Entrepreneurs On The Rise: Takiyah Broomes of Kiya Kakes

Takiyah Broomes studied pre-med and graduated with her BS in Biology, so when she made the switch to full time baker, it shocked many who knew her. Kiya Kakes is a home-based bakery that came into existence in April of 2012 and owned solely, Takiyah Broomes. She is the baker, decorator, accounts payable and receivable, and marketing coordinator. This beautiful woman does it all. She was previously a co-owner of a former baking company named Haute Cakes Bakery before it dismembered. Takiyah credits her time at Haute Cakes with testing her baking skills and allowing her to hone her craft. Kiya Kakes is new and original in its own right simply because Takiyah never received any formal cake baking or decorating training, yet she has managed to solidify a word of mouth based clientele that continues to grow day by day. Everything you see on any of the Kiya Kakes social networking sites, have all been mastered by a method of trial and error. Kiya Kakes features some of the most up to date creative pastries that are out in the market. Cake pops, push pops, Fondant cakes, butter-cream cakes, cupcakes, cookies and so much more.

1. How did you know that you were meant to go into business for yourself?

I knew I was meant to go into business for myself when I fully understood the power of my own attitude lol. I am someone who does not like to be told what to do, nor constantly supervised, therefore I knew I was not fit to work for the "man."

2. When did you finally decide to start your business?

I decided to start my business immediately after me a former business I had with a group of friends dismembered I knew that it was something I already enjoyed doing, therefore I continued with it.

3. How did you come up with your company name?

My company name "Kiya Kakes," was actually a joke amongst friends. "Kiya Kakes with a K" to be exact. For me it was simple and catchy, so I dropped the "C" and replaced it with a "K" and kept Kiya Kakes.

4. What is your favorite aspect of baking?

My favorite aspect of baking would have to be the decorative side. It 's where cake artists such as myself have a chance to truly make something stunning and creative on their own. It's like giving a painter a blank canvas, or a rapper a beat. There are endless things that someone can do with a blank canvas or a plain cake.

5. Do you have a signature flavor? Describe it.

Yes. My signature flavor would be my "famous" red velvet. It is my number 1 selling flavor. Although Red Velvet is a very popular cake, I tend to think mine is slightly different from your typical red velvet cake. I can't let out too many secrets lol, but I put my little personal spin on it and it seems to be a winner.

6. Out of all of your cake flavors, what is the current customer favorite?

It would definitely be my Red Velvet cake.


7. What has been the best thing about owning your own business?

There are so many! One would be the freedom to do as I please. I set my own rules, my own prices, my own schedule (which may be the most rewarding) and another would be the fact of escaping uncomfortable or stressful working environments that I have encountered in the past.

8. What has been the most difficult thing about owning your own business?

The most difficult thing about owning my own business would be the lack of time. I am an over achiever and at times, I like to take on the impossible. Baking is only one of my full time jobs, so I have to find the balance between baking, school as well as my 8-4 job schedule. There are literally but so many hours in a day, so trying to fit everything in can sometimes be a handful.

9. If you had one piece of advice to give to other small business owners like yourself, what would it be?

My single handed advice would be to work ALONE (she laughs), and if that is not possible, do not work with friends or family. It rarely ever works out and the problems that may arise from working with family and friends is simply not worth it.

10. Is there a blog, webpage or social networking site where we can find you?

At the moment, my work can be seen on social networks, Facebook and Instagram

Entrepreneurs On The Rise: Felicia Rosser-High of Her2 Cosmetics

Felicia Rosser-High is no stranger to hardwork. She is a wife, a fulltime student, the CEO of kingdom barbees, a christian sororitity, and has now decided to add entrepreneur to her list of achievements. With a deep love and passion for fashion and people, Felicia created Her2 Cosmetics. Her2 Cosmetics is a lipstick and gloss line that uses 100% all natural products. Her2 makes all of her products by hand and allows customers to tailor them to their individual needs. Her2's mission is to provide customers with fun, beautiful, and lip safe products. All of our items are face friendly and NON toxic. Her2 creates lippies to bring out the SHE inside you.


Felicia Rosser-High is pictured wearing Kiss Me

1. How did you know that you were meant to go into business for yourself?

I began helping others at a very young age because I knew that I would someday become a business woman. As a child and teen I always had an urgency in my heart to help and care for people. It was not until I was twenty eight years old that I discovered that I had a real passion for making people feel good on the outside which eventually would effect their attitudes and how they feel on the inside. Her2 was created for that young lady who loves to wear lipstick but cannot afford the $20 lipstick all the time. It's not only affordable but it is of great quality.

2. When did you finally decide to start your business?

I decided to start my business May of 2013. Finally, I could no longer hold it in and keep it to myself. My passion was makeup. From personal experiences when I apply makeup even on a bad day, I feel great in spite of how I feel inside.

3. How did you come up with your company name?

Her2 is a name that is addressed to all women, no matter age or background. The name Her2 is very personal to anyone. I wanted a name that would not only invite my age group of ladies but all ages. Her2 is just not for me and you but it's for Her2. It's a name to let you as the customer know that yes you count too. You are not excluded or left out; we can cater to your wants.


