An Inspired Chat with Kyiamoni Brown of DMV

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kyiamoni Brown. Check out our conversation below.

Kyiamoni , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is more important to me because it defines who I truly am when no one else is watching. It means being honest, keeping my word, and making choices that align with my values—even when it’s not the easiest path. Without integrity, achievements lose their meaning and relationships lose their trust. I believe that success built on honesty and consistency lasts longer and carries greater weight than success achieved through shortcuts or compromise. For me, integrity isn’t just a principle; it’s the foundation of respect, trust, and self-worth.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a 23-year-old self-taught pastry artist with a passion for transforming sugar into art. What started as a hobby in my kitchen quickly grew into a full-time dream—creating custom fondant-decorated cakes that are as breathtaking as they are delicious. Every cake is designed to be more than dessert. it’s a centerpiece, a memory, and a reflection of the people it’s made for.

Recently, my journey was recognized by Fox 5 News, where I was featured for my unique artistry and growing brand. But beyond business, giving back has always been at the heart of what I do. I proudly donate custom cakes to chronically ill children, because every child deserves a reason to smile and celebrate, no matter the challenges they face.

From first learning the craft on my own to being spotlighted on television, my story is about creativity, resilience, and using my talent to bring joy to others.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I used to believe that you had to grow up first before you could live your dream. That dreams were something waiting far off in the future. But as I found myself falling in love with baking and cake artistry at such a young age, I realized that passion doesn’t wait for permission. You don’t need to be older to start, you just need courage, creativity, and the willingness to try.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me things that success never could. Success feels good, but it doesn’t test you. It doesn’t break you down to your lowest and force you to rebuild yourself piece by piece. Pain does that.

When you suffer, you see who you really are. You learn patience, you learn grit, and you learn compassion, because once you’ve been in the dark, you recognize that struggle in other people too. Success never gave me that kind of perspective. It never showed me how strong I could be, or how much beauty can come out of brokenness.

That’s why I don’t run from the hard parts of my story. They’re the reason I can stand where I am today.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, but it’s not the whole story. What people see the cakes, the features, the wins that’s all authentically me. But it’s also the polished side, the part that’s easier to share. The private version of me is the one that pushes through exhaustion, doubts myself but l still gets up to keep creating.

Both are real. The difference is, one is the highlight reel and the other is the behind-the-scenes. I think everyone lives in that tension showing enough to be true, but also keeping some parts sacred.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss more than just the cakes, they’d miss the experience. The late-night texts making sure every detail was perfect, the way I pour my heart into capturing their vision, the excitement of unboxing a cake that feels like theirs and not just any cake.

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Kyiamoni Brown

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