Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakyan Hackworth.
Lakyan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am originally from Lake Charles, LA where I was born and raised until I was about 16 years old. I moved to Newnan, GA and attended East Coweta High School and Graduated class of 13. I attended West Georgia Technical College where I first took up criminal justice but shortly after that I changed my degree to general studies because I wanted to major in Mass Communications.
During my time at West GA Tech, I did not apply myself and really didn’t care about my grades which landed me to be on academic suspension. Well, my mother told me that she wasn’t going to pay for me to get back in school, so I worked a full and part-time job. Also, I started baking on the side because it was something I enjoyed. I got back in school, but I also kept baking, I was making all type of sweets and selling them for a reasonable price. That’s when I noticed I had found a hidden talent of mine. On one Easter I made over a $1,000 just from making sweet treats right here in my moms’ kitchen. So, while at West Ga Tech I decided that I wanted to attend an HBCU and I choose Savannah State University. Savannah State was 1 of the 2 schools who had an accredit Mass Communications Program. I worked my butt off to make sure I met all requirements to be accepted into the university.
Well, I was accepted for Fall ’16 and I was off to Savannah State. I stopped baking to focus on earning my degree, but I still had the drive and determination, I just applied it in other ways. I became a queen of one of the best Fraternity’s, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Delta Eta Chapter (Miss Black and Gold 2017-2018). I became a mentor for The Wright Choice Initiative, where I was able to mentor students and assist with any of their needs. I also became Vice President of the National Association of Black Journalist for the student chapter. I set on multiple boards, started a Prom Initiative that sponsored three young ladies needs for prom. Lastly, I worked two jobs, one on and one off campus where I did community service events with the companies. After accomplishing all these amazing things, my hard work payed off when I graduated from Savannah State University on December 8, 2018 with Honors with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications. Savannah State slogan is right on, “You can get anywhere from here” – Richard R. Wright Sr. A girl who flunked out of school with a 1.8 gpa got her life priorities together and attended one of the HBCU’S in America and was able to accomplish everything she put her mind to and graduated with honors.
I came back home to Newnan with no job, but I didn’t let that discourage me, I got back to baking but I also wanted to assist college students as well. So, I officially named my business Lay Lay’s Sweet Treats but also started a Non-Profit called Cupcakes For College and this was with the help of one of my close Friends and business partner Jordan Johnson and my mentor. I started back advertising and reaching out to family, friends and business to get my name out there. I started getting business and now I’m working toward a storefront and retrieving my 501c3 for Cupcakes For College.
Has it been a smooth road?
Getting to this point was not east at all. Being fresh out of college and looking for a job can be depressing. You see some of the student come straight out and get a good job and go on with their lives where I was at home constantly applying but kept being told no. I was unemployed for four months but God was still making a way for me. I had a great support system, my friends and family would send my uplifting messages and would get me out the house. Even my pastor and first lady would invite me out to lunch and discuss opportunities with me. I dealt with post grad depression, wasn’t because I didn’t have a job, but I went from being so busy and important to where no one needed my help and I felt like a was nobody. My sister and Hairstylist Shantara King sent me a video called Manifesting your gift with Dr. Myles Monroe, Denzel Washington and Steve Harvey and after watching that video. I started walking in my destiny. I started focusing on my dreams and goals and less on finding a job. My mother was a big help, she didn’t charge me rent to stay in her house. She bought everything I needed from my personal stuff to my baking needs. Plus, my grandmother would call me every day and pray for me. My siblings would send me money and tell me to go out and enjoy myself which really got me through.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lay Lay’s Sweet Treats & Cupcakes For College – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My Business is Lay Lay’s Sweet Treats, where I make all different kind of sweets. From candy to cakes, I make it. I specialize in Alcohol Infused Treats, yes I said alcohol-infused. I infuse cupcakes, pudding, strawberries, parfaits and etc. I known for the two most famous alcohol-infused cupcakes which are Hunchin Hennessey and Bussin Berry. The Hunchin Hennessey is made with a French vanilla batter with Hennessey infused and the Bussin Berry is made with a plain batter but with a strawberry gelatin with Ciroc berry infused. You get the best of both worlds with the cupcakes, you get something but you also can get a nice buzz.
Also branched off from Lay’s Lay’s Sweet Treats is the Non-Profit Organization, Cupcakes For College. With this organization I am able to give back to students and donate cupcakes to events held to empower students. I am most proud that with the help of my supporters, I was able to give a student at Savannah State University a $150 scholarship to assist her. I know that doesn’t sound like much but that was a huge accomplishment and that made me realize that I was walking in my destiny.
What I’m doing is not just for money or some type of recognition I really do love baking and I love assisting where I can. I know people can see the authenticity in my business which sets me apart. I don’t look at my customers a dollar sign, I look at them as family, someone I want to please and keep around as long as possible. Plus who wouldn’t want their treats alcohol-infused.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the people of Atlanta, I love to see people who look just like me, who are supporting my business and supporting other black business. I love that there is always something to do, its never a dull moment in Atlanta. The only dislike is that I am a country girl, I like alot of space and that I cant ride my horses down the street.
Pricing:
- Single Cupcakes $3
- Half Dozen $15
- Dozen $25
Contact Info:
- Phone: 3372744092
- Email: lakyanhackworth@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lakyandanielle / @laylayssweettreats / @cupcakesforcollege_
- Twitter: @lakyandanielle
Image Credit:
@Jordanvisions & @5dvisualz
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