Decadent bites / lake norman nc

Baking experiences for kids & adults + Thanksgiving is 11/25....

Baking experiences for kids & adults + Thanksgiving is 11/25....

As usual my mind is a steady flurry of tasks, ideas, recipes, and things that need to make their way onto my to-do list.  After spending the last 1 hr 45 minutes watching a Jason Statham movie which was oddly disappointing, my thoughts turned to my blog.  

As I was mapping out a series of baking experiences, I had an epiphany.  Why not create a series of private virtual & on-site baking experiences for kids!  I need to separate kids and adult offerings, but this idea hit me like a lightening bolt and it'll be online in the next few days.  There are plenty of available options for adults or kids that prefer to go to a facility to take a class.  However, my offerings will focus primarily on those desiring to learn remotely via Zoom.  (I'll also offer private and an in-home option.  Of course any in-home/in-person will be subject to strict COVID restrictions.)  But for those not ready to attend in-person classes, this will be perfect for you! 

Let me take you down a little trip down memory lane about my teaching background...

Long before I started offering virtual classes here in North Carolina, I had a completely different life pre-pastry school, pre-brick & mortar bakery, and pre-IT Consultant that included teaching part-time.  I taught baking classes at a local community college in IL, private in-home classes, classes at a health center affiliated with a local hospital, a local store that conducted cooking/baking classes, and taught a variety of software applications and operating systems years ago.  I've done public speaking in auditoriums filled with 100-200 people with ease and laughter and given presentations in front of multi-million dollar industry giants.  As an extreme extrovert, I know how to "dial it down" when needed, but also rise to the occasion to present with poise, confidence, and land a $10,000 donation from a billionaire, a $5,000 scholarship for a multi-million dollar company, win pitch competitions, podcast guest, TV guest chef, and a panelist/speaker. 

I'm a firm believer that all my seemingly unrelated experiences are all part of the intricate fabric of my life's story God is still handcrafting.  Each experience builds upon another and equips me to be sufficiently prepared for the next adventure or is bringing me full circle -- the jury is still out.  I'm so excited to launch the new baking experiences!  I hope you will leave a comment or email with ideas of topics/concepts your kids would like to learn.  The adult offerings will focus on recipes to help you dazzle your holiday guests or create gifts recipients will actually love.     

BTW, just in case you are confused --Thanksgiving is the same date on the calendar every year.  So embrace it, start planning and order now.  I do NOT deviate from the order deadlines as it causes chaos, jeopardizes my production schedule and delivery dates. 

I couldn't resist the graphic, but I NEVER EVER use the fake whipped cream from a can!  Geez Louise, please Google a recipe and make it from scratch!  It takes 2-3 ingredients and under 5 minutes. 

 

Maria Kemp
Read more
Baking hiatus is over!  Welcome to fall, pie, pumpkin, and cozy sweaters!

Baking hiatus is over! Welcome to fall, pie, pumpkin, and cozy sweaters!

The month has elapsed and my baking hiatus has come to an end!  You may have envisioned me with my feet kicked up, watching endless Netflix movies, and eating desserts from my secret stash all day.  Ha ha ha!  Nothing could be further from reality!  

During my hiatus, I was a Zoom queen!  I'm still attending the 6 hour per week program through the University of Richmond, met with numerous potential corporate clients, CVMSDC meetings, formed relationships with new colleagues, created menus for the 2 biggest holidays of the year, overhauled the private virtual or on-site baking experiences, exploring another opportunity to provide desserts to a local establishment, and I accepted invitations to teach a few in-person baking classes at a local Charlotte studio and a virtual series for a community college.  Whew!  I’m tired just recalling it all!  

Nothing like writing class content for 3 different classes AND another Nielsen-Massey feature recipe AND holiday planning all at the same time!  I was also approached to be a speaker at another event, but they opted for someone that sells on Amazon instead.  Oh well, it was still an honor to be asked.  I'm almost ready to put the private virtual & on-site baking experiences back on my website. They are perfect for corporations, private groups or Girls Night Out (GNO) since an experience has an 8 person minimum.  Last but not least, I just submitted my next monthly article for LKN Connect.  

