Brooklyn's LIfestyle | An Insider Guide to NYC Brooklyn's LIfestyle | An Insider Guide to NYC
  • BKLS
  • FOOD + DRINKS
    • BKLS RESTAURANT GUIDE
    • RESTAURANT CORNER
    • BRUNCH IN NEW YORK CITY
    • RESTAURANT WEEK
    • RESTAURANT REVIEWS
    • WINE + COCKTAILS
    • PLACES TO DINE
  • EVENTS
    • NYC EVENTS BY DAY
    • WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NYC NOW
    • LIST ON BKLS
    • PROMOTE YOUR EVENT OR BUSINESS
  • PLAY + STAY
    • NYC TIPS + ETIQUETTE
    • THINGS TO DO
    • HOTELS
    • NEWS
  • TRAVEL
    • BKLS NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES
    • BUCKET LIST
    • CITY GUIDES
  • ARTS + CULTURE
    • BLACK-OWNED
    • BKLS GUIDE TO BROADWAY
    • BKLS MUSEUM GUIDE
    • ART + FILM
    • MUSIC + DANCE
    • BOOKS
    • FEATURES
  • LIFE + STYLE
    • HOMES + INTERIORS
    • BEAUTY
    • STYLE
    • AT HOME
    • HEALTH + WHOLENESS
    • SHOPPING

Want the Insider Scoop?

Subscribe

FOLLOW

  • FOOD + DRINKS
  • EVENTS
  • PLAY + STAY
  • ARTS + CULTURE
  • TRAVEL
  • LIFE + STYLE
  • LIST ON BKLS
Subscribe
Brooklyn's LIfestyle | An Insider Guide to NYC Brooklyn's LIfestyle | An Insider Guide to NYC

An Insider Guide to NYC

Brooklyn's LIfestyle | An Insider Guide to NYC Brooklyn's LIfestyle | An Insider Guide to NYC
  • BLACK-OWNED

Black-Owned Brands we Love: Make My Cake

  • July 20, 2020
  • Nat C.
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0

Life is Uncertain. Eat dessert FIRST.

Dessert dreams, I believe, are a part of everyone’s life (or I’d like to think so). The quintessential aspect of what makes life stellar is that first taste of something decadent, exquisite, and lovingly prepared. That small burst of joy and richness of living makes everything so worth it at that moment. That is why when I first heard of  Make My Cake, I was excited to take a trip to Upper West Sise (UWS) to indulge.

So many good things on the menu and so many great things said about Make My Cake I decided a drive out from Brooklyn would make any of my days better. I wanted to enjoy all of the lavish and appealing bites on the menu. However, what I fell in love with most is the rich history behind the brand—woman and black-owned. A deliciously inspiring brand, though in another borough is worth sharing with Brooklyn.

Today we present: Make My Cake

Courtesy @makemycakenyc

Make My Cake is located in the space that formerly housed Crumbs at 775 Columbus Avenue, NYC, and is operated by a third-generation baker, Aliyyah Baylor.

What started from a humble beginning in the kitchen of a southern matriarch lovingly known as “Ma Smith” in the 1940s is now both a destination visit and a neighborhood gem.  Ma Smith, armed with an entrepreneurial flair and a love for her community, started selling baked goods from her kitchen to friends and neighbors.

She founded her home-based business on a philosophy of the cultural heritage of service and excellence, paired with family recipes inspired by southern baking traditions of Mississippi and Alabam inspired and evolved into a modern-day legacy of traditions and Harlem Soul.

 

Q & A with Aliyyah Baylor, Owner of Make My Cake

Aliyyah Baylor

What are some of the exciting things you experienced when you launched your brand? And some not so exciting somethings?

I launched my brand 25 years ago as a brick and mortar location. The most exciting part was seeing my company’s name go from a business card to an awning and being able to showcase desserts that were in a notebook to the public. Outside of the clients I had in my home, I was able to broaden my offerings and increase my customer base. I pride myself on building great relationships with my customers. And some of my best friends have come into my life as a result of my business.

The not so exciting something has to be the growing pains that come with starting a business and not knowing areas that need to be improved. We had to create an organizational chart to identify roles beyond the immediate family.

What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?

I know I enjoy the financial security of being an entrepreneur. What I put in and create allows me to make a living. I’m also responsible for others, so there is a high level of pride and dedication, which are key ingredients for me.

What did you do before Make My Cake? And where are you from?

