself,” she says with a laugh. Jackson began experimenting with flavors like red velvet and chocolate chip, starting with the traditional cinnamon roll. Her father contributed the idea for an apple pie cinnamon roll, sparking even more creativity.
Engaging her customers in the flavor creation process, Jackson turned it into a fun and interactive experience. She hosted contests on Instagram where her “Cinnafriends” could suggest new flavors and the winning idea would be featured as the flavor of the month. This collaborative approach keeps the menu fresh and exciting and strengthens the bond between Jackson and her customers.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Its commitment to being entirely vegan sets 313 Cinnamon Rolls apart from other bakeries. “First off, we’re vegan, lol! There’s not a lot of cinnamon roll companies doing that,” Jackson proudly notes. But it’s not just the vegan aspect that makes her bakery special; it’s the entire experience. The bakery prioritizes creating a fun and welcoming vibe, baking fresh cinnamon rolls daily in small batches to ensure top-notch quality. All toppings, icings, and fillings are made from scratch each day, ensuring that every roll is as fresh and delicious as possible.
Community involvement is also at the heart of 313 Cinnamon Rolls. Jackson is passionate about giving back and regularly engages in giveaways, discounts, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations. She even provides a platform for other small businesses to showcase their products, reflecting the support she received when starting out.
The Detroit Influence
Jackson’s deep connection to Detroit, particularly the Eastside, where she was born and raised, is evident in every aspect of her business. “When you’re from Detroit (and the Eastside), there’s nothing you cannot do! Being able to associate 313 with my Cinnys is a blessing,” she says. Detroit’s resilient spirit and strong sense of community have significantly shaped 313 Cinnamon Rolls.
Collaboration is another key element of Jackson’s business philosophy. She actively partners with other small businesses, using them as pickup locations for weekend orders, creating cross-traffic, and introducing her customers to other local gems. She’s also been involved in events like Plant-It Fest, a plant-based festival, and partnered with non-profits like Soulardarity. Providing opportunities for other small businesses to shine remains one of her favorite ways to collaborate.
Navigating the Business Landscape
While Jackson’s journey with 313 Cinnamon Rolls has been relatively smooth, she acknowledges the challenges of running a small business. “One of the things I’ve had to learn the most is balance,” Jackson admits. Managing the demands of her business while making time for her family has been a continuous learning experience but one that she has grown more flexible with over time.
Jackson has chosen to keep her business simple and personal to adapt to the changing food industry. She avoids delivery services to maintain control over the quality of her products, opting instead to deliver her cinnamon rolls herself. This hands-on approach ensures that every order is delivered in perfect condition.
Looking to the Future
Jackson is open to wherever the journey takes her with 313 Cinnamon Rolls. “313 Cinnamon Rolls can be whatever I want it to be! It’s an amazing product, it can be so versatile,” she says confidently. Whether it’s expanding into restaurants, grocery stores, or retail locations, Jackson believes in her product and is excited to see where it will go next.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
In a competitive market, Jackson stays inspired and motivated through lots of prayer and a deep sense of gratitude. “Sometimes I’m frustrated but I’m always grateful,” she reflects. She emphasizes the importance of allowing things to flow naturally and not forcing the process, which helps her avoid unnecessary stress.
Jackson offers this advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs: “Do your research. Don’t just decide that you CANNOT do it because you absolutely can. Watch who you share your hopes and dreams with. Step into it, you’ll never know if you don’t try!”
One of the most memorable moments in Jackson’s journey came from a customer who visited her store early one morning, desperate to find something vegan for his wife, who was in the hospital. Days later, the wife called to place an order, and Jackson personally delivered it to her home. When she arrived, the woman, who had just been discharged from the hospital, hugged her with pure and genuine gratitude. “It completely gave me chills!” Jackson recalls. This heartfelt moment is just one example of the impact that 313 Cinnamon Rolls has on its community, creating connections that go far beyond a simple transaction.
Jackson Jackson’s journey with 313 Cinnamon Rolls is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and community. With every roll, she’s not just offering a dessert; she’s sharing a piece of her heart and soul with Detroit and beyond.
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