Check Out Kemaya Molden’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kemaya Molden. 

Kemaya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I recently concluded that I was born for this. Reflecting on my path to now: I had an easy bake oven at 6years old; presentation, dedication, it was all there. Very thankful that my mom decided to get me one. At age 12, thanks to my God Mom, I ran my first baking business at camp; marketing, baking, packaging, selling. I still have my yellow, paper-thin clip art designed business card and brochure… somewhere. I was surprised when I realized that I didn’t bake much in high school! Right after I graduated though, I watched an episode of Cupcake Wars on Netflix and was so inspired. 

I sold a plain pound cake to my neighbor and that’s all she wrote. That pound cake is now a top 10 bakery item on DashMart, a DoorDash convenient store. My neighbor told me I was onto something and that people would pay for this cake. Maya’s Cake & Bakes was born. I still have some of those business cards as well… somewhere. I was baking non-stop! Just creating and experimenting, baking from scratch everything people asked for. Pound cake, strawberry cake, and red velvet were my best desserts at this time. My older cousin asked me to make some brownies for his coworker, which I wouldn’t perfect until years later. 

When we moved to a new house, I realized I needed my own space. I got my first apartment, perfected my cake recipes, rebranded, and registered an LLC. My most memorable creations include a cookie monster cake set up for my baby cousin, University of Cincinnati graduation cupcakes for a friend, and an elephant-themed catering. I sensed I’d outgrow my apartment so I purchased my first home, re-rebranded, and took off. I did perfect my brownies, The Best Brownie, and my cousin was so proud. He’d pass shortly after the big move, and that’s why my brownies are the product in the forefront. For him❤️. Then 2020 happened. It wasn’t all bad; I believe everything happens for a reason. I was really busy, but I got through it. 

2021 was filled with so much excitement! Shopping at Trader Joe’s for an elderly woman got the ball rolling. I joined Findlay Kitchen and met some awesome people along the way. I launched my website, mayasbakes.com, organized Maya’s Bakes: Ice Cream Social, received my first grants, started mass production on my most popular products, and became an entrepreneur like no other. We were participating in pop-ups left and right! We gained our first celebrity client and were featured on Master P Reviews. We even catered an event for The African American Chamber of Commerce. I’m extremely grateful for all those opportunities.

In the present, 2022, Maya’s Bakes is thriving in wholesale, securing grants and magazine interviews, and working towards starting its beloved program, Maya’s Bakes: For Fun! Fun baking experiments for beginners. We are looking forward to what this year has in store for us. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
If anything, balancing my life with Maya’s Bakes is what I have had to adjust. I still work and take care of myself, along with owning a real business with real business. The most frustrating thing I’ve been through was transitioning to a commercial kitchen and ruining countless pans of brownies in experimental adjustments to upscale. Oh, the chocolate tears I cried. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a server, a baker, a teacher, and a dancer. That’s my life, and I love it. I’m the greatest server I know. I help bake the desserts for the restaurant and I’m working on getting an item on the menu. I’ve been baking for a looong time, I am part flour! As far as teaching, I’m bossy, patient and I love the kiddos. I was a cheer and dance coach for a long time; every now and then I’m hired to choreograph for local schools. 

At times, I’m really proud of my work ethic and creativity. It’s what sets me apart from others. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Something I’ve always known, but is just now resonating with me is that I can do anything I put my mind to. When I first got the idea for my ice cream social, and every idea really, that very first thought is always just a thought. Once I work at it and it becomes real, that’s an amazing feeling. That’s baking and dancing in a nutshell! I love helping people reach that feeling of accomplishment.

Pricing:

• The Best Brownies $26
• Pound Cake Slice $9
• Pink Lemonade Cookies $21

Contact Info:

• Email: thebestbrownie@mayasbakes.com
• Website: www.mayasbakes.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mayasbakesllc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mayasbakes
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/mayasbakes