On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 Business Excellence Awards Gala, presented by Cowan Insurance Group. The Waterloo Region business community, local dignitaries, and community ambassadors came together to honour the extraordinary contributions of more than 130 nominees across 14 categories in a night of true excellence.
Congratulations to Rochelle Williams, Founder, Dessert Artist for winning the Young Professional of the Year Award. This award is dedicated to a professional (under the age of 40) who exemplifies true success, hard-work, and someone who spends their time supporting others within the community as well.
As the founder of The Dessert Artist, Rochelle has transformed her passion for quality baked goods into a thriving business, showcasing impressive leadership in both her workplace and community. She has expanded her product range and gained widespread recognition for her unique approach to combining cultural representation with high-quality, sustainable ingredients. This past year, Rochelle achieved remarkable success, generating $10,000 in sales from her signature Petite Patties, selling an impressive 1,800 patties made from scratch. This represents a 30% increase in sales over the previous year, reflecting both strong growth and deep customer loyalty. Throughout the year, Rochelle participated in 24 local markets and events, significantly boosting her brand’s visibility and forging stronger connections with her customer base.
Beyond her business success, Rochelle is deeply committed to community engagement. She has actively sponsored and participated in key events such as the BLOOM event, celebrating women entrepreneurs, and the Vine & Dine fundraiser, showcasing her dedication to supporting and empowering others.
The Dessert Artist places a high emphasis on sustainability, which resonates with customers looking for both delicious and environmentally conscious products. Through her dedication, innovation, and positive influence in both business and society, she continues to set a high standard for excellence in the culinary industry.
