We were lucky to catch up with Kynita J Amey-Martin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kynita J, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

Growing up I was lucky enough to be raised by a mother and a father. Many people aren’t so lucky. As long as I can remember, my parents have always been there for me. When I was younger, I was a daddy’s girl. My mom and I were always at it. During my high school years, I was a mess. I felt the need to not listen to my mother. Everything she told me not to do, I did. In 2005, my dad got deployed and I crumbled from there. I got kicked out and lived with anyone of my family members who would take me in. At the end of the day, my parents would always take me back.

December of 2008, my daughter Shadae was born. I was in 12th grade at the time. I knew my parents were disappointed, and as usual, they stood by me through it all. After having my baby, I wasn’t ready for what being a mother entailed. I wanted to party and live it up. I did not want the responsibility. Shadae was raised by my parents until I got my life in order. It was tough at the time but looking back now, I’m grateful I had them in my life.

I moved to Orlando in 2013 where I obtained my Registered Medical Assistant license. In 2014, I moved back to St. Thomas and worked as a RMA at a Gastroenterologist office. When I moved back home, I was living with my parents so I was able to be with Shadae all the time.

I moved back to Orlando in 2017. I got a job at Arnold Palmer Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology. I now had two children who stayed behind with my parents until I was settled. Many many ups and down we went through, I had so many sleepless nights, and stressful days. I made it through with the grace of God, and the support of my parents.

The best thing they ever did for me was allowing me to find my own way. When I made my mistakes, they stood in the background while I cleaned up my own mess. I am who I am because of them. I gained wings and learned to fly.

To my parents.

Thank you for never giving up on me. I appreciate EVERYTHING you have done and continue to do for me and my little family. Mom, out of you and daddy you received the worse end of the stick. I always tell Martin if I can start over I would be the best child ever lol! Everything you’ve done, was for a reason. Your tough love was frustrating and annoying, but it was needed. I’m sorry, I should’ve been a better daughter because you both didn’t deserve any of the disrespect. I’m proud to say having you both as my parents is the greatest gift of all. You are now and will for ever be my MVP’s. Thank you!

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 Kynita Janelle Amey-Martin. I was born on August 02, 1990 to the parents of Leonard K. Amey Sr. and Lynette P. Petty-Amey. Born and raised on the beautiful island of St. Thomas, located in the United States Virgin Islands. I have 5 sisters and 1 brother. I’m the second youngest out of all my siblings. I have two beautiful children, Shadae and Sha’Kai, and a handsome husband, Imon Martin. I enjoy being a stay at home mom, hair braiding, cooking, and baking(now). Growing up, I’ve always enjoyed hair braiding. I learned to braid at the age of 9. I was tired of those mommy hair styles, you know the two bull plaits lol! I always thought I would have a salon, but that all changed when my son asked me to make his birthday cake.

In May of 2020, my son asked if I could make his birthday cake. I had never baked a cake before, but how could I say no?

I started watching YouTube video tutorials just to get the basics. At the time, I worked at the hospital, so I brought samples for my coworkers. They gave me honest feedback.

I went through about ten batches of cake batter before I found the perfect vanilla cake recipe and my son’s birthday cake was a hit. Everyone talked highly about the flavor, and they loved the frosting.

After all the amazing feedback, I decided to continue baking. Before then, I had never imagined myself as a baker, but I fell in love with the craft. It’s a lot of hard work, but the smiles on my clients’ faces when they receive their orders are priceless.

Right about that time, my husband and I were planning our wedding and when we saw the cost of a wedding cake, I decided no matter what I would make our own. Everyone thought it would be too much stress for me, but I was confident. I solicited help from my family and friends to stack and put the cake together. It was three tiers, 18″ tall. Again, I surprised myself and all those who saw my wedding cake. I have pictures to remind me of my boldest move.

In March of 2021, I decided to register as an LLC. Today I am the CEO of Dae’Kai’s Sweets and Treats LLC. I named the business after my children in hopes they will continue the business in my absence.

After working as a Registered Medical Assistant for the past seven years, I resigned and started working for myself. Throughout my life, I never thought I’d become a business owner, but God has been with me every step of the way. I want to thank him for blessing me with such an amazing husband because he has been my rock throughout this entire journey.