4. What is your favorite aspect of creating make-up?

My favorite aspect of creating makeup is when people send their testimonials of how they loved the product and how they are excited to purchase more. Being able to make someone else happy makes me happy. Having the ability to design a product that is just for ladies is such an exciting feeling.

5. Do you have a signature color?How did you come up with it?

My signature color is called Barbee Pink, this is a vibrant pink which all of the ladies love. This color is very dear to me. I came up with the name through the Kingdom Barbee Christian sorority which I am the CEO of. The KB colors are Pink and purple.

6. Out of all of your lip stick colors, what is the current customer favorite?

The customers favorite color and the most sold is Barbee pink.

Felicia Rosser-High is pictured wearing Barbee Pink

7. What has been the best thing about owning your own business?

The best part of owning my own business (I can admit) its not the money! The best part is the effect that it makes on people. When I see someone feeling good and smiling with my product on, that makes me happy and in return it shows me that this is what it this business is all about. Being able to make someone smile. I could not always afford $20 lipsticks so I know how it feels to want and not be able to get. That is why Her2 is affordable for you and Her2.

8. What has been the most difficult thing in owning your own business?

The most difficult thing about owning my own business is time. From working full time and a full time college student majoring in business on top of Her2 Cosmetics, getting Lipsticks to the customers has been the hardest to keep up with.

9. If you had one piece of advice to give to other small business owners like yourself, what would it be?

My advice to new business owners is to NEVER GIVE UP. Believe in your vision and run with it. Know that every thing must first have a start. Take your start and run fast, work hard, and go hard.

10. Is there a blog, webpage or social networking site where we can find you?

You can find us on Instagram Her2Cosmetics is our name. You can also find us at our website Her2Cosmetics
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Entrepreneurs On the Rise: ASOM Designs

Afro State Of Mine Designs, warmly known as ASOM DESIGNS, is an Afrocentric collection of wooden accessories & soon to be apparel tailored towards naturals & naturals at heart! This wonderful eclectic collection is the brain child of three fabulous young women. Kameeka Burke is the founder and paints as well, Kizon Marshall handles design and apparel and last but certainly not least, Krystal Miller handles fabrics and metals. To these three ladies creativity is a way of life. With that being their center every customer is sure to walk away with not just merchandise, but a work of art!

Left, Krystal Miller , Center, Kizon Marshall, Right, Kameeka Burke.

1. How did the three of you know that you were meant to go into business together?

Kameeka: Well when I came up with the idea I thought why not go into this with my two best friends! They are awesome and I wouldn’t want to do something like this without them. It was something that I had brought to them before so I knew they would go for it. It also gives us a chance to put ourselves out there creatively.

Krystal: That's easy. We all have similar goals and can all bring something unique to the table that could keep the business running. And if we don't know, we could find the answer! Lol

Kizon: Personally I had reservations but I’ve been friends with Meeka and Krys for the longest and trust them enough to go into business with them. Trust and faith are big things.

 2. When did you finally decide to start your business?

 Kameeka: It was about getting the money together for it first. I did small pieces as gifts to start off with to see how manageable it would be for our budget. I began building our inventory before we gave ourselves a set date to start.

Krystal: Everything really kicked off last fall. We’ve been talking about it for a while but the fire really got us moving when people started liking some of Meeka’s pieces and requesting to buy them.

Kizon: Last year lol but financially we just weren’t ready.

 3. How did you come up with your company name?

Kameeka: I wanted the business to be named Afro State of Mind but that name was already copyrighted, along with the ASOM acronym. To remedy that, I added the word Designs at the end.

Kizon: I was driving around with Meeka one day and we began to throw ideas at one another. We knew that ASOM was a rock band, and then there was Afro State of Mind to consider as well because it was a copyrighted YouTube series. Later on, my mother suggested we change the “Mind” to “Mine” and the rest is history, better yet HERstory.

Customized Couples Set

4. How did the three of you decide the role of each individual within your company?

Kameeka: I prefer hands on work. I like to paint and work with wood pieces. So that was my thing. I don’t usually have a set design in mind; it usually comes to me while I’m turning the wood in my hand. If someone can give me a set design for a custom order, that works great as well.

Krystal: We all have our different talents. I, for one, cannot paint or draw worth [at all] lol. However, I love fabrics so I started off with that and the fabric buttons/necklaces (still working on those necklaces). Eventually I’ll branch off to leather work and wires or maybe even some studs. It’s currently whatever my mind comes up with.

Kizon: I gave up drawing and painting once I graduated HS, I’m more of a digital art kind of person. My division is our upcoming Apparel line.

Fabric Button Set

 5. Out of all of your pieces, what is the current customer favorite?

Kameeka: Right now, we’ve been getting a lot of orders for out Afro Pick piece.

Krystal: From the time I put them up on the website, I’ve gotten great feedback for the button earrings. But, I think most people like the Afro heads and the “beauty” Adinkra.

