Meet Jasmine Marshea | Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Marshea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, what is the most important factor behind your success?
In 2017 I lost my uncle to lung cancer. Before he passed, we discussed owning my own bakery and he told me that if he could buy everything for me he would. His death eventually led to me basically giving up. It was to the point that I would only bake for family or close friends and even then I would gripe and complain. It took one of my best friends giving me a reality check and pointing out that he wouldn’t want me to quit doing what I loved. My uncle always spoke highly when it came to me, so the simple thought of making him proud is the most important factor behind my success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sugars by Shea started out in my apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL circa 2017. Baking was something that I just randomly woke up and decided to do one day. I’ve always wanted my own bakery, but I wanted to be different. Pound Cakes are a staple in the south and I wanted to put my own spin onto the popular cake. I decided to revamp and do any and every flavor I could think of as a Pound Cake. I wanted flavors and names you wouldn’t be able to walk into a store and find. I gave all of my flavors a unique name whether it was from pop culture, celebrities, or cartoons. I wanted my brand to stand out. If you were to walk into my bakery today and glanced at my menu, I would want you to either crack a smile or maybe even ugly laugh a little. Tell me, where else would you go and find a pound cake named after Michael Jackson?!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m pretty new here myself and fortunately for me I have friends from Atlanta that have put me on to a few hot spots. I would for sure hit up Suite Lounge, The Roof at Ponce City Market, and Stone Mountain. If you’re looking for a nice photo opt I would suggest the Botanical Gardens, TFTI, or the Garden Room. You can even enjoy a few drinks and small plates. Added bonuses are the Hattie Marie’s Texas BBQ & The Beautiful Restaurant. Just go. No questions asked!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shout out to my late Uncle Willie Dunn and my brother Demetris S. Johnson. I carry you with me every where I go and I hope you two are proud of the woman I’ve become. I would also like to thank Paige for thinking highly enough of my work to nominate me and Alexia for being my right hand through this entire ordeal.

Website: www.adoseofjasmine.com

Instagram: @adoseofjasmine__ / @sugarsbyshea

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sugarsbyshea

Image Credits
Jonathan Knox, Knox Photography