This has not been a smooth road. I had no baking experience. The only thing I remembered baking was some banana muffins, and I think I was about ten years old. Having a full-time job, being a full-time wife and mother to two beautiful children became draining. Not to mention going to school part-time to finish my nursing degree. My work schedule was 7:45am – 5pm. After work, I would come home and start filling orders. Thank goodness for my daughter Shadae. She would set out the ingredients so when I got home, all I had to do was mix the batter. The nights I didn’t have cake orders, I was braiding someone’s hair. Another business I have in the making. Almost every other night, I got to bed after two in the morning and up at five making sure the children are ready for school before I leave for work.

I am based at my home, so I’m not able to take as many orders as I would like. I only have one oven, so for 2 and 3 tier cake orders, I would start baking a couple of days before the order is due. That gives me time to redo batches if the cakes didn’t come out right. Storing cakes overnight is hard on me as well because just like my oven, there’s only one refrigerator. When making space, I end up having to throw things out because I can’t afford to mess up an order. For now, my business is being advertised by word of mouth. I do have social media accounts as well. I don’t think I’m putting myself out there as much as I should be.

I battled with myself and my mom for a while before I left my job. Her biggest concerns were not having medical insurance and life insurance, you know the benefits you get from your full-time job. I understood her point of view, but I wasn’t happy anymore. I woke up everyday complaining about going to work. It took a toll on my husband and the children noticed as well. ” I told you if you are not happy you can resign. I will take care of us,” my husband said to me almost every other week. On August 2, 2021, my 31st birthday, I told my husband I’m turning in my resignation letter. When I got to work the next day, I sent the letter to human resources. A weight was lifted off my shoulders. I was starting to feel like myself again.

If I’m being honest, I was not financially ready to quit my full-time job and start this business. When I get orders, I purchase the ingredients, bake the cake and receive payment upon delivery or pick up. I know I need to put something in place so I’m not coming out of pocket every time. This is a new learning experience for me, and I’m ready to dive in headfirst.

These are challenges that come with starting a business. My hope is that I will be able to have a place/building where I can bake and advertise my craft. I am motivated to make this business more than a hobby and a source of financial stability, but a place that can bring satisfaction to customers and teach other young women that it is possible to be self-sufficient even in a pandemic.

Mrs. Grace and her two daughters at Worthy Cakes in Ocoee, and Shanika of Calypso Flava LLC in Atlanta, I thank you for always assisting whenever I had questions about decorating a cake or designing the strawberries.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kynita J. Amey-Martin.

Hi Kynita J., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In May of 2020, my son asked if I could make his birthday cake. I had never baked a cake before, but how could I say no?

I started watching YouTube video tutorials just to get the basics. At the time, I worked at the hospital, so I brought samples for my coworkers. They gave me honest feedback.

I went through about ten batches of cake batter before I found the perfect vanilla cake recipe and my son’s birthday cake was a hit. Everyone talked highly about the flavor, and they loved the frosting.

After all the amazing feedback, I decided to continue baking. Before then, I had never imagined myself as a baker, but I fell in love with the craft. It’s a lot of hard work, but the smiles on my clients’ faces when they receive their orders are priceless.

Right about that time, my husband and I were planning our wedding and when we saw the cost of a wedding cake, I decided no matter what I would make our own. Everyone thought it would be too much stress for me, but I was confident. I solicited help from my family and friends to stack and put the cake together. It was three tiers, 18″ tall. Again, I surprised myself and all those who saw my wedding cake. I have pictures to remind me of my boldest move.

In March of 2021, I decided to register as an LLC. Today I am the CEO of Dae’Kai’s Sweets and Treats LLC. I named the business after my children in hopes they will continue the business in my absence.

After working as a Registered Medical Assistant for the past seven years, I resigned and started working for myself. Throughout my life, I never thought I’d become a business owner, but God has been with me every step of the way. I want to thank him for blessing me with such an amazing husband because he has been my rock throughout this entire journey.

This has not been a smooth road. I had no baking experience. The only thing I remembered baking was some banana muffins, and I think I was about ten years old. Having a full-time job, being a full-time wife and mother to two beautiful children became draining. Not to mention going to school part-time to finish my nursing degree. My work schedule was 7:45am – 5pm. After work, I would come home and start filling orders. Thank goodness for my daughter Shadae. She would set out the ingredients so when I got home, all I had to do was mix the batter. The nights I didn’t have cake orders, I was braiding someone’s hair. Another business I have in the making. Almost every other night, I went to bed after two in the morning and up at five making sure the children are ready for school before I leave for work.

