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

Claudie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up, my mom had to hustle to make ends meet. She would end up selling cake on Saturday morning. Sometimes, she would send me with a basket full of cakes to sell. I always thought that was more a punishment than a learning experience. I don’t even remember her or anyone speaking about it as a business. So, back in the day, I did not even realize that she was teaching me how to create my own business. What was more valued and important was finishing my studies and getting a job . I completed my studies and proudly worked as a psychologist. But now I get to explore another aspect of myself that is craving more creativeness and ownership.  When my mom passed away, I had this urge to bake because it was a way for me to still be with her. Everything that I learn from this strong woman that was my mom just needed a space to breathe and live. At that moment, I did not realize it yet, but my baking journey was just beginning.
In 2020, I officially opened my own cottage bakery ” Kmade, délices de Klody ”  so I can share delicious Caribbean and Parisian-influenced bakeries.

Claudie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was always surrounded by women and mostly my mom, who loved to bake and made amazingly delicious dishes. Food was a way to show love; and I still carry that with me.   As a child, growing up in Guadeloupe and Paris, I always enjoyed freshly baked goods that my mom baked. Since I became a mother and have my own children now, I know how precious it is to have wholesome and good ingredients in our baked foods. Now, I want to share this experience I had growing up with my community and everyone that enjoys flavorful pastries.  I love how delighted people are when they see their special occasion cakes for the first time, or can’t believe that it’s vegan or gluten free. That really motivates me and makes me want to do better the next time.
I am very proud to bring to the Californian market one of my favorite childhood comfort baked good:  La Madeleine. I get to experiment with different flavors and aromas and show how delicious this small bite of dessert can be.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I would say that I had to learn to be confident and believe what I put my mind into. It was so easy growing up believing that I was not good in the kitchen because I will compare myself with people or even my mom that had more experience than me. I thought that I didn’t have talent baking or cooking and my hope was that I would just do okay. Unlearn to learn is not easy but so rewarding.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I cannot think of one moment since I feel that the pivoting moment of change seems to be my whole life and career. Now I am living in my second country and trying my second carrier. I am a psychologist in France – I love that, don’t get me wrong but I wanted to try living abroad. It was hard to get my French diploma recognized abroad.  I could not be a psychologist in Canada so I looked for similar alternatives. I became a counselor (pretty much the same, right?). After that, I moved to the US with my husband and had my kids. A few years later, I started my business.  What is most important when there is a need for change is not forget who I am. Usually, that thought grounds me enough to let me explore and jump to the next adventure.
The road to be a business owner has been challenging since I am not only learning how to sell my product but also figuring out how to market my business in a language and culture that is different than mine. Everything is worth it down the line and the hard work and long nights make the accomplishment even more special .

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kmade.biz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.kmade/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmadelesdelicesdeklody/

Image Credits
Diane Hamacher Karine creative studio