Heads up -- the website is purely focused on Thanksgiving right now.  I added some new pie flavors this year which I hope you'll find exciting!  I moved Thanksgiving and Christmas order pickups to 11/23 and 12/23; instead of the eve of each holiday. PLEASE READ the Shipping/Delivery/Pickup page for all the order cut-off, shipping, and pickup dates.  It would be too confusing to open up the Holiday/Christmas ordering now, so I'll find a home for that menu on the website very soon.

I encourage you to place your Thanksgiving order sooner than later.  Quantities and raw ingredients are not unlimited.  Forecasts are already warning of rising shipping costs and shipping chaos.  My website automatically calculates the real-time discounted UPS rate based on the weight, destination and size of the package.  The desserts weights are inflated to cover the weight the ice packs, insulation, and the dessert(s). 

I don't get too many orders shipping West of the Mississippi, but I still disabled those states on the website.  If you contact me, I can manually override it.  However, you will need to upgrade shipping (options with a guaranteed delivery date) to ensure food safety of temperature controlled desserts.  Why?  Because unfortunately, UPS Ground service delivery dates are estimates and are NOT guaranteed.  I learned that the hard way when a order going to Texas took 6 days instead of 3.😩🤦🏾‍♀️

Happy fall y'all!

Maria Kemp
Read more
Dory the blue fish with yellow fins "I can't eat another bite....Oh look! Pie!"

What's your favorite Thanksgiving pie flavor?

Well I wish I could say my "baking hiatus" has been pure relaxation!  However, nothing could be further from reality and those who know me well know it's nearly impossible for me to sit entirely still.  There's plenty of backend work that requires zero time in the kitchen.  Although, I still average a minimum of 3-5 Zoom calls a week.  It's all just part of being an entrepreneur; constantly thinking, getting in front of the right people, and articulating why they shouldn't go another day without doing business with me.  Okay, maybe that was a tad dramatic, but you get the idea.  

After being in business over 4 years in North Carolina alone, I've learned a thing or two:

#1 - Stop wasting time creating an innovative Thanksgiving menu!  PIE is the only thing that matters at Thanksgiving.  Period.  I could count on one hand and have a lot of fingers left over of the other items that sell during Pie-mageddon. 

#2 - Everyone absolutely must place their order via the website.  Exceptions always lead to mayhem in the final count.

Now is the time to let you voice be heard for the flavor pies you would like to see on our Thanksgiving menu!  (The Thanksgiving menu will go live when the online store re-opens on October 1.) 

Please post a comment to this blog post with your favorite flavor!  It could end on this year’s Thanksgiving menu.  

Maria Kemp
Read more
A look behind the curtain

A look behind the curtain

For some odd reason the movie "The Wizard of Oz" came to mind and I was recalling the scene where Dorothy peeked behind the curtain and saw the wizard ....

So here's your peek behind the curtain for what it takes to execute an on-site class.  (Obviously, the mixer I also took isn't in the sink.)  

On-site classes are open to all customers, not only corporate clients.  However, they do take a significant amount of planning in order to execute the event flawlessly and there are minimums that apply:  

  • Pre-baked final shortcake
  • Assemble student gift bags
  • Prep and pack all tools, ingredients, and supplies
  • 2 trips to load car at kitchen
  • 2 trips to unload car on-site
  • On-site setup
  • TEACH CLASS
  • On-site cleanup
  • 2 trips to reload car on-site 
  • 2 trips to unload car at kitchen
  • Restock ingredients
  • Wash/sanitize all tools and supplies
  • TOTAL APPROX.  10 hours (not including the actual class)

I've taught private on-site baking experiences and baking classes at a community college in Illinois, so I've perfected my system of handing the massive Rubbermaid containers of items that I bring back after the experience is over.  I put all the refrigerated items back in the fridge, replace any dry ingredients, put up supplies, and toss ALL the tools that left my kitchen in the sink.  I sanitize the Rubbermaid containers and return my collapsible wagon to it's designated space.  (Currently, the sink is still brimming with the tools shown in the picture from Fridays class as the dishwasher will be loaded this evening.) 

