Meet Trailblazer Koya Grant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Koya Grant.

Koya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was a dietetics major at Life University in Marietta, GA. I had a culinary class in which our professor assigned us a “cupcake wars” project. The goal was to create flavors for her wedding do-over cake. We were to make 100 of each flavor and feed them to other students and professors to have them decide the winner. Needless to say, my teammates and I were the winners. At that point, I knew I had something. My initial goal was to merge my bartending experience and baking. My first cupcakes were alcohol-infused cupcakes. Made like drinks. Piña colada, Bob Marley, strawberry daiquiri, tequila margarita. You name it!

After doing that for some time, I started to branch off into other treats. Berries, cake pops, Krispies treats, Oreos, strawberry cheesecake bites, chocolate covered pretzels, and more. In 2014, I created my first cake ever (against my will). My banker at the time contacted me for the cake and WOULD NOT take no for an answer. And it was all uphill from there. I’ve done pop-ups, Celeb events, graduations, weddings, baby showers, and gender reveals, 1/2 birthdays and more! I’d credit the majority of my business to word of mouth and social media marketing. I’m beyond thankful for my entrepreneurial journey, and the ability to build a legacy for my family (now and beyond).

Has it been a smooth road?
This by far has NOT been an easy journey. It’s has had many hills and valleys. Especially in now being self-employed full time. I’ve struggled with finding a happy medium in going above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service and allowing myself to be overstretched. The struggle of balancing home and business. And more importantly, the many struggles that sometimes come with being a MOMPRENUER. However, I’m beyond grateful for every lesson and blessing.

If I could say anything to young women that are just starting their journey, I’d say to “do it YOUR way”! It’s always good to receive advice and constructive criticism, but all in all, you must conduct your business the way YOU see fit. Be it all professional that is. If you run your business the way someone else says you should run it, then you should go back to working for someone else. You have to find the policies, procedures, and protocols that will provide yield the greatest outcomes for you and your business(es). I’d also tell them to make sure to cultivate healthy relationships with other entrepreneurs, both within and outside of their field of specialty.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a custom cake artist and treat maker. I specialize in custom cakes and treats for all occasions. I am known for having a vast selection of cake flavors that are moist and delicious. Also, one of my popular treats that sets me apart is my strawberry cheesecake bites. They are a hit!

As far as what I am most proud of… I am proud of “Koya’s Kre8tions experience”! Meaning the experience I provide from the time I am contacted for an order, to the time the client picks up. Being in the customer service/hospitality industry prior to starting my business helped with this. I saw the difference in businesses that provided exceptional service and the ones who provided not so great services. I witnessed the type of staff and clientele that they attracted based on these factors, and I wanted to be sure that Koya’s Kre8tions could mimic companies that offer exceptional experiences.

Koya’s Kre8tions is a love based business. I do everything in love. Many of my clients become like family. I love their kids. I remember their birthdays. I’ve been to their weddings. While I am sure to not blur the lines of business and personal, I am all for making sure my clients feel “safe” in doing business with me. That is something that I find to be very rare these days.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
Wow. There are soooo many women that have inspired me throughout my journey of womanhood. First and foremost, my mother. She is a pillar of strength, beauty, and confidence. She instilled things in me that have molded me to be the mother, businesswoman, and mother that I am. Many of my aunts (both real and adopted) and my God Mothers have surely played in part in my success as a woman.

Sarah Jakes Roberts is my big sister in my head, and she has surely left her mark in my life.

Many of my entrepreneur sisters… Latisha (@lalascupcakes), Tiara (@cupcakemama216), Denise (@creativisuals), Gabrielle (@gcc_confections), Tomeka (@exquisiteeventsby_tomeka), Jahlil (@jmcallisterevents), Briana (lovexbriana), Lakia (@thewifecoach), Jessica (@jessicasdessertstudio), Andie (@delectabledelightsbyandie), and MANY MANY MORE! I love and appreciate you all.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 678-323-5708
• Email: koyaskre8tions@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/koyas_kre8tions
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/koyaskre8tionspastryparlor

Image Credit:
Calloway Captures, Koya Grant, Denise Patterson

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