Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kemaya Molden, owner of Maya’s Bakes, located in Cincinnati, OH, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Maya's Bakes is a black-woman-owned company that specializes in homestyle sweet treats. We produce desserts that remind you of your childhood pound cake like grandma used to make and brownies from when the box kind was all we knew. In addition to our nationwide shipping, catering service, and delivery services through DoorDash, we're in the beginning stages of providing a safe baking outlet for the "non-bakers" out there. Maya's Bakes: ForFun! will allow those who aren't as confident in the kitchen to explore their inner baker and unlock life lessons that can only be learned when the joy of baking is discovered. Maya believes that baking is one of those things you absolutely have to experience to get the full experience of life.

Tell us about yourself

Hey, I'm Maya, and I love to bake! That easy-bake oven really paid off. I'll never forget those brownies, cake, and pop tarts my six-year-old self mixed in the pan and baked under a lamp… ever. I used to bake and present those easy bake desserts like I was already the CEO of Maya's Bakes. I must've been born for this.

Around age 12, I attended a summer camp coordinated by my God Mom, Jennie Wright. At the end of the summer, we had to start a business, set up a booth, and sell. I literally did not know what to do, and she asked me, "don't you like to bake?" Just like that, she and I were locked in this. She's very much still involved! We made brochures, business cards, menus, and a plan. That plan was to get my mom and big brother to help me bake and package all these Betty/Duncan desserts, lol! From that program, I think I'm the only one still in that same field.

I grew up on a food network. Throughout school, I was not focused on baking; I was on dance and cheer teams, either as a participant or a coach. I was definitely in the kitchen with my mom and brother, though. Or watching Martha, Rachel, Chopped, etc. After I graduated high school, I was inspired by an episode of Cupcake Wars. I don't think I've stopped baking since. My neighbor at the time was my very first customer. She motivated me to start pursuing baking as a business. The un-iced vanilla pound cake was that good!

That was around 2014, the same time I was asked to produce a homemade brownie for my cousin. It wouldn't be until 2019 that I was able to fulfill his request. It was a long journey, and he supported me all the way. (I never ridiculed him for not sharing with his family he's the only one who'd get a pass.💙) These brownies are in the forefront of Maya's Bakes, and they symbolize him! He passed in 2019, and we sent him home on a day that we used to celebrate our birthday together. I think about him every day because I think of Maya's Bakes every day, always remembering and appreciating the support from my favorite cousin. Throughout June, "WALTMB" gives a discount on brownie purchases. When I'm able to do more, I will.

Fast forward to the pandemic. I was shopping at Trader Joe's for my God mom's mom. Some workers encouraged me to try to get a dessert into the store. I'm so very grateful for Ms. Linda Wright; not only was she there designing and printing "Muu Muu's Delights" brochures when I was 12, she introduced me to a cool store. Literally, she jump-started the path I'm on now. I got this GoSolo opportunity because of her! She's since passed as well. Looking back, a lot of my great supporters are no longer here in the flesh. That gets really emotional at times, like when it's time to celebrate or need advice or just the reflection on the impact they had on me. I know better than to internalize. Instead, I simply remember and appreciate.

I'm motivated by those who believe in me. I'm motivated by being a product of my own program before I even thought of it. That's why I'm so passionate about it. I can speak from experience and transfer my knowledge in a way that positively affects my community. I'm motivated by what I know can come of the change I'm trying to implement into people's lives. Maya's Bakes mission is to ease the mind subconsciously through the joy that a baked good brings.
Now and forever.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is the act of accomplishing it. I sometimes find myself really surprised at the entrepreneur I'm becoming. I know I have so much to learn and experience, so when I can see the clarity of the path I'm on, looking forward and back, I'm always astonished.

I'm really proud to have my products in 3 DashMart locations here in Ohio. The 4th location is coming soon! The wholesale experience has taught me so much. Maya's Bakes is grateful for DoorDash! Maya's Bakes: ForFun! It is my slow and steady, long haul, never-ending accomplishment. I'm proud of it every step of the way.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Going from hobby turned business is rough. You have to really believe in yourself and stay FOCUSED. Balancing and knowing what to do— period is one of the hardest things that come with business ownership. The importance of timing has got to be taught in school. Do you remember the time when you realized, "I wish I would've known then what I know now," cut deeper than the actual mishap or mistake? Needless to say, I'm focused and ready to learn and experience all there is to gain!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. FOCUS - no distractions - the plan and execution count on it.
  2. Ask yourself if you'd do said business for free? If not, I wouldn't recommend the investment. Owning a business is investing in yourself. You have to love, care and fight to defend it by any means.
  3. Enjoy life. You have to keep yourself happy outside of the business. Say you put your all into your business, no fun, no leisure; then something goes wrong with your plan. That could break a person. You have to balance being an actual human being against being a CEO.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I thank everyone who's ever helped and supported my small business, Maya's Bakes! I'm growing and learning as a young adult, and your continued support with help MB on its way to the top. Thanks for choosing Maya's Bakes!!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mayasbakes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayasbakes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayasbakesllc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mayasbakes

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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