We recently connected with Khye Cunningham and have shared our conversation below.

Khye, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Khye’s Creations, our mission to empower young entrepreneurs to dream early and dream big comes from my own journey. Starting this business last year as a 15-year-old wasn’t just about baking — it was about proving to myself and others that age doesn’t define your ability to create, lead, and succeed.

I’ve seen many young people with big ideas feel held back because they don’t think they’re ‘ready’ or ‘old enough.’ I want Khye’s Creations to serve as both a reminder and a platform that passion and dedication can overcome those limits. Every cookie and brownie we make is a small step toward inspiring other young entrepreneurs to trust God, believe in themselves, and take action on their dreams — no matter how early they start.

This mission is meaningful to me because it’s personal. It’s about changing mindsets, building confidence, and lighting a path for others to follow — because when young people dream big, the possibilities are endless.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started cooking around the age of eight, helping my aunt in the kitchen. As I grew older, I began experimenting by adding my own blend of seasonings and even plating dishes like the chefs I saw on cooking shows. When the pandemic hit and I found myself with fewer things to do, I decided to try baking. At first, I failed badly—and quickly had to learn that baking isn’t as free-form as cooking; it’s an exact science. But I didn’t let that stop me. I kept practicing, perfecting my recipes until I found the right balance.

Eventually, I developed a collection of cookie flavors that I was proud of. I approached Dr. Anthony Brock, the Head Master at my high school, Valiant Cross Academy, to ask if I could sell my cookies on campus. It turned out there was already an Entrepreneurial Program in place. After an interview process, I was admitted, and that’s when Khye’s Creations officially began.

Since then, I’ve become a licensed and insured business owner, selling my cookies throughout Montgomery, Alabama, neighboring areas, and even shipping to customers in other states. I now also serve as the President of the Entrepreneurial Program at Valiant Cross Academy High School. To date, I’ve developed more than 15 cookie flavors.

What sets my creations apart is their signature look and taste — a perfectly rounded 4-inch exterior with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior — a combination that keeps customers coming back and telling others about my products.

One of my proudest moments came when I was invited to be the youngest business owner on a panel of Minority Small Business Owners. Sitting alongside experienced entrepreneurs, I had the chance to share my journey — from a little boy cooking in his kitchen to running a licensed business — and to inspire others, especially young people, to believe that their dreams are worth pursuing right now, not someday.

What I want my fans and customers to know is that every batch I make is hand-crafted with care and passion, with them in mind. Khye’s Creations isn’t just about baking — it’s about inspiring young entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

My cofounder and business partner is my mom, Hilary Cunningham. From the very beginning, I shared my vision with her, and she has been right by my side every step of the way. Whether she’s tasting new creations to give honest feedback, acting as my quality assurance analyst and head of marketing, quietly supporting the business as a silent investor, or standing out in 20-degree weather at one of my vendor events to help with setup and sales — she’s always there.

Her constant support, guidance, and belief in my dreams have been a huge part of Khye’s Creations’ success. Having her as my partner means I never have to face challenges alone, and together we are building something truly special.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson my mom shared with me is that every customer is not my customer. That was a valuable lesson for me. As a young entrepreneur, it was often difficult when I was at vendor events and some people chose not to not even try my cookies. At first, I took it personally and felt discouraged, wondering if I was doing something wrong.

But over time, I learned that not everyone is the right fit for my products — and that’s okay. What matters most is connecting with those who appreciate what I offer and believe in my vision. I’m very blessed to have many loyal, repeat customers and referrals, with orders coming from all over Alabama and as far away as Tennessee, Florida, Texas, and Georgia.

This mindset helped me focus my energy on serving my true customers with passion and dedication, instead of trying to please everyone. It was a tough but important shift that has made me stronger and more confident as a business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.khyescreations.com
• Instagram: khyescreations
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17F6cHKQCc/?mibextid=wwXIfr