( ENSPIRE Features ) Kenneth and Tamara Williams Successfully Turned Their Love of Baking Into a Beloved Brand
ENSPIRE Contributor: Nicole Armstrong
Royal Cheesecake & Varieties offers a tremendous variety of cheesecake flavors and other sweets, all crafted with the influence of a rich culinary heritage. Kenneth and Tamara Williams are the masterminds behind Royal Cheesecake & Varieties, a flourishing dessert empire based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The couple’s baking roots run deep and contribute significantly to the success they see today. Kenneth sharpened his skills by helping his mother in the kitchen, particularly with her apple pies. On the other hand, Tamara learned to bake from her grandmother and continues to draw inspiration from her techniques today.
Kenneth and Tamara started their entrepreneurial careers in a Durham mall kiosk in 2013. From there, they participated in farmers’ markets, festivals, and events, including the African American Cultural Festival, Black Farmers Market, Got To Be NC, and the North Carolina State Fair. From these events, they expanded their reach, and their desserts quickly gained popularity. In 2021, they could eventually purchase and equip a truck to sell their products after winning a grant. From there, they could travel around North Carolina, bringing their treats to a brand new set of customers. The pair then opened a brick-and-mortar store, as well as a second dessert truck, with the help of another grant and their investments into the business. Royal Cheesecake & Varieties has grown throughout the years and is now available nationally through their website. For an in-person visit, customers can find the bakery in Raleigh, North Carolina.
We spoke with Kenneth and Tamara about their dessert empire.
Was there ever a time in your life when baking was not in your career plan? What was there in its place, or what drove both of you so strongly to baking?
Kenneth: Yes, for years I was attending school to become a Mortician. The business is so hard to break into without a helping hand. Culinary was always there. I was always baking with my mom.
We had an apple and a pear tree in our backyard, so that’s how I started. My dad told me out of every venture I started, I always came back to baking, so go with that.
Tamara: I always wanted to be a teacher. As a child, I played school with my Barbie dolls. Eventually, I did go to college earned my degree in education, and became an educator for almost 20 years. However, I loved to bake, and when Ken and I got married, he stated, “We should start a company together.” I told him, “I did not want to work with you.” After prayer and review, I joined him in creating Royal Cheesecake & Varieties. Now I get to do both of my passions. I’m a part-time educator and get to bake for our bakery and food truck.
What tactics were most successful in growing your business?
The tactic that was most successful in growing our business was following Proverbs 3: 5-6, prayer, communication, hard work, and consistency.
How do you manage all the elements that come with running your bakery? What is the most challenging part of this? The most rewarding?
Communication, the whiteboard (writing down the plans), and a good team. The most challenging part is making time for us and the new growing pains of the next level. The most rewarding is getting to hire people and watch how the business has grown in the last 10 years.
Is there a childhood recipe that you still enjoy making regularly today?
Kenneth: Yes. I like making the Michigan Apple Pie Cheesecake in the wintertime. It makes me think of my mom.
Tamara: I still enjoy making 7-Up and lemon pound cake, as well as banana pudding. My grandma made the best pound cake, and she would not tell you her recipe but would let you know if you did something wrong. LOL! I made banana pudding from scratch with my mom. I would help place the bananas in the pan and make the meringue. I did not know that people made banana pudding from instant pudding until I was in college.
How did you decide on cheesecake being the titular dessert of your bakery?
Kenneth: I almost failed my baking course in Culinary School because I couldn’t bake a cheesecake or make a biscuit. My professor allowed me to take it home and practice. I threw away everything I learned about cheesecake and came up with my method. She said, “You have something here.” I told Tamara a lot of people cannot bake a good cheesecake, and that we should start a business.
Tamara: When I met Ken, he was making cheesecake, and I have made cheesecake as well. We decided to make that the prime dessert as so many people cannot make a great one but also add on varieties to provide various desserts.
Do you have a favorite flavor of dessert that you offer at Royal Cheesecake & Varieties or one you want to add to your menu?
Kenneth: I have 2. The cheesecake is the Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake. The other is our Grandpa Dirty Secret Cookie: Peanut Butter cookie with butterscotch chips inside and drizzled dark chocolate and peanut butter.
Tamara: My favorite is our NC Sweet Potato Pound Cake. It’s sweet potato pie in a pound cake. Very good!
Kenneth and Tamara have continually expanded their business while staying true to their baking roots and passions. Shoppers can purchase their great variety of desserts in person in North Carolina, or order treats, including cake, cupcakes, and cookies, online at the Royal Cheesecake & Varieties website. Keep up with the company on Instagram as well.
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