We had the good fortune of connecting with Ebone Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ebone, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Sweets and Treats by Eb really came from a combination of my love for baking/treat making and the inspiration I got from watching my mom in the kitchen growing up. As a kid, I spent hours with her, learning how to make her classic red velvet with cream cheese icing. Those memories are some of my fondest. I remember being so curious about everything — the different frostings, the decorations, and the different piping techniques. Once I moved to Columbia, I started baking more on my own and added treat making into my craft. I loved sharing my creations with family and friends. The smiles on their faces when they tasted something I made? That’s what really hooked me.
The thought of turning this passion into a business came when I realized just how much I loved making treats. Not just for my family, but for others too. People were always asking me to make cakes, cookies, or cupcakes for birthdays and other special events. It felt natural to start Sweets and Treats by Eb. I wanted to create a space where I could share the joy of baking — a place where every treat tells a story and brings people together.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As the creative force behind Sweets and Treats by Eb, what sets my treats apart is the dedication to creating custom desserts that truly fit each celebration’s vibe. Whether it’s a custom cake with intricate designs or a treat table filled with chocolate-dipped goodies like Oreos, cake pops, and candy apples, every treat is crafted to make a statement and add joy to your event.
I’ve faced my share of challenges along the way, but with persistence and a willingness to learn, I’ve overcome those challenges. There’s still a lot of trial and error involved—from perfecting recipes to figuring out which designs match my vision. But each challenge helped me grow, and I’m proud of the brand I’ve built. One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned is to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough, and to always remember the passion that started it all. Another important lesson is to prepare. Prep days are important to prevent burnout and becoming overwhelmed.
Today, I’m incredibly excited about expanding my offerings to include personalized party favors, like custom chip bags, water bottles, juice bags, and party boxes. These add a fun, unique element to any celebration and give guests a little something to remember the day by.
What I want the world to know about Sweets and Treats by Eb is that every dessert is crafted with care, creativity, and a commitment to bringing your vision to life. It’s more than just baking for me—it’s about making each celebration memorable, down to the last detail. From custom cakes to themed party favors, my goal is to create an experience that feels personal and unforgettable, adding a little extra sweetness to life’s most cherished moments.
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.
If I were showing a friend around Columbia, I’d definitely start with Soda City Market on a Saturday morning. It’s the heart of Columbia’s local culture and the perfect place to kick off a visit. You can’t beat the variety of food trucks, local vendors, fresh produce, and handmade goods all in one spot. Plus, there’s always live music and a fun, lively atmosphere that captures the city’s vibe. It’s a great place to soak in the local energy and support small businesses.
For a bit of adventure, Triggertyme Paintball would be on my list. It’s a fun and thrilling experience, especially if you’re into some light-hearted competition. Columbia offers a variety of fun activities though, from local axe throwing spots and bowling alleys to archery ranges and skating rinks. For food and nightlife—or to unwind with a drink after a long day—my top picks are Tru Bistro and Concept Restaurant. The trail riding community here is also thriving, with plenty of opportunities for line dancing with family and friends, which I love. I’m also a huge fan of the University of South Carolina’s football and women’s basketball teams and always make time to catch a game. There’s nothing like experiencing a home game to truly feel the spirit and culture of Columbia. Go Gamecocks!
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?
I would love to give a huge shoutout to my incredible mother, the owner of Kat’s Kupcakes and More in Barnwell, South Carolina. She’s not just an amazing baker, but also an inspiration to my sister and I. Her dedication to her craft and the love that the community shows her and her red velvet cakes/cupcakes, she deserves all the recognition for the love and passion she pours into her business, while also pouring that dedication and motivation into her 2 children so that we are able to create flourishing businesses and beautiful tasty cakes with that same mentality.
A massive thank you also goes out to my wonderful family and friends, who have been such a huge support system. Whether it’s helping with packaging, reposting my business posts on social media, or recommending me to create treats, cakes and/or cupcakes for special occasions, I appreciate each and every one of you. Word of mouth means the world to a small business like mine, and I am forever grateful to those who continue to spread the word and help me grow. Your encouragement, loyalty, and support truly mean everything. Thank you for believing in me and for always going above and beyond with your support.
Website: https://shop.bakesy.app/b/sweets-and-treats-by-eb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetsandtreatsbyeb?igsh=aXZpaGs2bnp5YjF6&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090660787277&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sweets-and-treats-by-eb-blythewood