Today we’d like to introduce you to Kesha Jackson.
Kesha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story in actuality starts long before I knew there was such thing as a Baker or Chef. I grew up in a family of hospitality workers, and I remember as a child, I had my own mud bake shop in the back yard of my grandmother house in Oak Cliff. Although I didn’t have customers or any edible product, I had the drive to bake.
Fast forward to 2008, I’m a single mother of a 2-year-old and I’m at home a lot, watching a lot of Food Network. I began getting very intrigued by the treats, and cakes that these talented individuals are creating, and I thought to myself, “I can do that.” Instantly, that child in the mud shop was reborn, I began to practice making cakes and watching all the cake shows I could to gain as much knowledge as I could. I even started a part-time cake decorating business but it was very small.
But that just wasn’t enough for me. In 2015, I decided it was time for me to learn more about the culinary field and I enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu of Dallas to obtain my degree in Baking and Patisserie. While in school, I applied for a pastry cook position at one of the major hotels in DownTown Dallas. I was hired and have held that position for almost three years now. In 2017, I graduated and received my degree from Le Cordon Bleu. Since then, not only I have been working hard to build KeyBakes as an online based cake shop but as a brand, and a very strong contender in the culinary field. All while maintaining a full-time Pastry Cook position.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nope, I’m sorry, the road has not been smooth by a long shot. I have had many struggles being a single mother of three children and working a full-time job on top of maintaining my home based business. Time is my major issue, self-doubt has its role along with the desire to keep going. But that’s when you have to ask your self if it’s easy, is it really worth it. If it weren’t for my kids and wanting to provide them with a better life, I’m not sure I would have made it as far as I have come.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the KeyBakes story. Tell us more about the business.
KeyBakes is me. I am KeyBakes. KeyBakes is an online based bake shop that not only produces high-quality treats and cakes but Im also building Keybakes as a brand. Starting with my YouTube channel where I invite the world to follow me through my pastry journey. On that YouTube channel, you will see recipes, vlog stories, production and soon will it show the steps I take to become a storefront owner. You will see the licensing process, permit process and all the way down to the opening day.
When I started Keybakes, I figured it would be this little online cake shop but I am most proud of the direction I’ve decided to take this brand. All throughout culinary school, I told myself “I don’t want to limit myself to just cakes.” And you know what? I’m sticking to that. I love to push the envelope when it comes to creating delicious and unforgettable flavors, by using fresh and local ingredients. When you taste anything produced by KeyBakes, you know love was put into every bite. I believe that’s what sets me apart from others.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe luck, good nor bad, has a played role in my life or business. I am blessed and highly favored. And I work hard at everything I do. Sure, I have ups and downs like I am supposed to. I wouldn’t call that good or bad luck I would call them trials and tribulations. Life happens. I just continue to make the best of it push towards my goals.
Contact Info:
- Email: K3yBak3s@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/KeyBakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeyBakes/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrl3Xcw52nY0V5aIn_ly2Vw?view_as=subscriber
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