The upside is I had every tool I needed for the class with me.  I did forget to pack an optional offset spatula, but it wasn't the end of the world.   

The on-site classes are considerably more expensive as they require approximately 10 hours of additional time to execute a 1.25 hour demo.  If you are looking for a cost conscious way to enjoy a private baking experience, I would suggest the virtual option via Zoom.  Over my hiatus, I will be building a series of baking experiences ideal for the upcoming holiday season. 

Final August orders go out this week!  I'll be working behind the scenes just not baking until October 1. 

 

 

Maria Kemp
Read more
Every now and then...

Every now and then...

I had every intention of sitting down Sunday and writing the weekly blog post, but at this point (Thursday evening) I don't even recall what was vying for my undivided attention instead.  

I often wonder what my readers expect when they open up my latest blog post.  Are they looking to get to know me better as a person, humor, a new recipe/tip/technique, or "I'm just here for the latest menu item"?

Well I'm just going to roll with what's being going on and coming up.  So get your favorite adult beverage, relax and find the levity in my words. 

In most of my social media posts, I uses pronouns like, "we, us, she" etc.  But in reality, many of you know that I am Beyond Decadence.  There are NOT any food suppliers pulling up to my back door delivering my weekly ingredients, there's no staff to dedicate to specific aspects of the business, a dedicated shipping department, social media expert, admin person, customer service, or Shopify expert, delivery driver, order drop-off driver, webmaster, or volume discounts from suppliers, etc.  It all begins and end with me and a plethora of trips, errands and tasks.  Welcome to entrepreneurship or solopreneurship as it often called!  It won't stay that way forever, but it's not time to farm out or hire just yet.

God has obviously blessed me with an abundant amount of energy, stamina, focus, dedication and technical skills.  As I mentioned previously, I can get an incredible amount of work done 95% of the time without any nudging, encouragement or even music on in the background.  I simply make a list of what needs to be done and chip away at it bit-by-bit.  But last week, I set aside donning my standard baking ensemble and got dressed up to attend the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce - Diversity Council Woman's Conference at The Peninsula Club.  The title was "Renew Your Mind, Body and Spirit".  

You know usually when you go to conference there's always at least one speaker that is a dud?!  Well not this time!  Every single one of the ladies and one brave man that took to the podium were AH-mazing!  They each focused on a different aspects, but the bottom line was self-care, living in your "why", health, avoiding burn out, and the importance of rest. 

After having what has felt like the most stressful July and August ever, I decided to heed the conference's message and take the month of September off to recharge, rest, and plan for the holiday season.  This year has been filled with some unimaginable blessings for which I thank God for every single day.  My mind is continually blown every day that I am now cultivating relationships to do business with Fortune 50 and Fortune 100 companies.  ME, a pastry chef originally from a blimp on the map town in Central IL articulating my value with confidence, poise, knowledge and a proven track record with billion dollar (with a B y'all) corporations.  Nothing BUT God!

I can't wait to share with you the latest things that are unfolding, but I haven't been given the green light just yet.  I'm excited about what the future holds, but regardless I'll still be the same lady when given a choice puts on her favorite smiley face shorts, my jazzy hat, and loves bright colors that nearly sear your eye balls. 

The final day to order before my break is Wednesday, August 18.  UPS orders will ship Monday 8/23 - Wednesday 8/25.  Free Pita Pit pickup days will be Tuesday, 8/24 and Thursday 8/26.  I'll still be "around" on social media during my break, but just not baking until October 1.  I did add the Spiced Pumpkin Cake back on the menu since it's officially fall now, right, kinda....not really???!

Maria Kemp
Read more
It's FALL 🎃🍁🍂!

It's FALL 🎃🍁🍂!