Kizon: I’ve received a lot of questions/inquiries about the “Nefertiti Heads”

6. What has been the best thing about owning your own business?

Krystal: I think the feedback is the best part. It’s nice when people appreciate your work. And, even though it isn’t really about the money right now, the pocket change is nice, lol.

Kameeka: I agree with Krystal, I love the feedback. The compliments are great and it really makes me feel accomplished when we hear great things from other jewelry designers. When people say they are coming back for more or recommending us to their friends, it really makes my day.

Kizon: Knowing we had an idea and bringing it to life. The positive feedback and the loyal costumers (“started from the bottom…”)

Nefertiti Heads

7. What has been the most difficult thing in owning your own business?

Krystal: Legal work!! Lol. Starting a business legally is a real issue. It is a long and tedious issue. But it’s what you have to do…

Kameeka: Oh My Gosh... Networking! Trying to put ourselves on the map for small business is not an easy task. We’re going by random events, word of mouth, and the random searches on Google at the moment. Being featured by friends on their blogs is a plus, but we’re not mainstream or well-known so we have to work on getting our name out there.

Kizon: All of the above and the waiting (haha), waiting for the big break when the orders start rolling in.

8. If you had one piece of advice to give to other small business owners like yourself, what would it be?

 Kameeka: Try to set yourself apart from other designers as best as you can; be it by your pieces or your prices. I try to not get too pricey with our merchandise but we have to think about the fact that it’s all handmade, hand painted, and the supplies alone are not cheap. So I would advise someone to price accordingly and keep in mind whether or not they would willing to pay that much for the same item., If you’re not willing to pay that much, why would anyone else pay that much for your product?

Krystal: If you wouldn’t wear it, eat it, buy it in general, don’t invest in it. Every time we make pieces I always wonder “Would I wear it?” The thing that I love about our line is that it is a reflection of our personalities. Crazy, kooky, loud, cultural, everything. That’s us.

Kizon: At the end of the day if you’re truly passionate about it and want to share it and know that people will support it…. DO IT! But make sure all your ducks are in a row, financially, socially, and legally.

9. Is there a blog, webpage or social networking site where we can find you?
Instagram
Facebook
Etsy
Pinterest

Entrepreneur on the Rise: Quanda Bryant of Sweet Stuff Gourmet

Owned by the beautiful Quanda Bryant, Sweet Stuff Gourmet is a dessert business that
makes cakes, pies, and cobblers all from scratch using the highest quality ingredients. Sweet
Stuff Gourmet is mostly known for their blissful sweet potato cakes which are always made
with fresh sweet potatoes. The business targets restaurants, gourmet shops, supermarkets, company parties, and private parties. Mrs. Bryant has been running Sweet Stuff Gourmet on part time and seasonal basis, however, she is now looking to take her business to the next level.

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1. How did you know that baking was your calling?

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I realized baking was my calling when I saw how much I loved doing it. Not only was it therapeutic,

but my friends thought my baking was delicious.

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2. When did you finally decide to start your business?

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I decided to start my business after friends continued to tell me my desserts were good enough to sell.

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3. How did you come up with your company name?

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My good friend Joyce actually helped me come up with that name. She came up with the Sweet Stuff

and I added Gourmet because of the ingredients I use.

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4. Out of all of your delicious treats, what is the current customer favorite?

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 I'm known for my sweet potato cake. They taste absolutely amazing. Customers always seek

me out at craft shows to purchase them. I’ve encountered people who said they didn't eat

sweet potatoes, but loved my cake. What's great is that folks start out with one of my 4 inch

cakes that I sell at craft shows, with intentions of sharing with their family when they get

home; the next thing I know is they're back for another one or two because they ate the entire cake

before reaching their car.

Sweet Stuff Gourmets' infamous Sweet Potato Cake

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5. What has been the best thing about owning your own business?

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The best thing about owning my own business is watching something I love doing pay off... literally. I

get to be creative while watching others enjoy that creativity. Eventually, I want to do this full time.

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6. What has been the most difficult thing in owning your own business?

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Getting step by step information on establishing the business was the most difficult aspect of running

it. Despite what’s said about asking others who are doing what you want to do for advice,

people really don't want to help you.  They see you as potential competition and I get that, but for

goodness sakes, someone could have given me a smidgen of good advice.

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7. If you had one piece of advice to give to other small business owners like yourself, what would it be?

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I would advise them on how to get started. You need to know the legalities! I would also tell

them to advertise, advertise, advertise. Funny enough,

I need to take my on advice about advertising.

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8. Is there a blog, webpage or social networking site where we can find you?

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 You can get information about my cakes/desserts on my website at

Sweet Stuff Gourmet . I will also be participating in the Art in the Park Craft Show at

Anderson Park in Montclair, New Jersey on September 21-22. It's from 10 am to 5pm on

both days. I will be selling my sweet potato cakes, red velvet cake, cobblers, and more... As

always, everything will be made from scratch.