We were lucky to catch up with Myra Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Myra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

June 9, 2020 would forever change my life – that was the day I was diagnosed with Stage 2B – Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (Breast Cancer, which spread from my breast to one lymph node). I had to undergo 8 rounds of chemotherapy (to include 3 different chemotherapy medicines), 4 surgeries and 30 rounds of radiation treatments. During this time, I was confined to the house, as my immune system was weak and Coronavirus was in full force. However, I was still baking and cooking, as much as my body/energy would allow. I was even preparing meals for seniors and donating desserts to non-profit organizations.

When you are going through something as challenging as cancer, I felt the need to tap into my passion (baking/cooking), which helped to bring me back on my feet. It also allowed me to put my life and the things that are near and dear to me into perspective (truly giving me a sense of purpose). My creative juices began to flow more than ever before, during this period. I conceptualized some unique dessert creations (that are not only appealing to the eye, but addictive to the taste). I realized just how strong I am and that God was using me for his glory. Friends, family and even my oncology team couldn’t believe my strength and positive energy during a time when some would have just thrown in the towel.

My last surgery is scheduled for March 2022 and after healing, I will finally be able to relaunch my website, rebrand and potentially open a small one-stop bakery (for your favorite cakes, cookies, pies and candies), to include gift baskets. During this journey, CANCER GAVE ME LIFE!!!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Myra is the author of “How to Get a Man, From the Kitchen, to the Bedroom, to the Ring”. Her cookbook provides step-by-step instructions on creating romantic occasions and delicious meals for any woman to use to impress her man. The book also includes fantasy dates – complete with instructions on how to prepare the food, drink recipes or wine suggestions, along with the perfect music. She was even asked to write weekly Romance & Relationship articles for a nationally distributed magazine. In addition to her cookbook, she has turned her passion for baking into a blossoming business – Myra’s Sweet Stuff.

Myra is currently an Assistant Vice President/IT Governance Analyst and has had the privilege of working for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Department of Commerce (Census Bureau), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Wells Fargo, along with several prominent law firms.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

In today’s social media world, the word-of-mouth advertising process has been amplified. The internet has leveled the media playing field and every customer is now a potential media commentator. I work very hard to provide my customers with exemplary service and one-of-a kind, delectable treats.

Social media gives my customers the opportunity to instantly communicate their opinion of their experience – to a wide audience. They actually create the content on record for all their friends and followers to see – which has generated new customers, and a lot of repeat business for me.

My clients, family and friends have all been very supportive of my baking and cancer journey

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As I mentioned earlier, when I was diagnosed with cancer, baking empowered me. I still cooked for seniors in my community, donated desserts and baked for a small group of customers during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I didn’t allow the cancer to control me in any way. I continued to live my life …my BEST LIFE!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @myrassweetstuff

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Myra Harris