Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Billy Covington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Billy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Being misunderstood has been part of my journey for as long as I can remember. For many people, the first thing they encounter is my outer expression the way I move, speak, create, and hold space. But that’s just the doorway. What lives inside me is something softer, warmer, and deeply intentional. I often describe myself as a human Teddy Bear someone whose purpose is to offer comfort, safety, and nourishment to others. Some people don’t immediately understand that softness, especially when it comes from a Black man who chooses to lead with empathy and vulnerability. But that softness is actually my strength.

I come from a lineage of artists and creatives, people who lived boldly in their truth. Watching them, taught me early on that liberation requires courage. The elders in my family weren’t concerned with simply being accepted they lived in a way that commanded respect. That philosophy shaped me. As an artist, I learned that authenticity might confuse people at first, but eventually it becomes undeniable.

My work exists in many forms. Some people know the music or the fashion, but those are only small pieces of the larger expression. My truest canvas is visual, edible, and tangible art. As a chef, every dish is a story. The colors on the plate are visual art. The flavors and aromas are edible art. The environment, the gathering of people, the feeling of community around the table that’s tangible art. When someone tastes something I’ve created, they’re not just eating a meal. They’re experiencing a piece of my spirit.

Food has always been one of the most intimate forms of creativity because it nourishes both body and memory. Through my work as a chef and community advocate, I try to create spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. In that sense, my kitchen becomes more than a place where meals are made it becomes a place where healing, storytelling, and belonging happen.

So when people misunderstand me, I’ve learned not to fight it. Misunderstanding often comes from people trying to fit you into a smaller idea of who you’re supposed to be. My role is simply to continue living in my wholeness. When people truly experience the art when they sit at the table, share the food, feel the warmth they begin to understand. And in that moment, respect naturally replaces confusion.

Billy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Billy D. Covington, affectionately known as “The Teddy Bear.” I’m a Pastry Chef born and raised in Houston, Texas, and my current career practice is centered around Culinary and Hospitality Development. While custom cakes will always have my heart, my passion for culinary arts, hospitality, and entertainment is truly a birthright skill that allowed me to find liberation in my craft. Through my work, I’m able to let my light shine while connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for creativity, celebration, and community. I always say: I go where I’m welcomed, never just tolerated.

My journey into the culinary world began at the early age of 14, helping my mother (Late Janet Michelle Covington)and grandmother (Billie J. Covington) bake family favorites during the holidays. My grandmother is an amazing baker, and at some point I became curious about how to make her delicious creations look even more beautiful and artistic. Around that same time, I was inspired by incredible creatives like Emeril Lagasse, Duff Goldman, Jill Scott, Big Freedia,and most of all Missy Elliott. I would bounce between music videos and cooking shows constantly, and before long, baking and cooking became more than something I watched—it became something I loved doing myself.

Immediately after high school, I knew I wanted to continue nurturing the thing that made me feel truly euphoric, so I enrolled in culinary school. I graduated with honors, and instead of settling for just any job, I decided to chase my dreams wholeheartedly. After trying to use my talents in a few restaurants, I realized my heart kept pulling me back to baking and cake design. Eventually, I joined a renowned wedding cake company, where I completely fell in love with wedding cakes, custom sculpted cakes, and edible art. That experience opened the sky for me creatively. Through dedication, persistence, and hard work, I continued networking and eventually expanded my career into becoming a Culinary and Hospitality Specialist, helping new business owners develop strategic plans that position their companies for success in the food industry.

At my core, I’m a cake designer and pastry chef who believes in creating memorable edible art. I approach cakes not just as desserts but as storytelling pieces that celebrate life’s milestones. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or special celebration, I design cakes and desserts that uplift people, affirm who they are, and celebrate them unapologetically. And honestly, the cherry on top is the experience people get when I’m present at the celebration too. I bring energy, personality, and joy—I can move a crowd for sure.

