Meet Maurisha Emme Jay” Jordan | Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maurisha “Emme Jay” Jordan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maurisha “Emme Jay”, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I honestly didn’t choose it. It chose me. I know it sounds cliche, but it’s true for me. After a series of unfortunate events, something I did purely for the love became my sole source of income. I feel like the luckiest person in the world when I get to be a part of some of the biggest moments in people’s lives. No matter how much time a project may take I never grow tired. The only other time in my life that I’ve lost sleep and been happy to do so was when my children were babies. I guess in some ways when you truly love something, nothing else matters.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Atlanta is so full of talented cake artists. What sets me apart from others is that my clients are not just numbers to me. I go above and beyond to ensure that every experience with me is a pleasant one. I am most proud of what doing this has done for my personal development. I am a naturally introverted person, but when a client chooses me it allows me to open up and show parts of myself I normally wouldn’t.

How did I get to where I am today professionally? How much time do you have? lol! To be honest it has been a series of unfortunate events that got me to this point. I have always been a foodie, but in 2015 cake caught my eye and a good friend challenged me to create one, so I did. At first, it was one or two a weekend. then it was just family. I come from a big family so I got a lot of practice under my belt. I took my first paid non-family order in September of 2015 and they didn’t hate it so I kept at it. In 2016 I embarked on a surrogacy journey and while pregnant I was rear-ended and I spent most of my pregnancy at home. After I delivered in 2017 I returned to work and was terminated. I was devastated. I was good at that job and enjoyed it. Cake money was coming in, but not enough to support my family. In January and February of 2018, I was involved in 2 car accidents that herniated disks in my neck and back. There were days I could not walk without the assistance of a cane. My unpredictable health made it hard to keep a job. Through it all there was always cake. It was almost as if my body knew that we had to make someone happy and it would cooperate. I’d be pain-free (or maybe I forgot about it) until the last project was delivered. I was fired from my last temp job in October of 2019 not because I was unable to do the work, but because of my health. It was heartbreaking. Then 2020 hit….the world stopped because of a new, highly contagious virus that was spread by human contact. In my mind, I just knew it was all over because the very nature of my business demanded that people gather. To my surprise, people began to celebrate more! I was booked just about every day of the week because people began appreciating the milestones we took for granted before. That made me more determined in my mission to sweeten the moments that matter most.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to celebrate life. None of us are guaranteed a single minute so when the milestones come around it’s only right that we show gratitude.

If there’s anything that the world should know about my brand is that not only do I love what I do. I love who I do it for. I know there are many options, but I go the extra mile to ensure it looks good, tastes good, and our interactions make you feel good!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m such a homebody but if I had to leave the house there would be food, lots of it. We’d definitely eat at Breakfast at Barney’s, The Hive, Two Urban Licks, and Beetle Cat. If we’re hanging out Rum Punch Brunch at Believe Music Hall is a must. As is happy hour at Negril Village on Fridays. People-watching is one of my favorite things to do so I guess we’d end up in L5P, Centennial Park, and Ponce City Market.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my goodness! This is a hard one! I have been blessed with a tremendous support system and a few important people that have been there along the way. My dear friend Ashley Miah for planting the seed. My children ( Mike, Mase, and Reyna) for understanding when our weekend outings slowed down because mommy was busy. My loyal clients have chosen me to help them celebrate their big moments time and again. Last but not least: My Mama for ALWAYS supporting me, encouraging me, and bragging on me (even when I didn’t know what I was doing.

Website: www.emmemgoodes.com

Instagram: @emme.m.goodes

Image Credits
Jolye Toi Photography