The calendar officially says it's AUGUST, so now it's time for the humidity drenched days to end...right?!  Ah, who am I kidding?!  This is North Carolina!  We likely won't get a noticeable break until late September or October!  Well, either way I'm sure it's time for Starbuck's to start pushing everything pumpkin or caramel, so I'll jump on the bandwagon!  

The Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake is the first autumnal flavor to welcome the season!  Perhaps your like me and not a lover of cheesecake.  Well then this is “the dessert” for you!  The magic of whipped cream elevates this from a cream cheese tasting dessert to a light airy mousse creation.  There is too much whipped cream gently folded into the batter for the texture to resonate as a traditional cheesecake. The addition of pumpkin’s favorite spicy friends will warm your palette in the most delightful way — fresh cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and a hint of clove.  And wait, there’s more!  All that lusciousness is hidden under a billowy blanket of even more whipped cream topping the mousse cheesecake!  There’s a total of nearly 2 cups of heavy cream (before it’s whipped and nearly doubles) between the mousse and the topping.  Take it to ANOTHER level by choosing optional Heath toffee or toasted coconut to grace the whipping cream topping.  No graham cracker crust in sight!  It’s gingersnap crust all the way for the perfect finish.

I had some of my friends very excited when they read one of my FB post and thought I was opening a retail storefront.  After reading a few comments, I realized the word "digital" was down at the very bottom of the post.  🤦🏾‍♀️  If you know any my story, you already know I've been down that path right of pastry school and have ZERO, zilch, zippo, nada desire to do so again.  

I feel like I have enough activities going on in a given week for enough material for a sitcom, so I'll share 2 key "festivities" with you. 

After an automatic iPhone update my (ancient) 6S Plus would no longer connect to WiFi and then needed to stay plugged in constantly or the battery drained at an accelerated rate.  I was leaving on my birthday weekend getaway to my friend's lakehouse in Tennessee, but when I fired up the phone's GPS it immediately flashed a "temperature too high" or "phone too hot" warning.  It promptly shut itself down never to come on again.  Thankfully, I had already received my replacement phone -- I'm up to an iPhone 7 Plus now!  So only 5 minutes away from home, I was forced to turn around and setup the new one in order to have a working phone for my trip.  The new one connected to WIFI like a champ and within an hour all my apps had downloaded.  I made note of my passwords for a few key apps then hopped in the car to start my mini vacation.  I didn't realize until I arrived in TN, I wasn't logged into 99% of my applications after the upgrade, didn't have any of those passwords with me, so I was cut off from email the entire trip.  Not the worst thing ever since it was supposed to be a mini vacation.  

As for my frost-free freezer fail...

I discovered ”the store” will close your service ticket if they don't have an ETA on the required part AND offer you a buy out BUT for the price you ORIGINALLY paid.  Don't take the buy-out until you check the NEW selling price for the appliance.  When you get the buy-out email you only have 1 BUSINESS DAY before they start issuing the payment and cancel the remainder of your protection plan, so you have to move quickly.  Thankfully I got on the phone first thing the next morning and found the service company had just received notification from their distributor that TWO of the parts I need just came in!  Thankfully again, I wrote done the reps name, the time, and exactly what she said.  This turned out to save me as this whole event unfolded as a 2nd rep (45 minutes later) at the service company was giving me the "we don't have that part" response.  I was on the phone for 1 hour getting everything straightened out, but it was worth it!  The part for my freezer is scheduled to be installed this week.  Thank you Jesus!  Now I don't have to spend many hundreds of dollars more on a new unit AND pay for the old one to be hauled away.  

I'll save the rest of my adventures for a subsequent post!

Be sure to check out my new article in LKNConnect!  It's scheduled to post on 8/3! Until then, order the Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake -- it's truly love at first bite!

 

 

Maria Kemp
Read more
But I WANT it...NOW!

But I WANT it...NOW!

Over the last couple of weeks I've fielded more than my share of "I know it says "Local" only, but I want it!"  These "statements" usually are in reference to a client who lives beyond a realistic distance to make a free pickup day at Pita Pit.  However, their tastebuds are on fire and their drooling eyes are firmly fixed on Key Lime Pie, Cheesecake, Mini Strawberry Shortcakes, or something else on the menu that would NEVER survive 2-days in transit via UPS.  

