A viral post by influencer Supa Cent rescues a struggling New Orleans dessert shop, driving massive sales and sparking community support.
NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans East dessert shop was struggling to gain traction — until one viral post changed everything.
Shakairione Johnson, owner of The Sweet Tooth Fairy, had quietly shared with a friend that she might have to shut down her bakery due to slow business and limited visibility.
The message was posted publicly, and that’s when local influencer Supa Cent (@Supa_Cent) — known for her millions of followers and massive online reach — saw it.
“I grabbed my kids and went over there… I just wanted it to be a big deal,” Supa told WWL.
By the weekend, Johnson’s shop had sold out — for the first time since opening in her brick-and-mortar location last year.
“They sold me out — more than once,” Johnson said. “I’ve been overwhelmed in the best way. I actually need staff now!”
She calls Supa her longtime role model, and says her influence did more than drive sales — it breathed new energy into her business.
The ripple effect extended to St. Noir, a Black-owned coffee shop that opened three months ago in the St. Roch neighborhood.
Supa also posted about it, sharing her candid impressions and even conducting a poll for her audience.
“About 80% of her followers had never heard of us,” said co-owner Avione Pazon. “She really broadened our reach.”
For Supa, born and raised in New Orleans, it’s about using her platform for good.
“My goal is to shed light on businesses — because I have a business, and I know how life-changing support can be,” she said. “The Supa Effect isn’t about going viral. It’s about visibility. It’s about giving everyday people a shot to thrive.”
In neighborhoods where foot traffic is slow and marketing budgets are limited, a single post from someone like Supa can generate weeks’ worth of revenue — or even reenergize a brand.
“I think we need more Black businesses in the East,” Supa said. “If we want to change the East, we have to invest in it — with brick-and-mortars, with community support, with love.”
The Sweet Tooth Fairy is no longer at risk of fading into the background. Johnson says she’s excited for what’s ahead — and grateful that someone from her city helped shine the light.
Business locations:
The Sweet Tooth Fairy: 9301 Lake Forest Blvd. Ste. 113
St. Noir Cafe: 1128 St. Roch Ave.
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