I was born in the Bronx and raised in Harlem. Before Make My Cake, I was a college student and my mom’s baking apprentice until I was 12. My mom helped me sell chocolate chip cookies to my neighbors every Sunday, beginning at the age of 9.

What was your inspiration for Make My Cake? And the name Make My Cake?

I was on my way to meet the young lady who created my logo to pick up the drawings of the logo originally called Cakes by Aliyyah. We came up with the name by repeating her apartment number, to me, 10M. Make My Cake, and the name came to me. I give props to her creative, branded thinking.

Were you formally trained?

I wasn’t trained formally; however, my mom taught me everything I know, and my mom was formally trained.

What is your vision for Make My Cake?

To continue to build our family legacy through traditional southern baking.

How has COVID-19 changed the way you do business?

I know that my business is going to be more tech-friendly as a result of COVID. For example, updating my website and creating an app will happen much sooner. The technological ideas about the business will be in effect quicker than I thought they would be. Additionally, we are visibly conscious of cleaning and social distancing. We are aware of what is happening today and are always better being safe than sorry. COVID has awakened us economically and health-wise as well.

What are some of your offerings and price points?

Small batch southern bakery offerings range between $7-$12 on average for our famous red velvet cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, sweet potato pies, and more.  Cake prices are $45-$75 on average.

Tell us three things you’d like us to know about your brand?

We are a family-owned and operated business.  We are a business that is focused on community and is a small batch southern bakery. It’s been 45 years since my mother started her business in her home, and we are celebrating 25 years as a brick and mortar location. The business began in 1975 and became a brick in mortar location in 1995.

With what’s happening in America—do you have any comforting words or quotes you’d like to share with us today?

Despite what 2020 started out to be, it’s still a year of clarity and cleansing.  Stay focused to reach successful goals.

We live in a time where we all need a bit of sweetness. A time where we need love. Experiencing a sweetness that is made with love to perfection is comforting not only to our tastebuds but our overall satisfaction is a beautiful thing. I have to write an entire article on the menu at Make My Cake. Still, I will say that you MUST try all of the cupcakes, the cinnamon rolls, and the cookies are unforgettable. And grab a slice of whatever flavor cake is available, you won’t regret it.

When a dessert is experienced, it should be the sweetest symphony of delight, richness, and homely. And it’s meant to share.

Take some time today to learn about Aliyyah Baylor, Make My Cake, and its rich history. Go a step further and visit one of Make My Cake locations. Let us know what you think by emailing us, tagging us on Instagram, or by commenting here.

To Support and Celebrate Make My Cake, we will be doing a giveaway starting Wednesday, July 22nd (Make sure you stay tuned).

As Always, Sending Love. Stay Safe.

Upper West Side (UWS)

775 Columbus Avenue

Harlem

2380 Adam C. Powell Blvd. 139th St.

Make My Cake

UWS:  212-280-2253

Harlem: 212-234-2344

Cheers to sweets worth trying

XXOO

Nat

Post Views: 69
Share
Tweet
Pin it
Share
Share
Nat C.

I have been in love with New York City for over three decades. I enjoy living a hyper-local Lifestyle and have such deep love for the Rich History of this City I call home. Uncovering the vibrant culture, hidden gems, and diverse communities that define Brooklyn and its surrounding Boroughs brings me much joy. And that is why I curate authentic experiences and insider recommendations, sharing valuable insights to help locals and visitors explore the heart and soul of New York City.

Previous Article
  • BOOKS

Rick Moss: Impossible Figures

  • July 13, 2020
  • Nat C.
View Post
Next Article
  • BLACK-OWNED

A list of 165 Black-Owned Restaurants to Support Now

  • July 27, 2020
  • Nat C.
View Post

Subscribe

Get Our City Guide

You May Also Like

Reveal Your Best Skin with Honey Botanics
View Post
  • BLACK-OWNED

Reveal Your Best Skin with Honey Botanics

  • Nat C.
  • May 16, 2023
Mo's Bar + Lounge
View Post
  • BLACK-OWNED
  • FOOD + DRINKS

Mo’s Bar + Lounge Presents the Largest Black-Owned Wines + Spirits Collection.

