We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cyierra Key. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cyierra below.

Hi Cyierra, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The creation of my first business
— MXNCHIES’R’US @thecrossfadedkitchen—
started back in 2016 after finding out I have an Type 1 Arnold Chiari Brain Malformation. I had been experiencing migraines and other pains from a young age with no relief with typical pain medications. I took matters into my own hands and started doing research on what would work for me. I started experimenting with edibles and smoking cannabis which helped drastically reduce the amount of migraines or pain that I was experiencing.

In 2018, I moved to LA which allowed me to network and get more hands on experience working with cannabis in different forms. I eventually started to work on making my own infused meals, beverages, desserts, and oil bases for clients like myself. I spent 2 years building my portfolio, networking, and perfecting my craft before finally Launching our LLC in 2020.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Since I was a child, I’ve always been extremely passionate about my place in the kitchen. One of my earliest memories that I’m extremely fond of is making grilled cheese sandwiches with my dad. Super simple but to a chil Growing up I was one of those kids who LOVED to share food with my friends. I knew I wanted to be a chef since I was 3 years olds and have been in the kitchen since!

The creation of my first business — MXNCHIES’R’US @thecrossfadedkitchen— started back in 2016 after finding out I have an Type 1 Arnold Chiari Brain Malformation. I had been experiencing migraines and other pains from a young age with no relief with typical pain medications. So I took matters into my own hands and started doing research on what would work for me. I started experimenting with edibles and smoking cannabis which helped drastically reduce the amount of migraines or pain that I was experiencing.

In 2018, I moved to LA which allowed me to network and get more hands on experience working with cannabis in different forms. I eventually started to work on making my own infused Comfort meals, beverages, desserts, and oil bases for clients like myself. I spent 2 years building my portfolio, networking, and perfecting my craft before finally Launching our LLC in 2020. In 2021, I started a sister company —Th3Ang3lSanctuary LLC— which offers infused + non infused Intention charged selfcare products + beauty services! We offer a variety of products to help with a range of health + mental health issues including Rheumatoid arthritis, Depression, Psoriasis, Eczema, and more! Since launching both businesses, we’ve been focused on networking, building a solid list of Clientele, and formulating an amazing team! We spent the next 3 years catering Private Events, Pop-up events/markets, and offering meal delivery services with more to come!

Our businesses are here to help break the stigma surrounding cannabis infused products while educating clients on the medicinal properties and benefits from consuming or using cannabis.

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

Prior to finding out about my brain malformation, I had plans on enlisting in the US Army to help pay for my tuition and fund my dreams of a farm to table restaurant! Fortunately and Unfortunately, I happened to be rejected for multiple medical reasons. This caused a MAJOR pivot in my life and really pushed me to pursue a culinary career on my own. Moving to LA not only allowed me to pursue my career but, also all of the other things in life I’m passionate about. I choose to refer to myself as an Alchemist after a friend of mine inspired me to live for ME. Being an Alchemist has many different meanings in life, for me it’s the ability to transmute negativity into something positive and create the life I imagine for myself and those around me. Being Cyierra the Alchemist, I get to experience all of the things in life I’m passionate about with no restrictions.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the idea that support comes from those closest. When I moved to LA, I realized that I’m living this life for me and me only.

Yes, I want to do things in life that my mom can be proud of but at what cost?

When I first started my business, I didn’t tell my mom immediately because I didn’t know how she would react. I didn’t need her to invest in or support my business but to simply be there for me as her child. Sometimes that’s not the case for many dreamers. My mom had been very vocal for years about her displeasure in my interest in being a Chef. Making it VERY known she didn’t think I would make money as a Chef. When I finally decided to tell her I started my business, her response was “I can invest $1500 but I won’t give you the money if you’re going to fail.”

50% of restaurants close within their 2nd year of business. That comment with that added statistic lingered in my mind for MONTHS before I shook it off. That comment from my mom made me realize that my journey wasn’t going to look the same as other creators and business owners which is okay. It’s okay if you don’t have that family support or the support from your friends. If you keep showing up for yourself and your brand, you’ll find strangers who’ll choose to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mxnchiesrusllc.square.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY58_yMmac9zNVTwekz1vEQzltBFWra1slM2oPfIDmh2k4HO_8f2WwCZcg_aem_AdkN7VsY6UQwy3T7ftQxsyHnTPmVa5bo-OL535mL0VY41k-c_61OGTlthIm-F01Uz3ORq14a2KD3c4JfgBgpXQTH
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrossfadedkitchen?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Other: Th3Ang3lSanctuary

  Instagram

  https://www.instagram.com/th3ang3lsanctuary?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==

  Website

  https://theangelsanctuary.square.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa0x3I8NkhIZkjNEO5zZjZ0qumHP9vsgkZsYPa6zNW61k2V3ZvXIN7Zpmw_aem_Adn0pYiKbIqLA4G6RCHA_RiiK56GUdu1P3KkU0jFh9COaa4oKgELSSAhbva6SwuyhveJpVy6t3si435a3fKUfmOo