Meet Toran Grays | Extraordinary Banana Pudding owner

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

Hi Toran, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought of creating a business was to build a family legacy. My great grandma use to make this dessert for all of us growing up and it brought such great childhood memories. Not only do I want my 3 children to experience this but the rest of the world too.

I wanted to also bring awareness to the fact anyone can create a business regardless of your background or financial status. I wanted to be role model for my children and wanted to inspire others.

Plus I was over working for someone else and I had nothing to show for it. If I continued to live the way society intended, then to create generation of wealth would not be possible and that’s what matters. I want to create a successful path for my family and this is what inspired me to create my own business.

What should our readers know about your business?
I always had a vision as a young adult to want something of my own. I was determined to have it but knew it would take time. You brainstorm you think ofany ideas of how to become successful. Tried a few nothing stuck. Entered the adult world, got a job, then another, and realized this is not what I want. I went back to the drawling board, and thought about many things I could try to start up. Then one day we were having a get together and decided to bring my great grandmas personal recipe of banana pudding. Everyone loved it, and it hit me this might of been what I was looking for.
Started making banana pudding, selling it at local events, received great feedback, and my thoughts grew bigger. I decided to emptied out my savings, developed a plan, opened a shop but knew it would have to more than just banana pudding. I went back to my plans and started expanded one flavor to many, and create a different brand of this specific dessert.
Even though it sounds easy, it was never easy, and still today it still has its own struggle keeping this dream alive, I have learned to keep moving forward you have to faith, be resilient, and stay determined.

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.
I love being a San Diego Native!
I love my city! When my best friend from Florida comes out, the first stop especially if it is taco Tuesday we are getting Mexican. Taco El Gordos, La Puertas downtown areas, or variety of areas in Pacific Beach. Beaches are another stop from brunch, roller coaster, or to enjoy the scenery in La Jolla with the sea lions. The San Diego zoo, that alone is an all day event but well worth it! While you are in the Balboa area you might as well visit the different museums along with the rose garden. Convoy area is another spot on my list especially the Korean BBQ. I speak highly about our local events, so I know they will want to go to the farmers markets, food festivals, and etc, you can never go wrong with any of them. A drive along the coast is always desired, and a pit stop at In and Out and continue onto LA. Once you are near LA area you can visit Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, or University Studios. Plus you have all the other tourist areas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It would be hard to pinpoint a specific person, organization, or any entity. First of all God of course because you have to have faith, and trust in him. Then there was a collection of inspirations, seeing my family suffer as a child which inspired me to want more, it was my children who continue to give me the strength to follow through and do my best. My customers who helped me stay open because without them where would my success be. Of course in a journey you have people you meet who help you in different aspects. Therefore to shout-out one person would be hard because there were many different roles of others who have helped my success. With that being said I want everyone to know I appreciate them because it was a combination of it all.

Website: https://www.extraordinarybananapudding.com

Instagram: @extraordinarybananapudding

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/extraordinarybananapudding?mibextid=ZbWKwL