  • Nat C.
  • February 28, 2023
8 New Black-Owned Restaurants to Try in NYC
View Post
  • BLACK-OWNED
  • RESTAURANT CORNER

8 New Black-Owned Restaurants to Try in NYC

  • Nat C.
  • February 23, 2023
Black-Owned Restaurants to Have Brunch
View Post
  • BLACK-OWNED
  • BRUNCH IN NEW YORK CITY

15 of the Best Black-Owned Restaurants to Brunch this Month

  • Nat C.
  • January 18, 2023
Sweet Catch BK
View Post
  • BLACK-OWNED
  • RESTAURANT CORNER

Sweet Catch BK A New Seafood Restaurant

  • Nat C.
  • November 15, 2022
eLo Vegan Lifestyle
View Post
  • BLACK-OWNED

Five Local Black-Owned Beauty Brands

  • Emma B
  • July 5, 2022
Estelle Colored Glass
View Post
  • BLACK-OWNED

Five Black-Owned Glassware Brands to Buy this Month

  • Nat C.
  • June 3, 2022
Black-Owned Brands to Buy this Month
View Post
  • BLACK-OWNED

Five Black-Owned Brands to Buy this Month

  • Emma B
  • May 16, 2022

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Taxi in New York City

    Your Guide to Getting a Taxi in New York City

    • September 28, 2023
    View Post
  • NYC Off-Broadway Week 2023: Your Guide to Theatrical Delights

    NYC Off-Broadway Week 2023: Your Guide to Theatrical Delights

    • September 26, 2023
    View Post
  • New York City in October: Embrace the Autumn Magic

    New York City in October: Embrace the Autumn Magic

    • September 26, 2023
    View Post

Instagram

TRENDING

  • Packing Smart for New York City in Autumn 1
    Dressing Right and Packing Smart for New York City in Autumn
    • September 23, 2023
  • Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting New York City 2
    Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting New York City
    • September 21, 2023
  • A Guide to the New York City Subway System 3
    A Guide to the New York City Subway System
    • September 19, 2023
  • New York City Iconic Restaurants 4
    A Guide to New York City Iconic Restaurants
    • September 19, 2023
  • Your Guide to New York City 5
    Your Guide to New York City
    • September 16, 2023
Advertising

Subscribe

Subscribe now to our newsletter

The Brooklyn Bridge
IMAGE/INSTAGRAM/@JOETHOMMAS
Brooklyn’s Lifestyle

An Insider Guide to New York City

Brooklyn’s Lifestyle [BKLS] is your ultimate insider’s guide to New York City [NYC] with a hyper-local focus on Brooklyn and its surrounding boroughs. We curate and bring you the best things to discover and experience in NYC. We provide a comprehensive resource for travelers and locals alike.
NAVIGATION
  • BKLS
  • FOOD + DRINKS
    • BKLS RESTAURANT GUIDE
    • RESTAURANT CORNER
    • BRUNCH IN NEW YORK CITY
    • RESTAURANT WEEK
    • RESTAURANT REVIEWS
    • WINE + COCKTAILS
    • PLACES TO DINE
  • EVENTS
    • NYC EVENTS BY DAY
    • WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NYC NOW
    • LIST ON BKLS
    • PROMOTE YOUR EVENT OR BUSINESS
  • PLAY + STAY
    • NYC TIPS + ETIQUETTE
    • THINGS TO DO
    • HOTELS
    • NEWS
  • TRAVEL
    • BKLS NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES
    • BUCKET LIST
    • CITY GUIDES
  • ARTS + CULTURE
    • BLACK-OWNED
    • BKLS GUIDE TO BROADWAY
    • BKLS MUSEUM GUIDE
    • ART + FILM
    • MUSIC + DANCE
    • BOOKS
    • FEATURES
  • LIFE + STYLE
    • HOMES + INTERIORS
    • BEAUTY
    • STYLE
    • AT HOME
    • HEALTH + WHOLENESS
    • SHOPPING
New + Now
  • Taxi in New York City 1
    Your Guide to Getting a Taxi in New York City
    • September 28, 2023
  • NYC Off-Broadway Week 2023: Your Guide to Theatrical Delights 2
    NYC Off-Broadway Week 2023: Your Guide to Theatrical Delights
    • September 26, 2023
  • New York City in October: Embrace the Autumn Magic 3
    New York City in October: Embrace the Autumn Magic
    • September 26, 2023
  • Packing Smart for New York City in Autumn 4
    Dressing Right and Packing Smart for New York City in Autumn
    • September 23, 2023
Brooklyn's LIfestyle | An Insider Guide to NYC
  • ABOUT BKLS
  • CONTACT
  • BKLS PRIVACY NOTICE + GUIDELINE
  • CONTRIBUTE TO BKLS

Input your search keywords and press Enter.