Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Montgomery.
Hi Jasmine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In March of 2020, I came to Memphis to shelter in place with my parents at the beginning of the pandemic. I was in a bad season of depression where I felt alone and needed to be surrounded by those that I knew loved me and would uplift my spirits.
I was living in Chattanooga, TN, and working as a high school CTE Teacher at the time. While sheltering in place, my therapist suggested that I find something that would occupy my time outside of teaching virtually and I decided to make my first cake from scratch for my parents.
Well, the cake did not come out of the pan and my dad suggested that I should purchase new pans. After buying new pans and letting them try a few more desserts, my friends suggested that I start selling my treats.
I initially wanted to focus on just mini bundt cakes and large bundt cakes, however, customers began to request other treats. After much prayer and thinking, I decided to expand to pies, decorative cakes, and other treats. I was blessed to be mentored by one of the best cake bakers in Chattanooga, Cake Mommy! She took time out of her day to give me a one-on-one class on how to create the basic decorations for a cake.
Almost two years later, LK’s Bakery has expanded to tiered cakes, wedding cakes, cupcakes, and more! LK’s Bakery was birthed at a low point in my life, however, it was the foundation of something beautiful and that is why I named it after my grandmothers, Lula and Mary Catherine. My grandmothers were the best bakers and cooks in Mississippi! It was truly an honor to name it after them.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My parents always taught me that nothing in life will be easy, but, with dedication and hardwork, it will work out! The biggest eye-opener for me was funding a business!
My dad was my first investor and he bought my first Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. I think understanding that I had to invest my own funds or the funds that I received as a profit from orders back into my business was critical. There are times when I do have questions where I am wondering if I’m good enough or if my work is progressing.
There are so many amazing and talented cake bakers in Memphis and I strive daily to improve my work. In the words of my former school’s basketball team, “No Struggle… No Story!”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Prior to moving back to Memphis, I taught high school Chemistry, Environmental Science, and CTE courses. I was the Lead Teacher of the UTC Institute of Teaching and Learning at Tyner Academy where I worked with high school students who desired to become teachers.
While teaching in Chattanooga, I was able to assist 3 three students with obtaining full-ride scholarships with UTC, take 30+ students on college tours throughout Tennessee and Georgia, and build the love of education and teaching. Currently, I am an advisor for SCS and I love it! Coming back to the district that established the love of education in me was a great move.
I am truly enjoying providing support and resources for our students of Memphis, TN. In addition to working and baking, I have completed 3 degrees (BA Chemistry and minor in Biology, M.ED., ED.S.) and I am currently obtaining my doctoral degree in higher education at GCU.
I am most proud of my students that I have been blessed to teach for 6 years! We often hear about how teachers have impacted their students, however, for me, my students were my biggest blessings and to see them thriving makes it all worth it! What sets me apart from others is my diverse background, in which I have a background in science, education, banking, and now baking.
I like to refer to myself as, “Jill of all Trades.” Growing up in Memphis and being raised in a middle-class household ignited a fire of determination and independence in me. I have amazing parents, family, and friends who are supportive and I am truly grateful for them!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a child that always wanted to lead and knew what I wanted.
I was very determined as a child to accomplish everything that I set my mind to. My parents instilled education at a young age and I excelled throughout school as a child. My teachers would say that I was talkative in class, however, I would get my work done. I attended Raineshaven, Oakshire, Newberry, and Fox Meadows for Elementary School.
I attended Colonial Middle and Overton High School where I auditioned and joined the CAPA choir under the leadership of Mrs. Pamela Williams and Mr. Kenneth Eiccholz. I served as a leader throughout my high school years and graduated with honors.
Contact Info:
- Email: lksbakery2020@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lksbakery20
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lksbundtcakes2020/
