Meet Vanessa, Owner & Operator of Ooh La La Dessert Boutique (3 amazing locations!)
If you have been in Katy for a while, you have probably heard of Ooh La La Dessert Boutique. They have been serving award-winning sweets to the Katy area since 2007! We frequently stop at the Cinco Ranch location as it is conveniently located near the Super Target on Westheimer Parkway, AND that locations has a drive thru where you can grab a quick coffee or cupcake. So, when we learned that Ooh La La is owned and operated by a local mom and her husband, we of course wanted to know more and asked her to be a Meet a Mom feature!
Vanessa and her husband now have 3 locations that are each unique in different ways, but all serve AMAZING dessert – cakes, cupcakes, cheese cake, cookies, and so much more to satisfy that sweet tooth. So, we sat down with Vanessa to learn more about Ooh La La, her inspiration behind her business, and how she balances it all with also being a mama of a precious 2 year old daughter.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Sealy area?
I am from a small town-Sealy, TX. My husband and I moved from Katy back to Sealy in January of 2015. I loved growing up in a small town and we decided that we wanted the same for our children.
How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
I have one daughter, who just turned two in July. Her name is Clementine.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in the Sealy area?
My favorite thing about raising our family in Sealy is the small-town roots! I can remember when I graduated from high school, I swore I’d never come back to this small town but it’s funny the things you thought you’d never miss…you miss. I want Clementine to experience small town living more than anything; it’s a slower way of living and there’s a lot to be said about slowing down to enjoy life.
Least favorite mom job? (i.e. packing lunches, dishes, bath time, etc.)
My least favorite mom job is unloading the dishwasher and ironing! I thank God every day that he blessed me with a husband who helps with both of these chores.
Best mom hack that makes life easier?
I am not sure if it’s a life hack but it sure does make life easier. I pack our lunches, start a load of laundry and tidy up every night before bed. I wipe down all the counter tops, pick up toys and vacuum the common areas. In our house, mornings are a very busy time for us. We are early risers; we have to be out the door every morning by 7:15 so the more I can do at night the better.
What are your favorite local things to do in Katy? (with kiddos or just for mom!)
We enjoy going to the park! Our favorite parks in Katy are Mary Jo Peckham Park and Exploration Park.
We’re big on self-care for moms, as hard as it is to find the time, what’s something you do just or yourself?
Me time for me is treating myself to manicure and pedicures. I love having my nails and toes well-groomed and painted, so I treat myself to mani and pedi’s every 2-3 weeks.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
Most people are surprised to know who my favorite musicians are. My very favorite artists are Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday, Steve Tyrell and Etta James! I have their music on repeat!!
Tell us about your business, Ooh La La! When did you open the first location?
Ooh La La is owned by my husband and I and we employee 52 staff members. We have three locations in the West Houston area; two in Katy and one in Memorial. We offer over 80 different desserts for guest to choose from and enjoy. Each location offers the same desserts, but each location is unique; our Cinco Ranch location has a drive thru, our Park Row location is where our commissary kitchen is located and our Town & Country location offers gelato.
Our first Ooh La La location opened in October 2007 in Cinco Ranch, this year we will celebrate twelve great years!
Cinco Ranch Location
When did the other locations come to be?
Cinco Ranch opened in 2007. Park Row opened in 2009. Town & Country opened in 2011.
What was the inspiration behind Ooh La La?
I love to make and eat dessert! I would travel to other Houston bakeries before opening and I thought Katy needed a spot to get sweet treats. When we opened our first location back in 2007 there were no other bakeries nearby.
Town & Country Location
What’s on the menu?! Okay, don’t list your menu, but what items do you serve and what are you best known for?
Desserts, desserts and more desserts! The desserts we sell the most of are cupcakes, cake slices, cookies and cheesecake.
Have you always had a love for sweets? What is your cooking background?
Yes! Yes! Yes! I have always had a sweet tooth. I graduated from the Art Institute of Houston with a degree in Culinary Arts.
What did you do before opening Ooh La La?
Before opening Ooh La La, I worked at the Houston Country Club as a pastry cook.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable and dreaded MOM GUILT?
For me knowing that we all have “mom guilt” at some point, brings me comfort knowing we are all in this together. For me comparison brings on the dreaded mom guilt. Comparison is the thief of joy and often times I find myself comparing myself and my parenting style to others on social media. When the feelings start to creep up, I take a break from all social media and try to remind myself that God created me and Clementine for each other.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom you are today?
My mom raised my sister and I as a single mom. She worked 2-3 jobs and taught me the value of working hard for your family and her generosity shows no bounds. Although our parenting styles differ in some areas, she is the person who instilled those values into me and to whom I can credit some of my greatest strengths.
When parenting gets hard, what’s something you tell yourself that gets you through?
My husband and I tried having kids for over 5 years. After years of trying we decided to do IVF; a year and a half later Clementine was born. When things get hard, I am often reminded of all the times I prayed for moments such as these. It helps bring things into perspective.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
I would tell me, you will never know true worry and complete unconditional love until you meet your child.
What are your future plans for Ooh La La?
We are currently designing a new website, that will include ordering online. We also hope to ship product nationwide by 2022.
Park Row Location
To learn more about Vanessa & Ooh La La Dessert Boutique, head over to 1 of their 3 locations, check out their website, and follow them on social media!
Cinco Ranch: 23920 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, TX 77494
Park Row: 20155 Park Row, Katy, TX 77449
Town & Country: 770 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N., Suite 500, Houston, TX 77024
Website: http://www.oohlalasweets.com/
Facebook: @oohlalasweets
Instagram: @oohlalasweets