Kayisha Thompson

Representation is important to Kayisha Thomas, and she’s well aware there aren’t many faces like hers in the baking industry. Kayisha draws from her own life and experience with severe food allergies as inspiration in running her business De’Lor Cakery, using only the highest quality ingredients and remaining protective of her brand.

What have you learned through witnessing the legacy of Black entrepreneurs who have come before you in the baked goods industry?

What I learned is that there weren't many faces like mine being portrayed in the industry & it’s still limited. Toba Garrett is the only (Jamaican) Black Cake Decorating Professional that was employed by NYC ICE to teach. I consider Wally Amos one of the leading pioneers in the baking industry. I was heartbroken when I learned that he experienced an unfortunate series of circumstances where he momentarily lost his business. His business was sold from brand to brand and eventually Keebler purchased his business and invited him back to be the face behind the brand. 

I am very protective of my brand. Everything you see about De L’or Cakery I completed on my own with the support of many Fiverr’s freelancers. I made sure that I had a NYC law firm apply for my trademark, I was recently awarded my M/WBE Certificate with the City of New York, and I am applying for national certifications.

Why is representation so important within the baking industry?

Representation is a necessity. I’ve been fortunate enough to garner monetary resources through pitching, however media support is incredibly low to non-existent. I don’t carry a mass following so I am not as supported as another creator with 1-3 million followers compared to black creators with 3-5 million following. We as people of color, always have to offer more to move forward in the line to success. 

Where do you draw inspiration for your baking? 

I am the inspiration for my baking. My life experience and having severe food allergies has pushed me to explore sourcing top notch ingredients. When I followed my desires to bake from scratch, I found myself at Sur La Tab & Williams-Sonoma in Atlanta, GA. Immediately, I was introduced to all of these high end ingredients.

When I created my goods, I tried the general low grade ingredients and the feedback was poor. So, I decided to stick to the ingredients that I loved and that my clients liked.

Talk to us about the experience of being a Black woman starting a business like De’Lor Cakery? 

The most challenges I’ve ever encountered in my life rose from starting a business. Many people didn’t take me seriously or would mock me expressing that I am just like everyone else. Or they would say there is a bakery already established in this city so it's a waste of time. Thank God for social media and my resilience. I started posting online and another Black female entrepreneur, Racquel of Empress Footwear guided me to another freelancer to build my logo and website. Growth was very slow until I was ushered to move back to my home state of New York from Atlanta.

In 2016, I completed a self-care program and this is where things started to fall into place. I started focusing on myself and what I wanted. 

If it wasn’t for the pandemic, I wouldn’t have realized my potential and how organized my brand is. 

Who is your community? Talk to us about how you uniquely empower your community through De’Lor Cakery? 

I love kids! My first job was as a camp counselor in FarRockaway, New York. I worked with adolescents and teens modifying their behavior and skill building. It was only right that I continue to influence them through my passion. Every year, I work with a Charter Program offering them free baking and cooking classes for a week or a semester depending on my schedule and budget. My first give-back program I created a Facebook Page and took sponsorship to purchase the products. I received $1100.00 in donations and even received sponsored products. To the anonymous product sponsors, thank you again. 

What resources have been most helpful to the growth and sustainability of your business? 

ManifestationBabe.com (specifically the MBA Program) is one of the most useful resources that supported the growth and development of my business. I had no idea that unaddressed trauma can hinder my business growth. As soon as I started to address what my subconscious suppressed, opportunities started to flow. The program only works if you put in the work and take inspired action.

How do you center wellness on this journey?

Wellness & Joy are my 2022 words for the year. I have had so many wellness challenges. While on this journey, specifically with Fiverr I came across Brooklyn Bathhouse. It's the most tranquil spa I have ever experienced. I enjoyed their spa services, hammon scrub, heated pools, and sauna. Afterwards, I had dinner with myself. I love journaling and meditation. I use Manifestation Babe’s daily meditation as well as taking in deep breaths and recentering.

How would you like to see other types of businesses and industries support Black business owners in ways similar to the Future Collective? 

Let’s keep it real, most black business owners need access to funding and higher level mentorship. When I say higher level mentorship, talk to me about day to day operations and simplifying this with possible access to a NYC temp agency for your next cohort, CRM products that are best for small businesses, where can I get packaging (Luxe Pack show is great) hiring staff, referrals to HR freelancers that can assist with the hiring process, etc.  It would helpful for businesses to focus heavily on that marketing aspect and creating genuine content.

Last but not least, we, as Black business owners, need support all year round. It would be beneficial for businesses to create a Diversity, Growth, & Innovation team that consists of at least 6 people of color to tactfully and skillfully plan over the course of the year how to create impact for POC.