At this point, I could easily take the same detailed text explanation and do a copy and paste into every subsequent request.  I've had people tell me how I could successful ship it to them.  I'm always willing to learn, but usually it ends up making me chuckle a bit instead.  Apparently not every client knows or recalls the sheer amount of research and testing I did last summer before I even shipped the first package.  To be exact, 1.5 months of testing/research of the shipping process.  My friends thought my research was a bit excessive, but they aren't responsible for food safety and getting the dessert(s) across country intact. 

Most dessert clients don't want to spend an extra $15+ for me ship everything using the gold standard -- dry ice.  (BTW, I did test dry ice.)  Most food companies shipping with dry ice are monthly subscription boxes or huge bakeries receiving massive shipping discounts.  So my research powered on!  I know which packaging to use, how to insulate it, how long the ice packs will last, what size ice packs, how many to use, what needs to be shipped frozen, which items can withstand regular UPS Ground service and which ones cannot, and I understand the UPS shipping nuances.  

Shopify offers deeply discounted UPS shipping which I pass along to my clients since I cannot compete with the free shipping most people are used to thanks to  Amazon.  I stopped shipping to states 3 days or more away unless upgraded shipping is purchased.  Why?!  The only service UPS will guarantee is air service.  Most clients don't want a dessert that is over 3 days old via ground service.  I learned about the "ouch" of the no ground service guarantee when a package took 6 days to arrive in Texas instead of 3!  

So I say all that to share these key points -- if you live in a state 3 days or more away (please consult the Shipping/Delivery page for the affected states), I can still ship to you, ONLY if you purchase 2-day air or overnight/next day air.  Regardless of your state, I can ship a (Local) only item to you ONLY if you purchase overnight/next day air.  You will need to contact me directly via email or phone.  The system will prevent you from completing the purchase online. 

Now you know the story behind "Local" only....😉 And I’m happy to give you an upgraded shipping quote if you decide you “want it…NOW!”🤣

Maria Kemp
Read more
The person behind the chef jacket or jazzy hat!

The person behind the chef jacket or jazzy hat!

Happy Sunday evening everyone!   I decided today I wanted to write a blog post that was less "buy now" and more of "here's a little more about me."  

  • I love bright colors - love purple and fuchsia!
  • I don't like getting dressed up and my first question will always be, "Can I wear my chef jacket?"
  • I'm an extreme extrovert.  A stranger is just someone I haven't met yet or gotten to say "howdy" to yet.  ("Howdy" is my favorite greeting for the last few months.)
  • I'm a life-long single parent, but officially an empty-nester since my daughter, Devin flew the coup over 16 years ago.  (If you are trying to do the math -- she's 34.)
  • I grew up in Illinois, Upstate NY (outside of Albany not NYC), Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
  • I still have a mild Northeastern accent.
  • I am the youngest of 2 children.  
  • I don't like to cook.  I have a mini George Foreman countertop grill, microwave, and a small frying pan I used to cook everything in.  The oven -- that's for baking only and far too much work for real food. 
  • I can hunker down and bake or get the most mundane tasks done without music or 97% of the time without anyone prodding me.
  • I call to chat (and check on) my "29 and holding" (his age disclaimer, not mine) dad at least once a week unless I get sucked into too many Zooms.
  • I don't like being hot although in 4 years, I have acclimated to NC summers fairly well.  You'll find me hibernating in AC on my MacBook Pro or watching Netflix, if there's not worth venturing out into the blistering sun to do.
  • I drive my mom's 2004 Honda CR-V, because it's reminds me of her and makes me feel like she is always with me, its great for hauling stuff AND it's paid for. 
  • I love watching action movies, romantic comedies, or sitcoms on Netflix.  I don't like scary/horror movies, supernatural/para-normal, sci-fi, super violent, or war movies.
  • I enjoy sitting in the car in a parking lot catching up on email, responding to social media and just soaking in some vitamin D.
  • My favorite candy is/are the mini unwrapped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and unsalted waffle fries from Chick-fil-A with Chick-fil-A dipping sauce!
  • I used to weigh 70 pounds more, but the last 25-30 pounds are being very resistant (Hmmmm, might have to do with the previous bullet).
  • I rejoined the gym because I decided walking wasn't entertaining enough for me.  I love to people watch and exercise is a lot more palatable when there are other people around to see.
  • 6.5 months ago I had total knee replacement on my right knee.  It will still swell a bit and get sore when my Superwoman activities are on overload. However, with my new bionic knee -- I can conquer the Stairmaster for 45 minutes climbing a total of 82 floors!
  • I'm a Leo, detailed-oriented, a planner, and organized.  People either love or hate that about me...it just depends on whether it's working for or against them at that specific moment.
  • Favorite quote from 20 years ago - "Your lack of planning does not constitute an emergency on my behalf."
  • I will be writing a food article for a local digital magazine very soon!
Maria Kemp
Read more
Get on board the baking tips train!

