We recently connected with Kitiana Monae Adams and have shared our conversation below.

Kitiana Monae, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

When I came up with the idea for Kee’s Kali Kitchen, it wasn’t just a sudden epiphany; it was actually something that had been brewing in my fiancé’s mind for years. I’ve always loved food, but it wasn’t just about cooking—it was about the memories, the family gatherings, the joy that food brings to people. I grew up watching the women in my family prepare dishes that seemed to unite everyone around the table, no matter the occasion. I wanted to create something that encapsulated that sense of community and nostalgia but with my own twist, bringing unique flavors and creations that could leave a lasting impression.

The turning point came when I made my Sweet Susie Q Potato Pound Cake for a small gathering, we were having. The reaction was overwhelming—it wasn’t just about people enjoying it; they were raving about it. There was this sense of connection they felt with the flavors, a nostalgia for traditional sweets but with something new and exciting. That’s when I knew I had something special. I realized there was a gap in the market for cuisine and desserts that blended the familiar warmth of home with a fresh, unique twist.

The excitement I felt came from the possibility of sharing that experience with people beyond my family, offering something that could evoke the same feelings I grew up with. Kee’s Kali Kitchen was born out of a desire to not only fill that gap but to create a brand that could offer a personal touch in every bite, with quality ingredients and a story behind each product.

I knew this would work because people crave authenticity, and that’s what Kee’s Kali Kitchen is all about. It’s more than just food—it’s a connection, a story, and an experience wrapped into one.

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.

My name is Kitiana Monae Adams, and I’m the proud owner and founder of Kee’s Kali Kitchen. I’ve always been deeply connected to food, especially the kinds of recipes that bring people together and create lasting memories. My journey into the world of food began with my love for family traditions and the idea that food is more than just sustenance—it’s a way to connect, share stories, and make people feel at home. I’ve spent years experimenting in the kitchen, perfecting recipes that combine the rich, familiar flavors of home with a unique twist to create something truly special.

Kee’s Kali Kitchen specializes in homemade cuisine and desserts, most notably our signature Sweet Susie Q Potato Pound Cake. Our product line is expanding to include various dishes and sweet treats, all made from the finest ingredients, and we’ll soon be offering shipping across North America. What sets us apart is the personal touch we bring to everything we create. Each product has a story, crafted with love and care, with the goal of delivering a taste experience that transports you back to a place of warmth and nostalgia.

What excites me most about Kee’s Kali Kitchen is how we solve the problem of finding cuisine and desserts that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. There’s a certain joy in providing a product that not only tastes amazing but also evokes fond memories for people. I believe our combination of high-quality ingredients, unique recipes, and a commitment to creating an emotional connection with our customers is what truly sets us apart.

I’m most proud of the positive feedback we’ve received—how our cakes have become the centerpieces of family celebrations and events already. It’s incredible to see how something I’ve created can bring so much joy to others. For anyone interested in Kee’s Kali Kitchen, know that our mission is to bring a sense of home to every bite, to create a lasting impact with every order, and to share a piece of my story through the cuisine and desserts we make.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A story that truly highlights my resilience came in the early stages of launching Kee’s Kali Kitchen. I remember preparing for a local pop-up event, where I planned to debut my Sweet Susie Q Potato Pound Cake. I had spent days perfecting the recipe, making sure every ingredient was just right, and staying up late to prepare a large enough batch for the crowd I anticipated. Everything seemed to be going smoothly—until the night before the event when my cakes collapsed.

I was crushed. With less than 12 hours until the event, I still had a few more cakes to bake and little to no time. For a brief moment, I thought about canceling. But I couldn’t let that happen. I knew how important this event was for my brand and how much work I had already put into it. So, I had to do my best with the time in had left. I decided to remake 2 cakes to make sure I had enough for sale. We made it work, even though it was chaotic and stressful.

By the time the event started, I was exhausted but so grateful for the support and for not giving up. The cakes were a hit, and I sold out by the end of the day. That experience taught me that no matter what obstacles come my way, there’s always a way to push through. That’s something I carry with me in every aspect of Kee’s Kali Kitchen.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Starting Kee’s Kali Kitchen was a family effort from the very beginning. When I first decided to turn my passion for cooking and baking into a business, I knew it would take more than just a great product—I needed financial support to get the business off the ground. I wasn’t in a position to fund everything on my own, but thankfully, I had the backing of my loved ones who believed in my vision.

My mother-in-law, Renee, and my fiancé, Ronald, were instrumental in making Kee’s Kali Kitchen a reality. They both saw the potential in my food, especially the Sweet Susie Q Potato Pound Cake, and offered not just emotional support but financial investment as well. They believed in me and my ability to build something meaningful, and their confidence was all the motivation I needed.

Together, they helped me secure the initial capital to purchase the necessary ingredients, equipment, and packaging to get started. Their investment wasn’t just financial—it was a commitment to my dream and a testament to the faith they had in what I could accomplish. This initial funding allowed me to do my first pop-up event, create promotional materials, and prepare for the shipping operations we’re now expanding.

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for their belief in me. Their support helped lay the foundation for Kee’s Kali Kitchen, and without their investment, I’m not sure the business would have come together as quickly or successfully as it did. It was a true team effort, and I’m proud to have such a strong family backing my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www,keeskalikitchen.com
• Instagram: @keeskalikitchen
• Facebook: Kee’s Kali Kitchen