‘Makyn’ a sweet discovery leads to booming bake business

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or in the case of Rochelle Makyn, make cake. After a disappointing experience with an order, the dessert enthusiast turned that frustration into curiosity and decided to be the change she needed to see in a fun, sweet, and proudly Jamaican fashion. This soon ignited an unexpected passion. And before she knew it, Suga Mama Cakes was born.

“I started experimenting with cupcakes in my own kitchen, and what began as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion. There was something so fulfilling about transforming simple ingredients into something beautiful and delicious. That passion eventually grew into Suga Mama Cakes JM,” she explained to Food.

These days, the expert baker offers customised cakes in a wide variety of flavours, including classic vanilla, rich chocolate, coconut, pistachio, cherry, lemon, lychee, cookies and cream, red velvet, and traditional Jamaican fruit cake.

As a cake artist, she designs sweet masterpieces for all occasions, namely birthdays, weddings, christenings, graduations, housewarmings, and corporate events, just to name a few.

“I’ve been baking professionally since 2018. And the response has been amazing! The love and support from clients, both returning and new, have truly encouraged me to keep growing. People connect with not just the look of my cakes, but the flavour and moistness of them as well. That feedback fuels me to keep delivering high standards and to always find new ways to wow my customers,” she revealed.

Showstoppers so far have taken form in sugary renditions of Garfield the cat, an owl, the Holy Bible, and, to top it off, a hat.

Makyn listed a few of her favourite creations. “One of my all-time favourites was a Sonic cake I made for my son; it was personal and filled with love. Then there was a cake for the melanin queen herself, TC (Keticia Chatman). I loved how simple yet bold the design turned out. And finally, a cake for the incredibly talented Pretti Pretti (Tashlicka Laird). That one was all about energy and flair, and it gave me the chance to really tap into my artistic side and do something different.”

So, how does this visionary come up with these unique designs? The tour de force is either sparked by imagination or creative collaboration. “It’s often a collaborative process,” she highlighted, adding, “Clients usually come with an idea or a theme in mind, and from there, we build something beautiful together.”

Signature flair

Listening keenly to their vision, Makyn will suggest design trends and flavour pairings. “For me, it’s important that each cake reflects their personality and the occasion, while still having that signature Suga Mama flair.”

Usually, this entrepreneur requests orders to be placed two to three weeks in advance. This grace period assists in facilitating unique components and design time. And while she tries to be as flexible as possible, advance notice is more beneficial in setting the standard and maintaining that high quality for her clientele.

“Clients often tell me how much they enjoy how soft and rich the cakes are, and how every bite feels like a treat. The visual appeal is important, of course, but it’s the taste that keeps them coming back,” Makyn asserted.

And this ties in closely with her favourite part about being a baker and cake artist: seeing her clients’ reaction for the first time. “It’s incredibly rewarding being part of someone’s celebration. It’s more than just flour and sugar. It’s about helping create memories,” she said.

Although new bakers are popping up from all directions, Makyn remains focused on being consistent with taste and building relationships with her clients. “Pursuing this dream was important because it gave me a sense of purpose and allowed me to combine creativity with meaningful connections,” she said.

For persons putting off their aspirations of becoming a baker, Makyn advised that you seize the moment and start now. “Try new recipes, experiment with designs, and practise, practise, practise. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. YouTube and social media are great resources for learning. Use them to your advantage. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that’s how you grow. Also, stay true to your unique style. Your passion will shine through if you remain authentic and put love into what you create,” she shared.

krysta.andersmo@gleanerjm.com