Community Highlights: Meet Yonder Miller of Way Down Yonder Beignets & Coffee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yonder Miller. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I, Yonder Miller was born & raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was given the blueprints of successful entrepreneurism by both of my parents and grandparents. From daycares to nightclubs, cemeteries, and more, I watched them manage their business affairs along with everything else life threw at them. I saw firsthand the importance of hard work and dedication coupled with integrity and ingenuity. I became an official resident of Columbus, Ohio in 2003 after being the last of the Mohicans to arrive. 

Fast forward to 2016, I began to develop my own hands as an entrepreneur with selling delectable desserts from my home. I became a stay-at-home mom and needed something to keep me occupied. Baking was something I always enjoyed doing even as a young girl, so my inspiration as an adult to take it more serious came from my mother n law Pat Miller who provided me my first set of Bundt pans and her mother’s old wooden rolling pin. It was then, I began to really take it seriously and curated Gourmet Mini Bundt Cakes, Strawberry Crunch Cake, Pecan Pies, Sweet Potato Pies, Lemon Cake, Pound Cake, etc. The home business took off quickly, and the demand for my treats skyrocketed. In 2017, my mother, Chef Yonder began looking for a space to follow her dream of opening a family restaurant. This was a vision my parents always discussed, bringing Authentic Southern Cuisine to the North. My mother was able to find a space along with my family support and brought Way Down Yonder New Orleans Finest Restaurant to the The Columbus Food Hub in Olde Towne East. The food hub was a kitchen incubator for us to get our start and one day have our own brick and mortar. My desserts came along for the ride. Cakes By Yanda Millz (former name) business grew quickly, and the residents of Columbus, Ohio fell in love with the offerings. 

As time moved on and several transitions within the business, I noticed that out of all the dessert options I offered, my specialty beignets were the shining star. With the pandemic in full swing, I had a moment to reflect on my past accomplishments and my future dreams, from which came the idea to expand the Way Down Yonder Brand. With beignets being a New Orleans staple that Ohioans seemed to really enjoy, I decided to create the brands newest concept, Way Down Yonder Beignets & Coffee. It was my desire to continue my family’s mission to share the rich and unique culture of New Orleans, Louisiana, with as many people as possible! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With anything in life, challenges will come. 

No, it has not been a smooth road. There were many obstacles that were endured from learning how to believe in myself, clearing my mind from the self-doubt, being uncomfortable when you are taking risk, learning how to be okay with the outcome even if the time is not right, changing your mindset, ignoring the noise, simply understanding when you find your purpose you will be faced with challenges, but not giving up is the key. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Way Down Yonder Beignets & Coffee is a small business with big dreams & visions. My hope is to continue to share our culture with others and expand to different locations all around the world. Our Cafe is rooted in culture. We exuberate love for all, happiness, peace, good vibes, respect, understanding, and fellowship, amongst others. Way Down Yonder Beignets & Coffee specializes in making authentic beignets in-house and we have our own signature house coffee. I am known for my authentic beignets, King Cakes & gourmet sweet treats. What sets me apart from others is that I was born in New Orleans, and I was able to bring a tradition that I grew up on to Columbus, Ohio for others to experience. I am most proud that the Columbus, Ohio, Community accepted my concept of beignets as well as others that have visited from other parts of the world. It makes me proud to know that people feel the love that I put into my craft. 

I would like my readers to know that I am not only a restaurant owner, but I am a wife to a loving husband and a mother to 3 beautiful children. Way Down Yonder Beignets & Coffee is a portal for the next culinary generation to experience entrepreneurial mentorship in the culinary arts realm that some have thought was impossible to envision and accomplish. 

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising about me that some might not know is that I’m a teacher by nature. I am always looking for ways to uplift, teach, and share positive words with each person I ever come encountered with. When the opportunity presents itself, I love to transfer good energy. Some may find it surprising that I am very particular about my craft when it comes down to the finished product. 

Contact Info:

• Website: wdybeignets.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdybeignets/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wdybeignets

Image Credits
Darrean Brown Photography
Captured by Chrissy Photography