We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Asia Lockhart a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Asia, appreciate you joining us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Vacations are a huge part of your well-being. It’s a part of growth and refreshing. Vacations provide, at times a renewing and new perspective of life. A focused and clear mindset cultivates creativity, joy, and networking, making it easier to move forward.

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

Asia here, so glad to make your acquaintance through your tummy! I’m a proudly certified baker of 8 years and a proud business owner for about 7 years. I’ve always been someone that makes people happy, whether through my laugh or smile, or just a friendly conversation, so I thought, why not make people happy through their bellies as well?! I’ve known I wanted to be in the kitchen since 10 or 11yrs old, and when I got to high school, I realized that baking was the thing I’d hold on to. From there, I went to and graduated from The Art Institutes International Minnesota and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. From there it was on! I am now a proud owner of Lashaye’s Bakes, for now, a home baker, but soon (in the very near future) café! I hope you enjoy my treats and I look forward to being of service to you soon!!!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In my bio, I talk about being in business for a roundabout time. I say this because, though I officially started my career in baking in 2012, some things along the way hindered me from being consistent and successful. Now I say this with the intention of humility. I don’t speak about my on-again, off-again baking career lightly. Throughout the years of me baking on my own, I’ve stopped for a number of reasons. Sometimes there was a sense of insecurity about the talents I possessed. Occasionally other tasks pivoted me from my focus. At times, family and ministry took the forefront while my baking career took the backburner. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always had support from others, but I didn’t always believe in my work or myself. When I relaunched officially in 2020, I knew that in that moment, the cliche of “seize the day’ took hold and launched me forward with a newfound passion and love for what I’ve always known to belong to me, and that’s baking. I’m not saying that mistakes along the way weren’t made, but every trial and every error along the way helped to shape me and what my brand is today.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’ve always been told I was a social butterfly, and social media wasn’t/isisn’t any different. When advertising on social media, I literally take my personality and make it come to life behind the screen of my phone or laptop. I cannot stress how important networking is, in person or digitally. Building strong relationships will mark you as a person of stability, and integrity, and provide you with great character witnesses. I’ve learned by through that, you build trust, therefore, leading others to trust and support whatever it is that you find yourself promoting because remember, when promoting a product, you’re simply promoting a little essence of who you are every time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lashayesbakes
• Facebook: Lashaye’s Bakes
• Other: Stay tuned for my new and improved website, which will be posted on my social media platforms very soon! In the meantime, keep an eye out on my business and personal pages for my yummy bakes!

Image Credits
Asia Lockhart. I certify that all images have been taken by myself and permission to share is all mine.