Faith McKnight
What makes you?
I don’t take NO for an answer! I am persistent and have a creative mind which is always trying to keep up with the changing world. I am constantly learning and thriving along the way. I’ve come across many obstacles and hardships which resulted in many sleepless nights. These are what have motivated me to keep going. COVID has pushed me to change gears but not quit. I had to close my shop; however, a new location bakery cafe is in the works.
What are you most proud of?
I never gave up despite obstacles that came my way or the negative thoughts of not being good enough. I am still standing and rising. I am amazed at how much I’ve improved within my business and my craft. I like to praise myself for doing a lot of things some bakers are not willing to do which sets me apart from others. Cake pops are a client favorite and I am an expert at doing them. I am currently a featured vendor at Buie’s Market, and you can go there weekly to find some of our baked goods and drinks. I also have a contract with Arbor Acres Methodist Church Retirement, and I love that I remind the folks of their grandma’s baked goods. I make old school favorites such as Caramel Cake, Sweet Potato Cake, and my favorite to make is Hummingbird Cake, which is made by hand.
What keeps me going when things get tough?
My faith and confidence in myself, my family and friends who are my biggest fans. The Universe also plays a part in it. Just when I want to give it all up, I receive some kind of confirmation that this is my calling.
What keeps you up at night?
Most of the time it’s orders. It’s a blessing to be busy, but you have to make time for yourself. I try not to let it overwhelm me. I also worry about the effects of COVID on my business and just keep pivoting and thinking of ways to survive.
Cassey Mapp-Ahmed
What makes you YOU?
What makes me who I am consists of the many layers of my past, present and future. My past consists of my elders and upbringing in the mountains of Asheville, NC, where I was taught to love wholeheartedly, embrace nature and to live in my truth. As a result, I became an educator, community advocate and holistic healer to support the roots of health/wellness to encourage living life with no fear. As I became older, I realized that living in the absence of fear allows your body not to be in “disease,” but in the positive vibration of life. I always remember to “work, live and feel out loud, while embracing the example of love in nature.”
What are you most proud of?
My most proud experience is my self-healing journey to have the courage to discover true happiness within myself in the absence of fear to “TRULY LIVE OUT LOUD.” To be comfortable in living my life for me and knowing that this is an endless journey, which allows me to continuously evolve to become a better version of me. Through my efforts of authentically living life wholeheartedly, in the absence of fear, allows my son to witness the transformation of inner peace and the ability to find strength within to truly be comfortable with who you are in this life. As well as teaching my 8-year-old Amir resiliency in entrepreneurship to build his business for success.
What keeps you going when things are tough?
My motivation, especially during challenging times, is MY REASON WHY! I have learned that God has placed me on this earth for a short time to live for a divine purpose. My purpose to live and speak in my truth and to enjoy each moment, while embracing the power of life by assisting others to create and bring life into the world as a full-spectrum. I also feel great purpose through coaching others to look inward to find their true happiness to “Live Out Loud Unapologetically.”
What keeps you up at night?
It brings me great pleasure to be at a place in my life that my anxiety at night has transformed into joy, lessons learned and gratitude for what the next day brings. This transformation of thought has developed through the support of my divine Village and memorable life experiences. It is truly a blessing to wake up to another day full of possibilities!
