February 11th, 2026

I’m excited to share that Parisian Dream Desserts has entered to compete in the Cultivate 269 Pitch competition. Community support plays a HUGE role in this journey, and every vote helps move this dream forward.

VOTING CLOSES: March 12th at 11:59PM

February 8th, 2026

From 5th grade friends to chasing big dreams! Kalea is sharing her journey from loving to baking, to starting her very own business. All while balancing life, ambition, and self-care.

Want all the inspiration, laughs, and lessons she’s learned along the way? Watch the full episode now on YouTube! Link below.

January 19th, 2026

College students, join us for an on-campus pop-up with fresh cookies, cupcakes, and more! Start the semester on a sweet note. :)

Where: WMU Student Center, 2nd Floor

When: January 19th, 2026 - 2-5PM

February 2026

This Valentine’s Day, Parisian Dream Desserts is having it’s annual Cupid’s Box! A percentage of proceeds of the sales will be donated to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission which supports individuals experiencing homelessness.

July 27th, 2023

Inspired by a childhood spent baking with mom and grandma, and a book that stuck with her for a decade, a Kalamazoo teen entrepreneur answered a call for young would-be authors.

June 5th, 2021

Tune into Young CEO Lounge as Anaya Fernando interviews Kalea Barnes who is an author and young CEO. She is the founder and owner of Parisian Dream Desserts.

Click the link below to listen in on the journey it took from Kalea to become the person she is today.

October 12th, 2024

I’m thrilled to invite you to the official book signing of my children’s book, Chef Jasmine Goes to Tanzania! Join me for an afternoon of fun at Matchhead Coffee on the Kalamazoo Mall. I’ll be reading an excerpt, signing copies, and answering your questions.

📅 When: October 12th, 2024, 1:30 PM - 3 PM
📍 Where: Matchhead Coffee, Kalamazoo Mall
💡 Special Treat: Present this flyer for 50% off a drink from Matchhead Coffee! ☕️

I invite you to come and say hello! Ask your burning questions about the book, and grab a photo! I look forward to seeing you there!

June 18th, 2023

Kalea Barnes, a culinary entrepreneur, combined her passion and her role as an Explorer to write Chef Jasmine Goes to Tanzania. The chapter book takes youth to Tanzania, where Chef Jasmine wins a trip to teach kids how to bake her grandmother’s famous Red Velvet Cake.

However, as Jasmine teaches her students, they also teach her that baking brings people together to learn even more significant lessons.