Yvonne began in 2003 making her pralines out of her home to supplement her income for childcare costs for her newborn daughter.  Inspired by her late grandmother, Mrs. Vermell Hines, Yvonne began to share her tasty treats with coworkers. People would rant and rave about the delicious authentic southern flavor and encouraged Yvonne to offer her desserts at bay area street festivals and special events.

Yvonne expanded her offerings to include Southern Sweets such as Butter Cookies, Cakes, and Pies. Yvonne opened Yvonne’s Southern Sweets in her beloved Bayview Hunters Point community in 2006. Since opening her store Yvonne has received awards and recognitions from Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, California State Senate, California State Assembly, San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and Mayors London Breed and Ed Lee. Yvonne who started working at the age of 14 years old, partners with the Mayor’s Youth Employment & Education Program (MYEEP) as a Worksite Supervisor throughout the year and provides high school youth with a meaningful training and employment experience that will prepare them for the local job market in the Food Service Industry.

In 2016, Yvonne was awarded a contract with Super Bowl 50.  In 2019 she was selected to be a vendor for the new Chase Center, the new home for the Golden State Warriors.  Currently, she serves as a Board Member for NeighborFund, a Faith-Based lending group for Bayview Businesses with Redeemer Community Church.