Our Team

Dawn Clarke CVO

Dixie founded the company in 2004 and works primarily on strategy, vision, and anything new (products, procedures, and promotions). She strongly believes in putting family first, aligning jobs and teams according to Unique Ability, working hard on the few things that make the most difference in your job, and giving back. Her favorite part of the job is developing new ideas that will make both customers and team members smile. She has a BBA from Texas A&M University and MBA from Texas Christian University. On her free days, she enjoys reading, running, biking, and hiking in Colorado with her husband and dogs, yoga, and volunteering at church.

Stephanie Simons COO

Stephanie was our first franchise employee in 2005. She has a background in international and domestic franchising and manages the day-to-day operations of the franchise company. Stephanie loves working with franchisees and assisting them with their dreams of owning and operating their own businesses. She is a huge believer in the difference of customer service excellence and works to incorporate it in both the franchise company and our stores. She has a BBA in Marketing and is passionate about the Baylor Bears and Texas Tech Red Raiders. She enjoys reading, traveling with her husband, and spending time with their adorable preschooler.

Leanna Cullum Customer Care

Leanna makes sure everyone stays as happy and as satisfied as possible. She fields questions and comments from our thousands of customers and makes sure they are resolved or passed along to the designated person. Leanna has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Valdosta State University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. She likes to spend her free time with her family, doing anything outdoors, playing games, watching movies, and crafting.

Kaitlin Aguilar Graphic Designer

Kaitlin is the creative talent that turns our ideas into reality. She designs ads and promotional materials for our stores, creates packaging, photographs products, and assists in social media, promotions as well as other visual media. She has a BFA in Graphic Design from Texas Christian University. Her endless passion for both design and social causes motivates her to work with various non-profits and create work that inspires action. Kaitlin enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.

Theresa Vella Operational Support

Theresa keeps things flowing at the office and is amazing at research, project execution, and getting things done! She brings amazing energy into the office and is an integral part of moving projects forward from idea to completion. She has a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Minor in Marketing from the University of Texas at Arlington. In her free time, she teaches aerobics and is a volunteer tap dancer with a non-profit organization that specializes in entertaining seniors and veterans.

Ruben Reynoso Real Estate & Location Services

Ruben helps stores find the best locations in their territory. He then sells our concept to landlords and negotiates terms for rent, Tenant Improvement allowance, limo parking, and other important matters. Ruben is the President of Tenant Advisors, which specializes in franchise and retail commercial real estate. He works with our franchisees, but is not an employee of Sweet & Sassy®.

Bandit Office Dog Office Dog

Bandit gives our office team smiles, energy, and a little bit of fluff! He loves showing off his many tricks (high fives and dancing are his favorites). Bandit has an Obedience Certificate from Lucky Dog Training Center and is working on his Canine Good Citizen Certification. He enjoys hiking with his family, playing in the water, eating popcorn, and chasing cats and lizards.

Melissa Goza Salon Support

Melissa assists stores with cosmetology questions and salon operations. Melissa is awesome at braiding, up-dos, and nail design. She attended The Salon Professional Academy. She has 2 dogs, 1 cat, 4 guinea pigs, a tarantula, a bearded dragon, and 2 aquatic frogs. She is our resident zoologist.

Kimberly Tauch Franchise Development

Kimberly’s dedication to positioning people in the place they’ve always wanted to be is what keeps her fully focused on Franchise Development. Deep roots in experience with Nestle Toll House Café by Chip, Frullati Café and Bakery, Which Wich Superior Sandwiches and Paciugo Gelato Caffe have afforded her time with industry leaders as both a Franchisee and Franchise Development professional. Kimberly graduated from the University of North Florida with a double major in Marketing and Management. Her passion is fueled by the love and support of her husband John and three children, Lucas, Tori & Logan.