Community Highlights: Meet Tomicka Brooks of C3-Charisma’s Cakes and Cookies

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomicka Brooks.

Hi Tomicka, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
The baking journey again was re-ignited from an unfortunate turn of events. I’ve always enjoyed baking. It was something I did with my grandparents when I was younger.

But the tragic loss of my daughter was where it all began. I learned just what ‘comfort food’ really meant. To heal while I grieved, baking was how I comforted myself and did something kind for those around me.

I found myself getting lost in that. Kind of like my form of therapy. It was therapeutic. Over time, the requests came to make birthday cakes, cookies, pies, and other confectionery treats. I enjoyed being challenged to try different ideas.

Things that I never did, I wanted to try them out. I attended The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. There, the focus was more on French patisserie. I learned quite a bit. But my focus was more on custom cakes and various treats over time. Creative aesthetics. I can lose myself in creating.

While sticking with traditional flavors, I’m always experimenting with other pairings that aren’t so ‘traditional.’ When I can win over a person that doesn’t like a certain flavor, I know my job is done. To backtrack, my daughter has been the inspiration behind what I do.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. Struggles may be faced but are not limited to being in such a competitive industry.

I am gaining clientele. I’m fairly new to the area and some here are already established. They already have a fan base. But I’m hopeful that will change for me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a small home-based cake decorator. What I’m known for is my spin on red velvet cakes. What I think sets me apart from everyone else is my love for what I do.

While I enjoy every moment, I genuinely love what I do. I’m most proud of honoring my daughter. The journey hasn’t been easy, but every item produced has a special meaning. What I’d like readers to know about the brand is that we are not limited to just one product.

We offer standard and custom cakes, cookies, and treats. Our services are not limited to just Memphis. We also service surrounding areas or MS and AK, as well.

How do you define success?
Success for me means inspiring others. We often equate success with money.

Sometimes inspiring others to live out their dreams and manifest their desires sets the tone for your success. Your rise to fame

Pricing:

• Pound cakes- $35
• Custom cakes- start at $200
• Cheesecakes-$30 Custom cheesecake-$50
• Cookies-$25/dozen
• Dipped treats-prices vary

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @charismascakesandcookiesllc
• Facebook: C3-Charisma’s Cakes and Cookies