9:36 Magazine April Issue ft Rodney High

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APRIL 2024

MAGAZINE

MODEL OF THE MONTH: WHO IS DEE PIPPEN?

LOVE THYSELF:

BY ROMI DARLING

SPEAK ON IT!!!

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPARENCY: SHOULD A PARTNER TAKE EXTRA STEPS TO PROVE HIS/HER with 10 of the TRUTHFULNESS? world's best innovators who will guide and motivate you

BECOMING

RODNEY HIGH

THE CREATIVES ARTIST OF THE MONTH: KEN X

@reallygreatsite

AND MORE....

Editor’s Note

As I stand in awe of this 3rd issue of 9:36 Magazine, I am grateful.

Grateful for this vision and the skills God has given me to complete this task. Grateful for the opportunity to show my daughters what can be accomplished when you have the right amount of ambition. Grateful that I have the support I need from my loving husband. And grateful for YOU! Your support means the world to me and I love each of you for it.

This 3rd issue has humbled me greatly and I am honored to have interviewed THE Rodney High who you see on this issue’s cover. Each article in this publication is beautifully written by equally beautiful people. I’m grateful for them too.

The only way to go is up!

Happy reading!

Dorcas “DC” Britford 9:36 Magazine CEO, Editor & Chief

Photo by: Deon Irby DiPhotography

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s e s s o Entrepreneur of the Month B

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What's your name and what's the name of your company?

Hi! I’m Candace Delaine and I am the creator/owner of The Kandi Bar.

What products/services do you offer?

I am a mobile bartending business located in Tuscaloosa, AL, but I travel throughout and outside of Alabama. I offer a full-service bar with multiple booking options. I create mocktails for mommies and teens. I also train other bartenders and I create menus for businesses as needed.

Photo by: Gazelle Productions

When did you start this business and what inspired you to start?

I started The Kandi Bar in 2018. At that time, I was just selling adult Capri Suns, infused fruits, and Jell-O shots. That turned into doing small events here and there and now I am equipped to do any event necessary. I can even include charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and food catering! Tiffany Flowers-Hurst gave me the boost to start serving drinks because I enjoyed making cocktails for family events!

She offered me a chance to serve during a pop-up shop and it’s been up hill ever since!

What's next for you?

I would LOVE a brick and mortar. I have a few things that I’m working on, but I don’t want to say too much too soon. Stay tuned! The Kandi Bar has had an amazing run these last 3 years as a full time business and I’m still going! When you truly enjoy what you do, is it actually work? I’ve met so many people and I’ve been in rooms with people I would have NEVER imagined seeing. It’s just the beginning. I want The Kandi Bar to be a name that everyone knows.

How can we find your products and purchase from you?

My website is thekandibaral.com. I can be found on Facebook (The Kandi Bar) and on Instagram (_thekandibar).

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Model: Romi Darling Stylist: Erica Grant MUA:Whitney Johnson Photographer: Gazelle Productions

9:36

The Rabbit Hole 28 DAYS IS NOT ENOUGH!

by Kevil Tice

Each February, when many are celebrating Black History Month, I often see posts on social media and hear in conversation, “I celebrate my history every month,” or, “They picked the shortest month to focus on our history.” Whenever I see those comments, I recall going down the rabbit hole nearly 20 years ago to find the significance of February.

Why February? The United States has recognized Black History Month as a celebration of history for several decades. Originally, Carter G. Woodson developed a proposal for Black Americans to take one week out of the year to reflect on their history and contributions to society. His idea, Negro History Week, was also an effort to teach black children a history that they were not being taught in school. Woodson decided that February would be the ideal month for Negro History Week since it was the same month in which Frederick Douglas and President Abraham Lincoln had birthdays. So, in 1926, the second week of February marked the inaugural Negro History Week.

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9:36 But 28 Days is NOT Enough! Well, Woodson thought the same thing about the original weeklong celebration. By the 1940s, Negro History Week grew to become Negro History Month. In 1976, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (also founded by Woodson) renamed it to Black History Month. If you are anything like me, you acknowledge Black History throughout the year, so February is just a moment to take it up a notch. While it would be ideal to simply have Black History taught in classrooms throughout the entire school year, we haven’t reached that goal yet. The opportunity at hand resides in the month of February.

FUN FACT: The United Kingdom and Ireland observe Black History Month in October. So, technically, it occupies 59 days…60 in a Leap Year.

I challenge you to go down the rabbit hole and learn something new about Black History as often as you can. Don’t settle for waiting until February, but don’t discourage those who do. And share what you learn with others.

Black History is rich with inventions, discoveries, innovation, and excellence. So much so that the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) declares a different theme to focus on each year. The 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” is one of my favorites. Each day I used my social media platform to highlight a black poet. Narrowing down my selections to the number of days in the month confirmed that there will never be “enough” days to celebrate. Carter G. Woodson thought 7 days was too short. And I agree that 28 days is NOT enough. But neither is 365.