The biggest problem I solve for my clients is storytelling. Many of my clients come through referrals and networking, and while I serve local communities intentionally, I’ve also had the honor of working with some very notable names. Often, clients who are considered “picky” choose me because they trust my ability to translate their vision into something meaningful. I create edible art that allows people to celebrate their story without judgment. And usually, after the first bite, guests say something like, “Yeah… this definitely tastes like something they would love.” That’s when I know I’ve done my job right.

What sets me apart is simply being authentically me. I like to describe myself as a magical, snuggly force to be reckoned with. I proudly balance my femininity and masculinity and show up fully as myself in every space I enter. It took me a long time to become the person I am today, and if my presence helps someone else feel comfortable being their true self, then I know I’m walking in my purpose.

Some of my proudest achievements are actually happening right now. Professionally, I currently serve as the Culinary Creative Director for a popular hospitality group based in Houston, Texas—Made Men Hospitality Group—home of the well-known Goodies Soul Kitchen. It’s a blessing to contribute to something that represents Houston’s rich food culture while being recognized on a broader scale.

Beyond the kitchen, I’m also deeply involved in community work. I currently serve on the Community Advisory Council for The Normal Anomaly Initiative in Houston. During my current term, I’ve had the privilege of working diligently and cohesively with some truly amazing leaders who care deeply about the community—shout out to Ian, Jordan, Shelly, and Joelle for the incredible work they continue to do. Through this work, we support meaningful community initiatives such as the Black Like That Community Festival, formerly known as BQAF. The festival celebrates authenticity, joy, and community by creating a space where people can show up as their full selves while enjoying music, culture, and connection. With local vendors, nationally recognized performers, and community organizations coming together, the event highlights the richness of Black and queer creativity while reminding people that they belong exactly as they are.

At the end of the day, what I want anyone who crosses my path to know is simple:
A party without cake and amazing food is just a meeting.

Whether you see me hauling a five-tier wedding cake, cooking meals that feed the soul, or showing up in the community spreading love and light, please know that my mission is to celebrate life and people in meaningful ways.

If you ever see me out in the world, understand that The Teddy Bear welcomes all positive energy and compassionate people. Just like your favorite teddy bear, I’m always somewhere spreading joy, creating memories, and being the magical being God made me to be.

And trust me—this is only the beginning. 🧸✨

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to tell stories and create moments that people will remember for the rest of their lives. Through my work as a pastry chef and cake designer, I’m not just making desserts—I’m creating edible art that represents someone’s celebration, milestone, or personal journey. Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they experience something I’ve created is truly priceless.

Another rewarding part of being creative is the freedom to express myself fully and authentically. It took me a long time to grow into the person I am today, so being able to show up as my true self and let that authenticity shine through my work means everything to me. My creativity allows me to blend artistry, flavor, culture, fashion,and personality into something that not only looks beautiful but also makes people feel something special.

But honestly, the greatest reward is the connection. Whether it’s through cake, food, hospitality, or simply my presence at a celebration, I love bringing people together and creating an atmosphere of joy, love, and positive energy. When people feel seen, celebrated, and uplifted because of something I created, that’s when I know I’m walking in my purpose.

At the end of the day, my work allows me to spread love, light, and celebration, and there’s nothing more rewarding than that.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Before there was a Teddy, there was Luther, James, Prince, Michael, Ronald, and so many others who showed me that expression has no limits.

As a colored Black man, I believe in balancing my feminine and masculine traits as one. I can hold velvet and steel at the same time. I am human first, then I’m urban, and THEN I’m a gentleman.

Most of my life I’ve been misunderstood. But I had to learn to love myself enough to understand that I can wear bold, risky colors and still fulfill my duties as a King. I can nurture a home and still be respected as a man and as an individual.

I’ve become okay with people not understanding me. Sometimes that misunderstanding creates space for the next person to love themselves enough to seek understanding.

I know I’m different. I’m not always everyone’s cup of tea. But sometimes what people call a “preference” is simply something they’ve never explored deeply enough to question why they dislike it in the first place. DON’T KNOCK IT, TIL’ YOU TRY IT!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @decorated_teddy
• Facebook: Billy D. Covington

Image Credits

Nora Dayton
The Normal Anomaly Initiative