Get on board the baking tips train!

Many of you may not know in my former professional life teaching a plethora of software classes was at times part of my full-time responsibilities or something I did on a part-time basis.  Then as the years went by and my love for baking re-emerged, the curriculum shifted from applications to sweets.  

Really I think about it, I think I've truly just come full circle from the days of learning to bake with my Mom in our small kitchen in Upstate NY.   So where is all this headed in 2021?  Well, that answer is actually very easy!  As I said before I'm one of those anomalies who actually gets a thrill out of public speaking and being in front of the camera.  Now that doesn't mean everything goes smoothly every time or I don't get nervous, but big deal!  It makes me real, human, relatable and gives me something to improve on next time.  

I love baking so much I want everyone to feel more comfortable and confident in the kitchen.  Even in all the years I've been baking as a hobby or professionally, I learn something new every single day.  So I'm not afraid to share some of my coolest tips and tricks with you all, because I think I really have like a bazillion!

Currently, I have Pro-Tips scheduled to publish on all my main social media channels each morning.  And on YouTube, I have my "Mastering the Details" videos scheduled to publish every Sunday evening.  They are all FREE, FREE, FREE, so please share them with your friends and groups.  

Before this month is over, I will be releasing a completely redesigned private virtual baking experiences aka "classes".  Now these WON’T be FREE, FREE, FREE.  The baking experiences will be ideal for individuals, friends, groups or corporate clients looking for a unique team-building activity.  I have an entire notebook of class topics I'm narrowing down. 

Here's another opportunity for your voice to be heard!

  1. Would you prefer a 1.5 hour - 2 hour class finishing in 1 session OR
  2. Would you like to learn something more in-depth over 2 different sessions?
  3. Would you like a class during the day, evening or weekend?

The Margarita Cheesecake will remain on the menu through the end of June!  Some loved the saltiness in the cheesecake, but some didn't so please be sure to let me know your preference when you order. 

Can't wait to read you feedback on the upcoming classes!  Happy Father's Day to all the papas!

 

Maria Kemp
Read more
You know Father's Day is 1 week away, right?!

You know Father's Day is 1 week away, right?!

Welcome Sunday night!!!   I've actively been working on mending my workaholic ways, so I clap loudly for myself with every step I make to actually take time off.  Saturday I went to Camp North End for the first time with my friend.  It was a nice little get a way and experience.  We sat outside eating snacks enjoying a breeze that FINALLY wasn't humid.  Getting rained on wasn't even that bad.  I managed to relax in the breeze although my iPhone still buzzed with notifications that were all work-related.    

I've already recorded an entire series of videos for the "Mastering the Details" YouTube series.  As I get more efficient with managing my time, I realized what else is there to do when the kitchen is clean and I'm waiting for things to cool?!  Why not record videos!  I will release them slowly so viewers can watch them without ever feeling like they need to binge watch to get caught up.  Like I said, in my FB post last week the videos are unscripted, unedited, and in real-time.  This way you will know EXACTLY how long it takes to do whatever I'm demonstrating.  

