Exploring Life & Business with Khadijah J Sarr of Bebes Pastries LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Khadijah J Sarr.

Hi Khadijah J, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in the vibrant food mecca of New York City, specifically The Bronx, my childhood was enriched by an incredible array of culinary delights. The city’s diverse cultural tapestry allowed me to explore foods from various ethnic backgrounds—Jamaican beef patties, arroz con pollo, and cassava leaf stew were just a few of the flavors that broadened my palate. From visits to local bodegas to celebrating birthdays with my father’s annual purchase of a Latino pineapple cake, these moments fostered my love for food and a deep appreciation of its cultural significance.

As I matured, I faced a crossroads between pursuing a career as a lawyer or a chef. My grandmother Mary gifted me my first cookbook, sparking a passion for cooking that ultimately steered me away from law and toward the culinary arts. Relocating to Atlanta in 2000 further solidified this path. Attending Culinary School at Atlanta Technical College honed my baking skills and cultivated my dedication to creating recipes that nourish the soul. The education I received not only equipped me with technical expertise but also encouraged creativity and innovation.

Over the years, I gained invaluable experience working at renowned establishments such as Eatzi’s Market & Bakery and Emory Sodexo Bakery. These opportunities allowed me to grow within the culinary field and craft recipes that resonate emotionally with others. In 2010, my mother’s unwavering support motivated me to start selling baked goods from home. While her untimely passing temporarily halted this venture, it was later revitalized by my husband’s encouragement: “Don’t be afraid to try.” This mantra continues to inspire me as I pursue my passion for baking, reminding me of how deeply personal experiences can shape our professional paths.

I’m just a girl who bakes!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Good, question

No, it has not been easy because there so much uncertainty about being an entrepreneur, struggles along the way for me was knowing IF i wanted to go down this road of trying to own my own business.

i struggled with doubt if i was good enough, to be another baker who baked more than just cake slices. how will i pay for products needed to run a business, getting
up at 3am every Saturday to start baking, packing the car afterwards.
it’s very tiring to say the less.

Getting customers to trust my product is more of a challenge than anything.
Days, when im tired working 40hrs or sick, i still have to push forward,

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bebes Pastries LLC?
what i would like readers and my customers to know is that everything that is baked from Bebes pastries is made with care, love, mental breakdowns at 3am and quality ingredients while baking from scratch

what sets me apart from other bakers is the fact that EVERY SINGLE THING I BAKE IS FROM SCRATCH, i try to create a unique experience when customers are eating my desserts.

I want readers to give me a try most times, in 2025 if you don’t have 10k+ IG followers the little guy is overlooked

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
success is measured in so many ways

I define success as consistent quality in my desserts, selling out at farmers markets, and creating breads and desserts that proof well. success is my ability to keep pushing to get to where i want to be, not knowing what going to happen from day to day, but i still get up happy and ready to go.

success is knowing that bread that fell flat last week, puffed up nice and golden this week!

success is knowing that one day i will be in my own small bakery welcoming customers in to enjoy a cup of tea or my best seller Orange Snickerdoodle cookie and sit and listen to Nat King Cole play from the speakers of my wonderful

success is knowing that i have done my best to achieve something so great i never thought i could do

Pricing:

• Cookies $4
• Milk Bread Loaf $10
• Cinnamon Rolls $6
• Scones $5.25

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bebes_pastries