Meet Theo Purdom | Pastry Chef & Cake Decorator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Theo Purdom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Theo, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
That failure is okay. Growing up, I was a perfectionist. I had to present myself a certain way, I wanted to provide perfect products, I strived to achieve goals on the first attempt, and it drove me insane. Once I sat down with a few peers and realized that failure is only part of the process and that it sets me up for an even bigger success, I felt free. I felt like I could tackle any challenge I faced, knowing that if I failed this time, I would get back up, try again, and come out even better in the end.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Theo’s Delights takes on more of a “quality over quantity” approach. I take on few orders, that way each order I take receives 100% of my attention. I like to think that there’s a little perfection within intention, showcasing that even the smallest of my cakes and breads can mean the world to each client, simply by putting my all into each order. I love being able to sit down with each client, talking over the different elements they want to include, the restrictions they’ve endured, the hopes for their product. My passion radiates such light when my clients and I work together that it shows when they receive their order. I love being able to make people happy and bring them together with food, and that’s what I do it for; that’s why Delights exists.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Each morning, we’d go to my favorite coffee spot to start the day right. I’d take her to a few of my favorite bakeries to try some of their goodies. Even though I’m a baker, I love to try other bakeries and their products! I love seeing the nature in the parks, going downtown to window shop and people watch, then take them to a few of my all time favorite restaurants for dinner. I also enjoy cooking, so there may even be a few nights where we’d stay in, I’d cook for us, and we’d just wind down with a good movie. I would also absolutely take her to my favorite wine bar in town, since that’s one of our favorite activities to do together!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without the support of my mom. She’s given me so much encouragement, entrepreneurial wisdom, and energy to keep pushing forward, to fight the good fight. I can remember the late nights I would work out of her kitchen when I was first starting out, the way she would offer little help here and there, make sure I was staying rested to be able to give my best work. Even to this day, I find myself calling her for advice. My favorite part about these moments is that even though she was never in the culinary/pastry field, the advice she gives me has always rang true, from an entrepreneurial, managerial, business standpoint. I know how to run my business because of her.

Website: theosdelights.com

Instagram: @theosdelights

Facebook: Theo’s Delights