Now, back to Father's Day!  I don't have pictures of the actual desserts I will be spotlighting for Father's Day, so I'll use a stock photo with a note to that effect so I can get the website updated this evening.  THANK YOU to all who responded to my poll request!  I did get quite a few votes on what should be on the Father's Day menu:  Cheesecake and Summer Pie (Fruit/Berries) were tied!  My brain is spinning with flavor combinations infused with Tequila, Maple/Bacon, and Bourbon.

Make sure you subscribe to the Beyond Decadence social media updates or our mailing list.  I will definitely post later this evening and send out an email blast tomorrow morning with the final menu.  Shipping will still take place Monday - Wednesday, but the free pickup days at Pita Pit will shift a little (Thursday AND Saturday) to accommodate picking up as close to Sunday as possible.

YouTube requires videos safe for kids to have the comments disabled, so feel free to post any comments here.

Happy Sunday evening! 

Maria Kemp
Read more
Mastering the Details - Learn "how to" video baking series

Mastering the Details - Learn "how to" video baking series

I believe I originally started doing Facebook Live instructional videos at the beginning of the pandemic.  They were an awesome way to give back, stay connected with my fans, and entertain those in need of a friendly face NOT currently sheltering in place with them.  Then the Facebook Lives grew into a Sunday afternoon "Bake Along with Chef Maria" event/series.  All the while, I developed private baking classes teaching a variety of topics to individuals of various skill levels and ages.  It was a lot of morphing (aka "pivoting"), but it kept Beyond Decadence buzzing along.

After I started doing the neighborhood pop-up events, shipping nationwide, the lives and classes dwindled.  Since eliminating pop-up events and focusing purely on online sales, I still felt like something was missing.  I'm that weirdo that LOVES public speaking and teaching regardless of what media it comes in.  I've done Toastmasters and know the value of planning your speech, but I get a thrill out of trusting God to give me the exact words to vocalize from the dictionary swirling around in my head while the video is recording.  And yes, I'm a former IT geek, but I don't have time to master editing video, so what you see is exactly how it came out.

Here's the crux of my video strategy -- if you aren't content with the 10,000 feet view/explanation behind the science of baking then my videos are for you!  I'll SHOW you the reason behind the techniques without making you yawn AND in 3 to 6 minutes. 

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and pickup some new tips and tricks to make your baking more successful regardless of what's on the menu.

Here's the first video in the series "How to measure flour https://youtu.be/jWqnJGbvx4M

Please leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you!

Maria Kemp
Read more
Your feedback REALLY matters to us!

Your feedback REALLY matters to us!

It's a quiet Memorial Day afternoon and I've managed to power through my to-do list at a pace that oddly enough feels relaxing.  Although, last night I did spend time relaxing with friends and over-indulgencing in a devine barbecued pork tenderloin and chicken breast.  My friends were excited over the brownies and cake I brought, while I was laser-focused and drooling over the BBQ!

Every month I meet with an amazing team of business mentors through a program called Innovate Charlotte who challenge me, hold me accountable for my goals, or help me fine-tune areas when I feel like the proverbial gerbil on the wheel.  This last month one of our pre-dawn meeting topics centered around customer feedback and finding out what desserts customers would like to see on the menu.  It's way too easy for me to tighten my creative apron and set the kitchen ablaze with unbridled creativity.  However, it's a colossal waste of time, energy, and ingredients if it's not what my customers want to purchase.  I really try to keep surveys to a bare minimum, because let's face it we get one with almost everything we purchase.   But the reality is -- if I don't ask, I'll never know for certain. 

On another note, I just completed editing all the product descriptions on the website so all the ordering details are MUCH clearer.  That should  clear up A LOT of confusion as I continue to add new desserts to the line-up. 

So the big $100,000 question is -- what desserts would you like to see on our summer menu?  Your response is as simple was posting a comment to this blog or email me at beyonddecadence@gmail.com .

Thank you in advance for sharing your feedback with me!

Maria Kemp
Read more
24 results