We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raven Gates a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Raven, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
A part of me reflects on the desire to have started my entrepreneurial journey earlier, when I could share the joy of baking with my grandmother before her health challenges. Unfortunately, she can no longer join me in the kitchen today but is still my hardest critic. However, I was navigating the aftermath of being a survivor of sexual assault, grappling with a new diagnosis of chronic pain and chronic fatigue, and facing the verdict that my health ruled law school out of my future.
Amidst these challenges, baking emerged as my therapeutic refuge. It aligned with my healing journey, offering solace and unveiling a newfound passion for crafting delectable cheesecakes using my grandmother’s recipe. Surprisingly, despite not being a fan of cheesecakes during my younger years, my inaugural taste experience almost a decade ago proved perfect timing. I’ve realized that every twist and turn in my life has led me to this fulfilling and sweet pursuit, and looking back, I wouldn’t alter a single detail.
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?
Growing up with my incredible grandmother and mom, both great cooks and bakers, it was inevitable that I would catch the baking spirit (no matter how hard I tried to fight it).
In the latter part of 2014, I embarked on my baking journey, starting with cheesecakes and cupcakes for close family and friends. The joy of witnessing people savor my desserts prompted me to create more sweet treats for my inner circle and eventually share across LA and Orange County area, giving rise to the inception of Made By Yub (Yub is my nickname given to me by my mother when I was three months old).
My dreams extend beyond just baking. I aspire to open a bakery, not just as a showcase for my grandmother’s cheesecakes but as a space where I can make a meaningful impact. One of my goals is to provide employment opportunities for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, creating a supportive environment for their healing and empowerment. I am a passionate advocate for survivors of abuse, who wants to seize every opportunity to empower them and break the cycle of violence.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My family plays a pivotal role in shaping my reputation. Asking my grandmother for her cheesecake recipe almost a decade ago has blossomed into a business. Her cheesecakes put me on the map, and I still find immense joy in watching people sample her cheesecakes.
Moving along the journey, my parents became integral to the operation. Spot me at a market, and you’re guaranteed to encounter “Logistics,” my dad, always adding humor. He never fails to mention retiring, only to end up helping his daughter sell cheesecakes at every event – jokingly, at least; I hope he’s joking! He’ll also tell you which flavor is his favorite if you struggle to pick just one flavor.
Then there’s my official “Taste Tester,” my mom, who makes people believe the business is hers, especially on social media. Her humor resonates with people, and she’s fun to be around. Vending with my family while showcasing my grandmother’s cheesecakes is a blast. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One crucial lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to say yes to every opportunity that came my way. In the initial stages of building my business, I eagerly accepted every order and applied to every event I could find. Yet, in the process, I neglected self-care. It didn’t take long for me to realize that it’s perfectly acceptable to make mistakes, not sell out, and, most importantly, acknowledge that I couldn’t be everything to everyone unless I prioritized my well-being.
Understanding that it’s okay to turn down specific opportunities and say no was a game-changer. Taking the time to recharge and rest became paramount, allowing me to return stronger and more resilient than before. It’s a valuable lesson – saying no is not a sign of weakness but a strategy for sustainable success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.madebyyub.com
- Instagram: @madebyyub
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeByYub1/
- Youtube: https://www.yelp.com/biz/made-by-yub-costa-mesa
Image Credits
Jenillee Remigio-Saquillo Adrienne Credo