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Kevil Tice Photo by: Zombie Fame

Since 2017, fourteen churches in Tuscaloosa County have joined forces to create the Where is God when Life Happens program. Initially focused on fostering community through shared meals, it expanded its ministry in 2021 to support individuals with criminal convictions transitioning back into society through the vision of Trinese McDowell and keynote speaker Dallas Richey Jr. They named it the Outside the Walls (OtW) program.

Partnering with local organizations and government agencies, OtW offers practical assistance and expert guidance to those in re-entry programs. Their dinner gatherings, which began modestly, now attract over 140 attendees, with each participant receiving personalized support through "Connect Cards."

In 2022, OtW introduced a Job Fair connecting employers with individuals seeking employment post-conviction. The success of this initiative underscores OtW's commitment to economic empowerment.

Looking ahead, OtW plans to offer a Driver’s License Restoration Clinic and literacy training, furthering their mission to transform lives and communities.

In less than three years, OtW has evolved into a thriving ministry, embodying compassion and solidarity. As they extend the hands and feet of Christ beyond the church walls, they rewrite futures.

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9:36 ! ! ! t I n o k a e Sp How important is transparency in your marriage/ relationship?

Should a partner take extra steps to prove they are being truthful?

JS If the trust is broken, yes. Meaning, you’ve lied before.. yes. But just because your partner is untrusting for no apparent reason… no. That’s draining. That’s when they have to work on their own healing or it’s not going to work.

Crystal “Extra steps” makes it sound obligatory, which has a negative connotation.

Transparency is an enemy of insecurity, so in some cases, the more the partner knows, the fewer questions they have and the less space there is for doubt, and it can also be viewed as an accountability piece. I can see where many would think it is a sign of insecurity, or control, while others see the extra steps contributing to the security of the relationship and a necessary part of protecting the partners heart, mind, and emotions. I, personally, value transparency in a relationship. If it comes naturally or out of mutual respect and care, I’m all for it. If it’s out of necessity due to trust being broken, “it’s time to break up,” because we’re not going to make great progress where there is no trust.

James How can he prove being truthful??? The Truth is truth... What hurts truth is dishonesty... If he has not shown himself to be dishonest or unfaithful, take his word as his word. If he has been dishonest, he should expect that his word will not always be taken at face value once trust has been broken.

Shirhonda On a scale of 1-10, I would hope 10. Realistically, the other person has free will in how transparent they want to be if their desire is to actually save/maintain the relationship. The person that has an expectation of transparency has to decide if it's enough for them to continue the relationship past a certain point. In addition, it may seem like the person that was offended by their partner has to do more internal work if they decide to remain in the relationship. That may include the process of "grieving" the idea of the relationship they thought they had versus the reality of what was actually happening. I hope that makes sense.

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9:36 Justin I think these should be addressed separately. Transparency in relationships is important but how do one know what is actually being disclosed? Transparency is only validated by what has been disclosed.

By saying extra steps we are implying trust has been broken or the partner has been found to be hiding some truth. We have to accept people for who they say they are and trust them to be that. What extra steps should one take to show they are trustworthy if we have no basis of dishonesty? Now, if there had been some break in trust then yes, it’s up to that individual to build trust with their partner and contrary to belief there is no rebuilding the previous level it’s a complete restart and has to be treated as such.

Finally, you have to be accountable for self if someone shows you that they have no remorse or no desire to start that process again, there will be no change.

Take it from Tina B. No one ever wants to feel as if they are not important, wanted, and seen.

If you are not upfront and honest with your partner on how you feel or how they make you feel, you're being dishonest to yourself. If you feel your partner has some hesitation about trusting you, do everything in your power to show them they are loved, cared about and SEEN. You can't make a person trust you, but you can Tina B. be transparent enough to allow them Photo by Michael Shelton to start.

Love,

Tina B.

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9:36 s u s o i n c o i a t u sa 9:36 Magazine q o er had the honor of L nv sitting with the o iconically retired, C Ebony Fashion

Fair model Rodney High to discuss the process of BECOMING RODNEY HIGH. Let’s start from the beginning. Where are you from? What’s your background?

I was born and raised in Holt, Al. I graduated from Holt High School in 1984 and then I attended Alabama State University. After that, I went to the United States Air Force. I served for six years, and I am a disabled veteran.

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Wow! Thank you for your service.

Absolutely. After my time in the military, I moved to and lived in a few places. I eventually stopped in Atlanta, Ga. in 1995. I moved there during the Olympics, so I was able to work in The Olympic Village. It was a great experience. I worked in hospitality, so I met people from all over.

What type of family do you come from? Do you have siblings?

Yes. I am the oldest of three. Tammy is my middle sister and I have a baby sister, Shonna, who I am 20 years older than.

Wait…20 years?

