We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gayla Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gayla, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Well since the world is full of opportunities, I decided to explore those that intrigued me the most, One of my major interest is cooking. Starting at the age of 4 making a pan of cornbread from scratch with my mother. Being the only child at home during those tender years… there was nothing else to do other than the two “LL’s”…
“LOOK” or “LEARN”. I of course chose both. I was looking while learning the concepts of how to help prepare meals and later desserts. My love for food is second to none. These past 55 of 59 yrs of cooking still amazes me with the different tweaks and seasonings available. I love trying new ways that can change your tastebuds from:
1. I’ve never tried this or this is a new take on different dishes. 2. Sometimes it may remind you of something that your mother or grandmother may have prepared long ago. The one thing that I prioritize more than anything is never being selfish, comfortable and set in the ways I prepare food. I’m always trying new recipes, tweaking old ones and creating my own version. So don’t be surprised if you happen to run up on me in the grocery store and I’m on the seasoning aisle for
30 minutes trying to decide what I want to try next. Cooking is not just my passion but its therapy. If you happen to pass by and my kitchen light is on longer than it takes to get a bottle of water or make a cup of coffee and it’s after midnight…then there’s the strong possibility that a 5 Flavor Pound Cake or a Deep Dish Peach Cobbler is being prepared. Personally I don’t have to have a reason, a holiday or a special occasion to cook. Even after I had 3 children as a single parent… there was always some kind of dessert usually a pound cake on the counter. Yes I confess I have a dessert fetish along with good food. When it comes to desserts… I’ve notice that several people are doing more baking and I applaud you. I know earlier that I said “that I try not to be set in my ways” … but here’s my “CATCH 22 “…..
“all of my desserts are made from “scratch with no exceptions”!!! There is a misconception however between homemade and scratch … yes 9 times out of 10 they are both made at home. Most modern day homemade cakes start out with cake mix and are doctored up. But those made from scratch are made from individual ingredients added one at a time.. It may be measured with a measuring cup and spoons or added the way some of the elders did … “Dumped In” with a
“Pinch” of this and a “Dash” of that. At the end of the day it’s all about what tickles your fancy. There’s no wrong or right way of cooking …. but it is trial and error… always explore, learn from and keep the passion going.
This is what sparked my desire for “Soulful Peach & Pounds”. My hearts desire is to continue to explore the depths of my passion making a variety of delicious desserts from:
* 5 Flavor Pound Cakes W/ or W/Out Butter Cream Icing
* Italian Cream Cakes
* Peach Cobblers
* Sweet Potato Pies
* Buttermilk Pies etc.
If you can name it I’m willing to try it. For me there’s nothing like a good challenge. This is my tribute to Scratch Desserts from the past.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Soulful Peach & Pounds: I’m bringing back a taste of passion & love for the way desserts were once prepared the old fashion way … from scratch. This is my take on tweaking desserts w/out using box or package cake mixes. They’re made w/ lots of love from not just from my heart but from my soul.
“Achieve Your Dreams” is not just about theory; its about taking action. The book provides step- by- step exercises and prompts @ the the end of each chapter, encouraging you to reflect, set goals & develop actionable plans for your success journey,
Professional Photographer:
Capturing precious priceless memories that last a lifetime.
IE: Weddings, Games {Sports}, Special Moments, Events & All Occasions
Motivational / Inspirational Speaker
Traveler: Seeing various parts of the world while exploring different adventures. Being able to go and experience what others only dream of.
Class A CMV Operator: Bus & 18 Wheeler
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
#1. My ability to never stop evolving with my hopes, dreams and goals. Even though I’m 59 yrs. young with 3 adult children, 15 grands plus all of my extended children from around the world …. My thoughts are to never settle for just the run of the mill opportunities but to always give it my absolute best shot . “If an astronaut can go to the moon… WHY do I have to settle for the sky being my limit?” Or even better “Why settle for the moon when there’s the whole universe just waiting for the opportunity to be explored”? In other words when you reach that goal that had you thinking that it was unattainable and you proved to yourself and others that it was possible … Now it’s time to set more goals create opportunities for not just you but for your family, friends, the nay-sayers .and your enemies. Yes that’s right your enemies …. everyone is put on notice that until I take my last breath all hope is not dead or gone. Develop a hunger and thirst that not only keeps you inspired but keeps the attention of others.
{NOTES TO SELF}: 1. NEVER GIVE UP! 2. FAILURE IS NEVER AN OPTION BUT A LESSON LEARNED NOT A STOP SIGN @THE END OF THE ROAD! YOU MAY PAUSE FOR THE MOMENT… REGROUP…. BUT YOU KEEP GOING NO MATTER WHAT!
3. YOU MAY FALL A TRILLION TIMES, BUT ALWAYS GET UP DUST YOURSELF OFF AND KEEP TRYING!
4. IF YOU CAN DREAM IT YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT!
#2. My ability to speak with compassion, show empathy, and motivate others in a positive manner. Many don’t realize that sometimes in life just a few words or actions can change ones whole outlook and demeaner from negative to positive. We never truly know or understand what others may be going through , but I try to be as compassionate with my understanding as possible. My goal is to leave a person or situation better than I found it. A lot of times it’s just that simple pick-me-up that shows you care that makes all the difference.
#3. Don’t ever be so afraid to step out on faith that you settle for your comfort zone. You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you don’t try!
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Well … for me… outside of God’s Holy Word ~ THE BIBLE it would be My Book: Achieve Your Dream: 52 Sundays of Motivational Guidance For Success
There are only a few quotes that I use when my life is off balance and I need to press my own reset button. We all need to be able to recharge ourselves from time to time/ Life is not easy, but it helps when you can refer to quotes that re-center your energy. Never allow anyone or anything to disconnect you from being positive. Life is life, and only you determine what or which way you will proceed. Always remember that there are others going through something far worse than what you may be experiencing.
“You may not always see a flicker, a twinkle or even a light at the end of the tunnel, but just know if you keep the faith on this journey called life you will come out alright.”
Ask yourself this question……
” Do I practice what I preach & live what I teach?”
You never know who is watching, following or adjusting there lifestyle to yours.
Always Remember This: You lead by example…. Move accordingly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mizzmuudea47@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizzmuudea
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GaylaDavis
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayla-e-davis-a926b1bb
- Other: Amazon.com/gayladavis
Image Credits
George Davis II Gayla Davis
