We recently connected with Charisse Gibbons and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charisse, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
At the tender age of 14, my journey to finding my purpose began. What started as a simple love for cooking quickly blossomed into a deep curiosity about desserts. I was mesmerized by the creativity involved in pastry arts—how a simple cake could be transformed into a breathtaking masterpiece by the skilled hands of a pastry chef.
Driven by this fascination, I aligned my path with opportunities to nurture my passion. In school, I immersed myself in home economics, eagerly learning the basics of culinary arts. My desire to grow led me to pursue formal training at the Barbados Community College, where I studied culinary arts. However, I soon realized that while the program offered a strong foundation, it didn’t include courses in cake decorating—the area I was most passionate about.
Rather than letting this limitation deter me, I took matters into my own hands. I sought out a small business owner who offered specialized cake decorating courses. Her classes became a pivotal part of my journey, allowing me to refine my skills and develop my unique style. Each class reinforced my belief that this was my purpose—to create desserts that not only satisfied the palate but also delighted the eyes.
Through determination, curiosity, and a commitment to growth, I discovered my calling in the art of pastry. Today, as I look back, I see how each step—from my first home economics class to those intimate workshops—was a building block that shaped the pastry chef and creator I am today.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Spreading the Magic of The Magic Oven
At The Magic Oven, my home bakery, I transform simple ingredients into extraordinary desserts that captivate both the eyes and the taste buds. My journey began at 14 when I fell in love with cooking, and my passion grew as I discovered the artistry behind pastry. Every cake I design is a testament to creativity and dedication, blending flavors and designs to create edible masterpieces.
What sets The Magic Oven apart is the personal touch I bring to every creation. From elegant birthday cakes to indulgent personal desserts, each item is crafted with care and attention to detail. I also enjoy experimenting with local ingredients and flavors to infuse a bit of Barbados into my creations, making them unique and memorable.
Exciting things are always happening at The Magic Oven. Currently, I’m expanding my product line to include bundle specials and desserts tailored for events like baby showers. Additionally, I’m exploring ways to enhance the shelf life of my cakes without compromising flavor, ensuring that customers can enjoy my desserts for longer.
Through social media platforms like Instagram, I share not just my products but also glimpses of the creative process, inspiring my audience and connecting with dessert lovers worldwide. The Magic Oven isn’t just a bakery—it’s a celebration of artistry, passion, and the joy that comes from sharing something sweet.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three Most Important Qualities for Success in My Journey
Curiosity and Passion for Learning
From a young age, my curiosity drove me to explore and learn beyond what was taught in formal education. This thirst for knowledge allowed me to hone my skills, whether it was in home economics classes or specialized cake decorating workshops.
Advice: Always stay curious. Don’t be afraid to seek out opportunities to learn, whether it’s through classes, books, or even observing others in your field. Passion is the fuel that will keep you motivated.
Resourcefulness and Adaptability
When I realized that my culinary school didn’t offer cake decorating courses, I didn’t let that stop me. Instead, I sought out a local business owner who could teach me. This adaptability allowed me to overcome obstacles and carve my own path.
Advice: Don’t wait for everything to be handed to you. Look for creative solutions and take initiative to fill gaps in your knowledge or experience.
Dedication and Consistency
Developing my skills took time and consistent effort. Whether it was perfecting a recipe or practicing intricate cake designs, I committed to improving every day.
Advice: Understand that success is a result of steady progress. Show up for your goals daily, even if the steps feel small. Consistency compounds over time.
For anyone starting out, I’d also emphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive mentors and peers. Find a community that encourages growth, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Collaboration Opportunities with The Magic Oven
At The Magic Oven, I’m always looking for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals and businesses to help grow my brand and reach more people who appreciate high-quality, artistic desserts. Whether it’s advice, partnerships, or support in areas like marketing and outreach, I’m eager to connect with those who share a passion for creativity and innovation in the culinary world.
I’d love to collaborate with:
Marketing Professionals or Agencies: People with expertise in social media strategy, content creation, or digital marketing to help amplify The Magic Oven’s presence, especially on Instagram and TikTok.
Event Planners and Caterers: Collaborating on desserts for weddings, baby showers, and special events to create memorable experiences for clients.
Local Influencers or Food Bloggers: Partnering to showcase The Magic Oven’s creations to a wider audience in Barbados and beyond.
Fellow Small Business Owners: Sharing insights, resources, and even cross-promotional opportunities to support each other in growing our businesses.
If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to me via email at themagicovenbds@gmail.com, or connect with me through my website, www.themagicovenbds.com. I’m always open to exploring new ideas and building relationships that align with my mission of creating extraordinary desserts and experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themagicovenbds.com
- Instagram: themagicovenbds
- Facebook: themagicovenbd
Image Credits
image credit with client and the pink cake is to sarah
Ncf with the one labels Ncf
rest of photos themagicoven
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
