We’re looking forward to introducing you to My’Asia Jaaber. Check out our conversation below.
My’Asia, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are calm and restful. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that I am at my best when I allow myself a slow start. I begin each morning with meditation, followed by a three-mile walk. After that, I usually have breakfast and then start on deliveries or orders. On busier days, I wait to eat until after the drop-offs are complete.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is My’Asia Jaaber. I am the owner of Linda Renee Sweets, a bakery business that specializes in corporate catering throughout the DFW area. A lot of people call me Linda, but that is actually one of my mother’s names. Renee is my biological mother’s name. Linda Renee Sweets tells a story. It is a brand that honors both of my mothers and my ancestors.
My ancestors were my first introduction to cooking. I come from a long lineage of women who were healers. They healed through medicine and also through food. They shared with me a deep love, passion, and a way to heal others through food. Even though they are no longer here, I continue to feel close to them through my work. This business allows me to carry their spirit with me in everything I create.
Right now, I am working on developing new flavors and expanding the menu. With fall approaching, that means the return of some favorite seasonal items like pumpkin spice muffins, apple cinnamon cupcakes, and chai scones. I love creating and sharing these flavors, especially because they bring people comfort and joy.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
This is a tough question for me because I’ve been surrounded by hard workers my entire life. So many people have taught me what it means to work with purpose, resilience, and heart.
I come from a family of people who always did whatever it took to provide. Growing up, I watched Mama Tina work multiple jobs to care for my siblings and me. Ladybug worked just as consistently and just as hard. From her, I learned how to pivot. If something isn’t working out, go find another job, keep going, and don’t stop.
On the other side of that, Mama Tina taught me the importance of having a backup plan. Between all of them, I feel like I was raised with so much balance, strength, stability, and flexibility.
My grandfather was another example of that work ethic. He used to wake up the wee hours of the morning to go to work. When I was in high school, I would call him on the phone while walking to the bus stop at 5 a.m., and by that time, he had already been at work for hours.
I started my first job at 14, working at a local amusement park. I’ve been working ever since.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the most defining wounds in my life was losing both Mama Tina and Mama Latay in the same year. I believe 2016 changed everything for me. One moment you are spending time with family, laughing and sharing meals, and the next they are gone. It happened so quickly, and there was no time to prepare. That year taught me not to take anyone for granted.
People often say, “life is short,” but in 2016, I truly understood what that meant. Since then, I have made it a point to show up every day as my full and honest self. Living in that truth has been part of my healing.
I have also found healing through therapy, which I am still in today. The work continues. Baking and cooking have been another powerful form of healing for me. When I was in graduate school, I did not cook or bake nearly as much. Once I returned to the kitchen, it brought me comfort. I felt grounded. I felt connected not only to my ancestors, but to myself.
Starting this business and naming it after my mothers was a way to honor my grief. Linda Renee Sweets is a reminder of the pain, but it is also a reflection of the healing. Creating something beautiful from loss gave me purpose and allowed me to share joy with others.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
The first person that came to mind was my brother. The admiration I have for him is deeply rooted. It actually makes me emotional just thinking about him. I have watched him grow all my life, and he truly embodies greatness.
No matter what challenges come his way, he does not let anything stop him. He shows up for the people he loves and even for those he does not know. He is a wonderful dad, uncle, friend, and so much more. His character is defined by kindness and selflessness.
I remember one day we were on the phone, and he stopped to help a stranger. The person didn’t even say thank you, but that didn’t stop him. That is just who he is. Our lives have changed through loss, grief, and other obstacles, but his heart has remained the same.
When I first opened Linda Renee Sweets, he was one of the first people to promote my business. He still continues to promote it and show up for me in ways that matter. I remember when I made my first one thousand dollars in the business, I called my brother. He was so excited and proud. Every small win, he shows me isn’t small. He teaches me to be proud of myself and all of my accomplishments. My brother helps me to be present in ALL moments.
We are always bouncing business ideas off each other. He is not someone who even likes sweets, but he loves my cookies and cream cupcakes. I like to joke that I converted him to sweets.
His support means everything to me. I admire his consistency, his loyalty, and the way he moves through the world with heart.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m traveling or baking. Traveling gives me the chance to explore new places and step away from the everyday. I especially love beaches. There is something so calming and relaxing about sitting by the water, listening to the waves, and just being still.
Baking is where I feel truly centered. Even when there is pressure or a busy schedule, I feel grounded in the kitchen. It never feels like work to me. That is how I know this is not just a job for me. It is my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindareneesweets.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindareneesweets
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linda-renee-sweets
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindareneesweets/about
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/linda-reneé-sweets-dallas-3
Image Credits
Manny Rodriguez Photography
