Lorrie Popik and Rae Guillermoās friendship began 40 years ago when they were sorority sisters at the University of Northern Iowa. This bond has since served as the foundation for The Dessert Mixologist, a business specializing in fun desserts with a twist.
After graduation from UNI, Lorrie and Rae pursued their careers while maintaining a strong connection. Raeās career has spanned over 30 years in the food industry: food management, food sales, and developing products globally from benchtop to commercialization. Lorrieās 30+ year career provided a wealth of experience in retail, finance, marketing, merchandising, and project management.
Their annual Girlās Weekends and college Homecoming gatherings, spent with former sorority sisters, became cherished traditions filled with joy, laughter, exceptional food, and unforgettable drinks.
In June 2022, while Lorrie was visiting Rae in Iowa, the pair had a pivotal āWhat if?ā moment: āWhat if we could start a business to let others share lifeās special moments and celebrations like we had all these years?ā
Fueled by their love for baking and crafting specialty cocktails, Lorrie and Rae combined their professional experience in the food and business industries. This powerful connection laid the groundwork for The Dessert Mixologist to thrive and grow.
The Dessert Mixologistās pre-packaged dessert mixes have been artfully crafted with plant-based ingredients and are free of artificial flavors and colors. Combined with a two simple ingredients plus your liquid of choice, a one-of-a-kind cake to share is made in less than seven minutes.
Rae and Lorrie believe that life has brought them together to honor loved ones who have passed from leukemia and lymphoma far too soon. When Raeās sister and their two close friends, who were also sorority sisters, were diagnosed with these illnesses, Rae helped write a cookbook and donated all of the proceeds to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This personal connection has inspired The Dessert Mixologist to give back by donating some of its profits to the Iowa chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, to benefit the local community. These contributions aim to support ongoing research efforts to find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma.
Americaās SBDC Iowa has played a pivotal role in developing The Dessert Mixologist. Rae and Lorrie received start-up assistance, business planning information, manufacturing identification support and numerous business contacts from Americaās SBDC Iowa. Through the Rural Business Innovators Program, Rae and Lorrie developed a business plan and target market and identified next-step strategies to bring their products to market.
Rae and Lorrie have also received ongoing mentorship and support from Kelly Prickett, the Regional Director at Indian Hills SBDC, ensuring the continued success and growth of The Dessert Mixologist.
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