Exploring Life & Business with Kynita J. Amey-Martin of Dae’Kai’s Sweets and Treats

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kynita J. Amey-Martin.

Hi Kynita J., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In May of 2020, my son asked if I could make his birthday cake. I had never baked a cake before, but how could I say no?

I started watching YouTube video tutorials just to get the basics. At the time, I worked at the hospital, so I brought samples for my coworkers. They gave me honest feedback.

I went through about ten batches of cake batter before I found the perfect vanilla cake recipe and my son’s birthday cake was a hit. Everyone talked highly about the flavor, and they loved the frosting.

After all the amazing feedback, I decided to continue baking. Before then, I had never imagined myself as a baker, but I fell in love with the craft. It’s a lot of hard work, but the smiles on my clients’ faces when they receive their orders are priceless.

Right about that time, my husband and I were planning our wedding and when we saw the cost of a wedding cake, I decided no matter what I would make our own. Everyone thought it would be too much stress for me, but I was confident. I solicited help from my family and friends to stack and put the cake together. It was three tiers, 18″ tall. Again, I surprised myself and all those who saw my wedding cake. I have pictures to remind me of my boldest move.

In March of 2021, I decided to register as an LLC. Today I am the CEO of Dae’Kai’s Sweets and Treats LLC. I named the business after my children in hopes they will continue the business in my absence.

After working as a Registered Medical Assistant for the past seven years, I resigned and started working for myself. Throughout my life, I never thought I’d become a business owner, but God has been with me every step of the way. I want to thank him for blessing me with such an amazing husband because he has been my rock throughout this entire journey.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has not been a smooth road. I had no baking experience. The only thing I remembered baking was some banana muffins, and I think I was about ten years old. Having a full-time job, being a full-time wife and mother to two beautiful children became draining. Not to mention going to school part-time to finish my nursing degree. My work schedule was 7:45am – 5pm. After work, I would come home and start filling orders. Thank goodness for my daughter Shadae. She would set out the ingredients so when I got home, all I had to do was mix the batter. The nights I didn’t have cake orders, I was braiding someone’s hair. Another business I have in the making. Almost every other night, I got to bed after two in the morning and up at five making sure the children are ready for school before I leave for work.

I am based at my home, so I’m not able to take as many orders as I would like. I only have one oven, so for 2 and 3 tier cake orders, I would start baking a couple of days before the order is due. That gives me time to redo batches if the cakes didn’t come out right. Storing cakes overnight is hard on me as well because just like my oven, there’s only one refrigerator. When making space, I end up having to throw things out because I can’t afford to mess up an order. For now, my business is being advertised by word of mouth. I do have social media accounts as well. I don’t think I’m putting myself out there as much as I should be.

I battled with myself and my mom for a while before I left my job. Her biggest concerns were not having medical insurance and life insurance, you know the benefits you get from your full-time job. I understood her point of view, but I wasn’t happy anymore. I woke up everyday complaining about going to work. It took a toll on my husband and the children noticed as well. ” I told you if you are not happy you can resign. I will take care of us,” my husband said to me almost every other week. On August 2, 2021, my 31st birthday, I told my husband I’m turning in my resignation letter. When I got to work the next day, I sent the letter to human resources. A weight was lifted off my shoulders. I was starting to feel like myself again.

If I’m being honest, I was not financially ready to quit my full-time job and start this business. When I get orders, I purchase the ingredients, bake the cake and receive payment upon delivery or pick up. I know I need to put something in place so I’m not coming out of pocket every time. This is a new learning experience for me, and I’m ready to dive in headfirst.

These are challenges that come with starting a business. My hope is that I will be able to have a place/building where I can bake and advertise my craft. I am motivated to make this business more than a hobby and a source of financial stability, but a place that can bring satisfaction to customers and teach other young women that it is possible to be self-sufficient even in a pandemic.

Mrs. Grace and her two daughters at Worthy Cakes in Ocoee, and Shanika of Calypso Flava LLC in Atlanta, I thank you for always assisting whenever I had questions about decorating a cake or designing the strawberries.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dae’Kai’s Sweets and Treats LLC?
Dae’Kai’s Sweets and Treats LLC specializes in homemade cakes, cupcakes, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Our best seller so far has been the Vanilla, Chocolate Oreo Cake, and Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Buttercream. We are limited on cake flavors because I have a severe peanut allergy. We also offer Banana Pudding, Chocolate, Vienna, Coconut, Carrot and Lemon cakes. Our cupcakes are sold by the dozen and the flavors are about the same as the cakes. The Chocolate Covered Strawberries are sold by the dozen as well. They can be plain or themed. However, the customer prefers. We do not specialize in fondant cakes, but we will do them if the customer requests it.

I’m very optimistic. I’m eager to take on cakes. I know I have not tried before I won’t take an order if I know I won’t be able to get the job done. I make sure my orders are completed in a timely manner. I’m devoted to my customers. They are all that matter to me. I am very personable and I enjoy meeting new people. These are just some things that set me apart from the rest.

What makes you happy?
Besides God, they are my family who makes me happy! They are the most important people in my life. Their support throughout this entire experience has been outstanding and I’m honored to have them in my corner. I will forever give my life to them because without them, I won’t have made it this far.

Becoming a CEO of something so amazing is breathtaking. I’ve never been this excited about anything in my life before, except the birth of my children and the day I married my confidant. This is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward for what’s next to come.

Contact Info:

• Email: dkstreats@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/daekaissweettreats
• Facebook: facebook.com/daekaissweettreats

Image Credits:
Shadae Caines Lynelle Amey Angelica Ortiz