About Sia, founder of Cake by Yo' Mama!
The cake business was not always a central goal for Alysia Williams who built her professional experience through supermarket bakeries such as PathMark, and Wholefoods (and still she developed a multitude of skills from these experiences which she is thankful for). She had once pursued unrelated professions such as reception, operations management and preschool co-teaching! but the satisfaction of creating edible art would always tug at her heart. Her life took a tragic turn when her father, Stacy C. Williams passed on January 8th 2017, altering her views on life and the structure of her family permanently.
Music, art and performance had always been a central part of her upbringing and it had always inspired her work. After having her second child and completing her Bachelors in Art at Hunter College, Alysia found her home again at a SOHO cake shop where “Sprinkles and Smiles” were born. The life and color of a business begun by entrepreneurs her same age was only the beginning of a great inspiration to pursue her own work beyond the side projects for her personal network. Her father had always supported her aspirations no matter what they were and that gave her great strength to continue pushing for something bigger. Alysia knew she had to have a business niche to separate her from the rest of the “Cake by’s” but what? Inspired by nostalgia and her childhood in the Bronx she decided to begin creating her own version of classic “corner store snacks”. Yo’ Mama’s Favorites are inspired by Oatmeal Cream pies, Fudge Rounds, Zebra cakes and The Star Crunch by Little Debbie but use alternative ingredients and flavor combinations.
During the recent peak of Covid 19, the world seemed immersed in self development while coping with the losses and traumas of a pandemic. Coping with trauma and grief is a process you learn to accept is not linear. It is also a foundation for amazing growth and positive change. We often find comfort in things that are familiar and safe, and as a way to contribute to that it seemed like a perfect time to reintroduce these childhood treats with elevated flavors for our adult palettes. The name Cake by Yo’ Mama was derived from the witty banter of children on the Bronx playgrounds. Those moments that made you laugh with undeniable discomfort but helped you grow a thick skin simultaneously. The New York attitude of “who wants to know!?” but underneath the tough surface something sweet and sophisticated. Cake By Yo’ Mama hopes to bring together families from all boroughs with its familiar flavors like the sweet spice of an oatmeal cream pie.
Ultimately, Alysia hopes to provide a product that can raise funds for a larger cause. Yo’ Mama’s Favorites have been featured in monthly “Bakers for a Cause” boxes in collaboration with Her Root’s Collective by Katy Michelle through virtual campaigns on Instagram. With thanks to support from customers based all throughout the 5 boroughs and out of state, proceeds from these campaigns were designated to nonprofits such as, NYcares and StreetWorks NYC. This is just the beginning! With your purchases Cake by Yo’ Mama will be able to donate larger funds to nonprofits. And participate frequently in fundraising Galas. Specifically, ones throughout The Bronx in support of community development, family planning, The Arts, Homelessness and much more! Rebuilding the wealth and economic structure of a community that has long since been neglected and isolated is a long term goal she shares with other Bronx natives and surely our neighboring boroughs. She hopes you will join the cause!
We are immensely thankful for the support thus far and for taking time to read this far :)
https://greatnonprofits.org/city/bronx/NY
herrootscollective.com