We were lucky to catch up with Yasmaneka Bush recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yasmaneka , thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
This is one thing that seemed easy at first; but I truly did not learn what self-discipline was until my first year at JWU (Johnson & Wales University). For me, college really honed in on my potential; what was and what could be? My first three months at JWU I struggled due to the fact high school did not prepare me for: short assignment due dates, the work load, studying, planning, research, and organization. Did I mention that I also had the tendency to procrastinate? So image, getting the assignment of ten page paper from one class (APA Format), along with a group project, chapter readings and quizzes from two other classes on Monday, all due Wednesday. Some of my assignments were late, and my first trimester as a freshman I got a, ”C”; and that was my turning point. I never wanted to see that type of grade for myself again. I developed strict self-discipline, nothing came before my school work. There were times I sacrificed hanging with friends, or not going to any on campus events until my assignments were complete. Some days were dedicated to studying and researching in the library. Learning to be more organized than I was before helped in this transitional period. My hard work paid off, and after that first trimester, I landed a spot on the Dean’s List my remaining time there. That is the level self-discipline I have when it comes to working for myself, or even in the corporate world; that has allowed me to grow. For that I am grateful!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Timeless Desserts was created not just to bake and sell products; it was created to be a part of lasting memories. It is nice to have beautiful desserts at any event, but what I want people to remember is……EVERYTHING! How well their desserts compliment their event, how everyone loves the desserts, but what I am most focused on is when they taste my desserts, I want them to have a sense of nostalgia. Timeless Desserts create everlasting memories with every bite.
At Timeless Desserts, I specialize in wedding cakes, macarons, viennoiserie, ice cream and other confections: such as cookies, bar desserts, muffins and rice krispie treats. The more complex a dessert is, the more I enjoy it. That is why macarons and viennoiserie are at the top of my list: skill, time and technique matter, and one step what should have been a dessert becomes a try again. Most would ask what makes a wedding cake complex? Since wedding cakes are y favorite, let me explain. First and foremost let’s point out the obvious, if the tiers are not filled and stacked even and correct, then that is a whole other problem. To me cake matters, having a sturdy bottom is important, along with using dowels or a cake safe. For me, wedding cakes can be easy or as intricate as a painting. Either way it goes there is integrity and craftsmanship in every products.
Speaking of products, my newest product for, Timeless, is cake jars. No cake jars are not new to the industry, but these were items that were on menu, exclusively for weddings. They have become so loved that they available upon request. At the moment the flavors are: Vanilla, Salted Caramel, 3x Chocolate, Straw-buried, Coconut Craze, Birthday Cake, Red Velvet and Strawberry Shortcake. I am excited to see how well cake jar do.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being a part of the food industry is not an easy career. It can be tiring to get lost in the hustle and bustle of things, as I did for the first couple of years; but three qualities I find essential are: willingness to learn, ability to adapt and self-awareness. As a pastry chef, desserts are always evolving, with new techniques and skills being created or even invented. There is a level of curiosity one must have to learn new things; this is where an individual’s willingness to learn comes into play. Just keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try something new. The next thing is the ability to adapt. Please read me loud and clear, there is a difference between adapting and tolerating. For example, I have been in kitchens that have used different methods, other than what I was taught. Therefore, I had to learn a skill and ADAPT; or even when the holiday season comes around, and instead of having my own table, I now share with two other individuals, ADAPT. What is not adapting, is being in a kitchen where your boss uses excessive abusive language or tone with you or co-workers, and you choose to stay, that is TOLERATING. I just believe a kitchen can be lead effectively with harmonious individuals, one person should not walk in the room and their employees from laughing and conversing to benign quiet and just trying to stay out of the line of fire. Overall the most important quality for me is self-awareness. Always be conscious of what you think, how you think, and how you feel. Let your conscious be your guide, if something doesn’t feel right or you think something is not a fit, listen to yourself. Trust yourself in all you do.
Side Note: Please remember knowledge is great to have, it shows people you have learned the necessary material for your career, but there is more to it than that. You can have all the knowledge in the world, but if you are not a kind individual no one want to be in the same room with you, so they definitely do not want to work with you.
Anyone in their early journey I encourage you to learn all you can, and never stop learning; but please remember to be and stay humble.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I am a very analytical individual, I pay very close attention to every detail. As a child I grew up loving art and valuing every brush stroke in a painting, and they let me be a creative individual. They never forced a Law Degree or Med School on me, so the most impactful thing my parents did for me was, letting be me. That a lone taught me how to stand out in a crowd, and I am grateful. Thanks Mom & Dad! 🤍
Contact Info:
- Other: TikToK: timeless desserts