I am based at my home, so I’m not able to take as many orders as I would like. I only have one oven, so for 2 and 3 tier cake orders, I would start baking a couple of days before the order is due. That gives me time to redo batches if the cakes didn’t come out right. Storing cakes overnight is hard on me as well because just like my oven, there’s only one refrigerator. When making space, I end up having to throw things out because I can’t afford to mess up an order. For now, my business is being advertised by word of mouth. I do have social media accounts as well. I don’t think I’m putting myself out there as much as I should be.

I battled with myself and my mom for a while before I left my job. Her biggest concerns were not having medical insurance and life insurance, you know the benefits you get from your full-time job. I understood her point of view, but I wasn’t happy anymore. I woke up everyday complaining about going to work. It took a toll on my husband and the children noticed as well. ” I told you if you are not happy you can resign. I will take care of us,” my husband said to me almost every other week. On August 2, 2021, my 31st birthday, I told my husband I’m turning in my resignation letter. When I got to work the next day, I sent the letter to human resources. A weight was lifted off my shoulders. I was starting to feel like myself again.

If I’m being honest, I was not financially ready to quit my full-time job and start this business. When I get orders, I purchase the ingredients, bake the cake and receive payment upon delivery or pick up. I know I need to put something in place so I’m not coming out of pocket every time. This is a new learning experience for me, and I’m ready to dive in headfirst.

These are challenges that come with starting a business. My hope is that I will be able to have a place/building where I can bake and advertise my craft. I am motivated to make this business more than a hobby and a source of financial stability, but a place that can bring satisfaction to customers and teach other young women that it is possible to be self-sufficient even in a pandemic.

Mrs. Grace and her two daughters at Worthy Cakes in Ocoee, and Shanika of Calypso Flava LLC in Atlanta, I thank you for always assisting whenever I had questions about decorating a cake or designing the strawberries.

Dae’Kai’s Sweets and Treats LLC specializes in homemade Cakes, Cupcakes, Cake in Cups, Cheesecake Stuffed Waffle Cones and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries. Our best seller so far has been the Vanilla, Chocolate Oreo Cake, and Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Buttercream. We are limited on cake flavors because I have a severe peanut allergy. We also offer Banana Pudding, Chocolate, Vienna, Coconut, Carrot and Lemon cakes. Our cupcakes are sold by the dozen and the flavors are about the same as the cakes. The Chocolate Covered Strawberries are sold by the dozen as well. They can be plain or themed. However, the customer prefers. We do not specialize in fondant cakes, but we will do them if the customer requests it.

I’m very optimistic. I’m eager to take on cakes. I know I have not tried before. I won’t take an order if I know I won’t be able to get the job done. I make sure my orders are completed in a timely manner. I’m devoted to my customers. They are all that matter to me. I am very personable and I enjoy meeting new people. These are just some things that set me apart from the rest.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I’m going to be completely honest. My little sister Lynelle Amey is my Social Media Manager. I’m not one for social media at all. All content posted is done by her. All the videos and pictures, everything is her. I mean I know how to post things here and there, but it seems to come naturally to her.

We have built our audience on social media, but mostly from word of mouth. Tell a friend to tell two friends is our motto! We also built our audience by just baking and having friends and family be our tasters. A job they enjoy by the way.

To anyone starting a business, just do it. Don’t be afraid. Post your content and be creative in videos. I’m still trying to figure out how to create content, but I don’t allow social media to run my business.

I’ve received many orders from clients who have never been on my social media pages. Your work, and customer service will speak for your business.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As I mentioned earlier, I could’ve had a wonderful life growing up, but it was harder because I choose to be hard headed. I made a pivot in life after my grandfather’s passing in 2011. He was my everything. Watching him day after day, fighting with the terrible disease known as Alzheimer’s was detrimental. His death made me see life differently. Being a part of his care team made me realize I enjoyed caring for the elderly. He is one of the main reasons I got into the medical field. Once I started the CNA program, things became easier for me. I had a purpose, and I was happy. I was able to grow and mature into a beautiful wife and mother.

Everyone’s path in life will not be the same. This was the path God gave to me. He knew my worth and he knew what I was capable of. He needed me to find my strengths on my own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.daekaisweettreats.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/daekaissweettreats
• Facebook: facebook.com/daekaissweettreats

Image Credits
Image Credits goes out to: Lynelle E. Amey Shadae M. Caines Kynita J Amey-Martin