We had the good fortune of connecting with Khyara Chatelain and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Khyara, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Hi, my name is Khya and I am the owner of Khya’s cakes. I started this business at 15 years old and one of the biggest struggles I’ve faced was balancing work and prioritizing myself and family.
I think one of the key elements to success is balance, consistency, and love. When I first started this business there were weeks where I would sleep 2-3 hours a night, jumping in my car in the morning to do deliveries and baking till 4-6am.
I didn’t see it then but over time it took a huge toll on my mental health. I took a break from baking for a couple months to try and feel grounded with myself again. It was through that break that I was able to understand the importance of balance and, was able to light back my passion and love for baking.
Love what you do but don’t let it consume you, your body needs a break sometimes and it’s important to remember that what’s meant for you will be. You don’t have to push your body or mind to its breaking point in order to succeed. You just have to be consistent and love what you do.
Finding balance in my work ethic and making time to do other things I love and spend time with family lite back my love for baking which then made me be able to create higher quality product and learn new techniques out of love and passion.
You are exactly where you need to be and this is the only day you’ll have of today, enjoy it, love your life, and do things that bring you balance.
Love- Khya’s cakes
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a baker for my start up business, Khya’s cakes.
The most important rules I go by when creating is always do it with love, be consistent, be unique, and always be passionate. Following those rules alone have gotten me farther than anything else could’ve.
When you see my work you can see and taste the love and work I put into it.
One of the most important rules I live by is if I do something I’m doing it 110% or not at all, everything I do I pour myself into fully.
Each cake I make is unique in its own way, I use the cake as a blank canvas and paint on it expressing myself in the best way I know how!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love adventure and scenery, and miami is full of that. I would definitely go to Super Blue museum.
I would take them to the beach or on a boat.
Coyo taco in wynwood on Sunday night is 2000 R&B night, which is amazing!
Restaurant wise, Komodo is amazing, Serena rooftop is BEAUTIFUL and has great food, and Planta is one of my favorites!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who have played such a big roll in helping me succeed and continue to do so to this day.
Grateful is an understatement. I am blessed beyond words to have the people I do in my life.
A HUGE shout out to my grandma for giving me a place to freely create and bake, Gladys Nazemi.
To my mom for always supporting and having my back, and always reminding me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to, Mitsouko Chatelain.
To my beautiful cousin Coralie Ambroise for always being transparent with me and always motivating me to push harder.
To my grandma, Lyrvole Chatelain for always supporting my work and expressing how proud she is of me.
To my beautiful sisters Khloe Chatelain and Khalie Puente for always pushing and supporting me and always making me feel like I achieve all my dreams and never gives up on me.
And of course to all of my amazing clients who feel like family, you guys push me everyday to be the strongest version of myself and I could never thank you enough. Being able to create and now I am supported is one is the best feelings on this planet. Thank you.
Instagram: @Khyascakes
Twitter: @Khyascakes
Facebook: Khya’s cakes
Image Credits
@fluidityfocus Celeste Ivy