Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Johndrea Slay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Johndrea , we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
Growing up in Greenville, Mississippi, I was blessed with two parents who were deeply involved in the community. My mother worked a Lake Village Arkansas, in a poor community where many children lacked basic necessities like clothing, hygiene products, and even love and attention. During the holidays, I would often go to work with her and witness the quiet ways she would help. She would discreetly call students to her room, where she provided them with fresh clothes, hygiene items and even baths when needed. She always had snacks on hand for those who didn’t have enough food, making sure each child felt cared for and loved.
My father is also a strong example of generosity. He is one of the founder member of the 100 Black Men of the Delta Inc. During the Christmas Season, he and his fellow members would adopt a school and ensure that every student received a gift. Our garage would be filled with toys, and I help wrap and distribute them, sharing in the joy of giving. My father also played a significant role in help adults. He was the second Black U.S. Federal probation officer in the state of Mississippi, working with individuals on probation from across the state. He used his connections in the community to help those seeking to turn their lives around, finding them job opportunities and support systems. He firmly believed in giving people the tools to succeed if they were willing to change so they “could run their race”.
Both of my parents’ selflessness and dedication to helping others have had a profound impact on me, shaping the work I do today with ” Celebrate with a Cake.”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a native of Greenville, Mississippi, and moved to Kingwood, Texas, in 2010 after going through a difficult period in my life. As a newly single mother of two children and a dog, I needed a fresh start. I’ve always had a passion for baking, and making cakes became a form of therapy for me. Although I often made cakes and treats for friends and family,
In 2012, my then-boyfriend (now husband) was working at the DePelchin Children Center. One day, he asked me to bake a cake for one of the kids he worked with. The boy was turning 13, and when he received the cake, he began to cry. When asked why, he said he had never had a birthday cake before. This moment had a profound impact on me. We continued to provide cakes for the children at the center, and that experience planted the seed that would eventually grow into “Celebrate with a Cake.”
In 2013, I opened a cupcake stand in Deerbrook Mall in Humble, Texas. By 2014, I had started volunteering in local schools during the holidays, helping students with baking projects. In 2017, my business, By J Slay, was chosen as a vendor for the Super Bowl in Houston. Since 2019, I’ve hosted summer camps for kids, participated in pop-up shops, bridal markets, and holiday markets.
As a mother and a baker, I’ve always loved creating elaborate birthday celebrations for my own children, making them feel special. In 2023, I decided to turn this passion into something bigger by founding a nonprofit that reflected the work we had been doing for children at the center. In June 2023, “Celebrate with a Cake” became a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, is celebrated on their birthday, especially those affected by disabilities, poverty, or a lack of resources.
We recently celebrated our one-year anniversary, and with five volunteers, we are always seeking more support to continue raising funds and providing cakes for foster care youth and children with disabilities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Resilience: Overcoming personal challenges and starting over in a new place taught me to be resilient. No matter the setbacks or struggles, I’ve learned to stay focused on my goals and keep pushing forward. My advice to others is to embrace challenges as part of the journey. It’s through the difficult times that you find strength and growth.
2. Creativity and Passion: My love for baking started as a form of personal therapy but evolved into a business and nonprofit that brings joy to others. Finding something you’re passionate about and letting it fuel your work is crucial. For those early in their journey, focus on what lights you up and explore ways to use that passion to make a positive impact.
3. Community and Connection: Building relationships has been a key part of my success, from volunteers to partnerships with local schools and organizations. Knowing how to connect with others, share your mission, and ask for help is critical. My advice to those starting out is to surround yourself with people who share your vision, and don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and support.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
When considering who to partner and collaborate with, it’s important to align ourselves with organizations and individuals who share similar values and missions.
1. Local Schools and Community Centers: Schools, especially those serving underprivileged children, can be a great partner. They can help us to identify children in need of birthday celebrations, and teachers or staff may want to volunteer. Community centers that serve foster care or youth with disabilities can also provide direct connections to children who would benefit from your services.
2. Nonprofits and Charities: Partnering with other nonprofits that serve children, such as foster care organizations, disability advocacy groups, or hunger relief charities, can help broaden your impact. These groups often already have relationships with families and can help identify those who would benefit from your cakes.
3. Local Bakeries and Small Businesses: Collaborating with local bakeries, grocery stores, or even hobbyist bakers can be a win-win. Donated supplies, cakes, or offer discounts in exchange for promotion, allowing us to expand your reach and capacity.
4. Corporate Sponsors: Partnering with businesses, especially those with a strong focus on community involvement, can provide us with financial support or in-kind donations. Companies with philanthropic arms, or those looking to meet corporate social responsibility goals, may be willing to sponsor events or provide grants.
They Can Connect:
Social Media and Online Outreach:
Website: https://www.celebratewithacake.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrate_withacake Facebook::https://www.facebook.com/celebratewithacake
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98820092/admin/dashboard/
email: Johndrea@celebratewithacake.org
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.celebratewithacake.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrate_withacake
- Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/celebratewithacake
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98820092/admin/dashboard/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
