Where It All Began…
“Mom, can I help cook?”
“Mom, can you teach me how to make those cookies?”
There were lots of “Mom this” and “Mom that” throughout the kitchen when Kalea was younger. Whether she was in the kitchen with Grandma or Mom, Kalea always wanted to help out, especially with baking. The smell of her Mama’s Lemon Cookies or sweet potato pie would always bring a smile to her face because she knew she was going to eat so good!
Later down the line in elementary school, Kalea read a book in fifth grade about a young baker. Kalea could relate to the character’s passion, and determination. She realized then that baking was something she wanted to pursue, and her mother provided full support.
The Beginning of Something Amazing…
Kalea worked as an intern at Continental Bakery in Battle Creek, MI, during her sixth-grade year. During her seventh-grade year, she visited Paris Baguette Bakery in New York and was ecstatic about her future possibilities. Extensive hands-on experience at home and training opportunities cemented her love for baking.
Through an EFE (Education For Employment) culinary arts class from 2019–2020, she learned from some of the best in the industry and also competed in the Skills USA competition. Following her culinary training in high school, she attended the Culinary Institute of Michigan- Port Huron as a Baking & Pastry student. Several pitch competition victories provided her with access to opportunities that have aided in funding her business.
Kalea’s ultimate goal is to encourage others to adopt healthy eating habits, especially young girls. Chef Kalea provides traditional desserts for her customers, but her specialties are gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free delectables.
Kalea started Parisian Dream Desserts LLC during high school (2019), and since then her baking skills have grown tremendously. Being able to contribute to her community through desserts gives Kalea a sense of happiness and fulfillment.
“Chef Kalea is hands-down the best! Perfect sweet-tart lemon cupcakes, baked and delivered with care for a college student’s birthday. We’ll definitely order these again, and try new flavors too. I’m too far away to bake for my student, and Chef Kalea is the obvious choice to get the job done with professional skill. Warmly recommend!”
- Jenny Hannibal, Customer