Meet Kia Guest-Holloway: Baker & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kia Guest-Holloway and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been a creative/artistic person, even as a child when I would create my own storybooks, illustrations, and all. My creative juices continued to flow as an adult, and I discovered that I was the happiest when I could be creative. Being creative/artistic is cathartic, and I love the way it positively affects the public. It was a couple of years ago where I decided that it would be ideal to combine two of my favorite hobbies: baking and art. I created this business to create edible works of art. Even a basic chocolate chip cookie can be artistic, it’s all in the way you view it! My creative mind finds inspiration in the most random items, even baked goods. This is why Kiabell’s Sweet Confections was one of the best creative/artistic endeavors I’ve embarked on. I look forward to growing as a baker and business. There’s no telling what the future holds for me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My baking business is focused on creating classic southern goods, coupled with custom/luxury baked goods for consumers who want unique treats. Additionally, I use organic, fine quality products, a far cry from what one would find in a commercial big-box store. I’m most proud of the quality of goods that I provide consumers, as well as the adorable designs for custom, made sugar cookies. Custom sugar cookies allow me to really unleash my creative/artistic side. I will be launching ethnic-inspired cookie designs soon; most custom cookies are not marketed toward people of color and I hope to change that. Starting a baking business was not easy, mostly due to my health limitations. I have battled CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia for 20 years, and art was always my outlet to handle the challenges of having an invisible disability. I hope to introduce a way to honor those who also suffer from invisible disabilities through my baking with promotional custom cookie art. Having a business is difficult as is, but it is even more challenging being a business owner with a debilitating invisible disability. However, I have always found solace in baking and creating edible art. I want the world to know that with Kiabell’s Sweet Confections you are getting customized, quality treats. Kiabell’s understands that quality, authentic products are increasingly difficult to find – which is why my products are created with the consumer in mind. If you are seeking custom made, quality products, Kiabell’s Sweet Confections is the way to go.

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?
Atlanta is chock full of entertaining, exciting places to visit, even during COVID. If I had to recommend a couple of places within the city to enjoy, I’d suggest the following places: 1) Atlanta Botanical Gardens: As an artist, the botanical gardens has tons of inspiration. It’s also exciting to visit for date night or even a girl’s trip. 2) Centennial Olympic Park: A a relic from Atlanta’s Olympic past, Centennial is an awesome place to view historic Olympic memorabilia, but also hang out. Locals love to visit during the summer due to the water fountains, but there are also tons of places to host picnics or simply relax with your friends. 3) National Center for Civil and Human Rights: Atlanta is home to some of the most inspiring civil rights icons and civil rights movement occurrences. You can’t visit Atlanta without visiting the MLK Center or the National Center for Civil and Huma Rights. 4) Local Tours: I would encourage non-native Atlantans to embark on the plethora of local tours. There are tours to Hollywood filming locations, as well as Atlanta’s African-American history tour. Something that should be a museum in itself, but I digress. 5) Virgils Gullah Kitchen: College Park, Atlanta is home to so many amazing black-owned eateries. My favorite is Virgil’s, which happens to have the best fried shrimp I’ve ever had. The vibe at Virgil’s is amazing as well, and post-COVID we still patronize this restaurant. 6) Ameer’s Mediterranean Restaurant: Ameer’s single handily made me a fan of hummus. I know everyone thinks they make the best hummus, but that honor goes to Ameers. Their hummus, cucumber salad, and lamb shanks are beyond amazing! 7) Dua: Dua in Hapeville, GA happens to have the best lemongrass chicken, Bun Bo Hue, and Pho I’ve had in a while. You won’t regret stopping by this quaint restaurant and warming your bones with a large, piping hot bowl of Pho or Buon Bo Hue. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many supportive people who deserve a shout-out, but I would simply love to recognize the support I have received from my hubby, family, and friends who have purchased baked goods, offered words of encouragement, and advice along the way. They know who they are! From being a taste tester to proofreading product descriptions to assisting with my logo selection; their support means a lot and certainly isn’t taken for granted.

Website: www.kiabellsconfections.com
Instagram: kiabellsconfections
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiabellsweets

Image Credits
I captured and edited each photo listed.