Yeah. Mom thought she had cancer and was calling me to come home. (He laughed.)

And it was a baby?

It was a baby. (We laughed.)

How did you get into modeling?

They used to have this thing in the University Mall called Teen Boards where you could audition. It was JCPenney, Parisians and Pizitz at that time. My mom knew I loved fashion and suggested that I audition. They were only picking one guy and they picked me. So that was kind of my groundwork. There were some sisters here…the Ball Sisters…who I will always accredit for my love of modeling. They migrated from California, and they had a modeling troop for which I modeled.

When I was in Atlanta, I would model in the Bronner Brothers’ fashion shows. It was a really big deal to be in their shows back in those days.

So, if you were in their show, you were the stuff because it was hard back then.

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How did you become an Ebony model? What got you there?

I was working at Georgia Tech and while sitting at my desk, I saw an article in Ebony Magazine that said they were looking for Ebony Fashion Fair Models. I said, “Hmmm, that’s always been a dream,” because I saw them when I was 15. So, I thought to myself, “I’m gonna send them some pictures.” But the deadline was the next day. I got some pictures and overnighted them. And they got there. The next day, I got a call from Eunice Johnson, who is the founder of Ebony Fashion Fair, herself. When I tell you God had it all planned out for me.

Yeah. Because we would have decided that it was too late.

Right. And her sister told me that my pictures arrived just as they were closing up. They had been looking at pictures all day and mine was the last one they saw. She told me that Ms. Eunice said, “Call this boy.”

(He laughed.)

Wow...

So, they called me and maybe 2 days later, they flew me out to Chicago, IL. They told me to wear a suit and to wear my swimsuit under that suit because they would be flying me right back.

Something kept telling me to take another suit. I had on a black suit, but something kept telling me to carry a cream-colored suit with me too. I just kept hearing it, so I said, “Ok, Imma take it.”

“...all of my insecurities began to take over and I counted myself out.”

Hmmmm…

So, when I got to the airport, all these guys were there and gathered in the same place where they told me to meet the driver. I’m looking at them thinking, “I thought it was just gonna be me, but they are here to audition too.” Immediately, all of my insecurities began to take over and I counted myself out. I had an “at least I got the experience” mindset. I mean, those other guys were from all over the country, so I thought I didn’t stand a chance.

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We rode over to the “I’m not headquarters, and something kept saying, clothes when you changing clothes “Change get there.” I said to myself, not changing clothes because I know “I’m because I know I’m not gonna make it.” There were I’m not at least 15 other guys there. manager came out and gonna make it. “ The told us that the Johnsons

didn’t have time to see us individually so all of the men would have to audition together.

Photo by Gazelle Productions

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Change that suit!

Yes. Immediately something in my spirit said, “Change your suit.” And, I had just enough time to run in the restroom and change. When I came out of the restroom, the other men were asking me why I changed, and I told them that I just thought I should.

Then came the plot twist. The manager came back out announced that one of the guys who had previously modeled was now coming back so they only had one spot open for another guy.

They were only choosing one guy.

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My mouth dropped open.

My insecurities popped back up and I just knew I didn’t stand a chance.

They brought us all in at one time and we were in a line in front of the Johnsons. Before we could do anything else, Mr. Johnson said, “Give me that young man in that white suit.” He put his pen down and auditions were over.

Wooowww! Talk about listening to your instincts!

Yes, and to this day, I say that was the Holy Spirit talking to me.

That’s who it was.

It was funny because everyone else was looking at me and saying, “He’s talking about you!” It hadn’t registered with me yet. Anyway, the tour was 10 months long. Usually you get 3 months and then you take a break for Christmas or some other holiday. That’s when they let you know if they are going to keep you or choose to not renew your contract. I got through that year, and I actually traveled with them for 7 more years after that. I am the only male model, other than the twins, to tour with Ebony Fashion Fair that long. They usually pick a different model every year.

So, you are Black History…

I guess I am. It was an amazing time. I met designers I had never heard of.

I mean, I’m a country boy.

How old were you when you started your professional modeling career?

35.

35?

Yeah. I was the oldest model on the bus. And I came in when being dark skinned was becoming more of a thing. Before then, dark skin was not embraced.

What is Rodney High doing now?

I currently work my family business of group homes that our dear, sweet mother opened up about 30 years ago. She passed away in 2010 and my sister took them over. She couldn’t run them by herself, so I came back to Tuscaloosa in 2015 to help. It’s for mentally challenged or disabled individuals and I love what I do. My mom always brought mentally challenged people around us. They even attended church with us sometimes, so this is nothing new to me. Working with them is like second nature.

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9:36 And you train models too. Right?

Right. I am a retired model, but I love helping other models. I can’t make them a good model, but I can give them guidance on how to become a good model. You have to do the work.

What can we expect from you in the near future?

I have a program named High Expectations where I teach etiquette and I’m developing a High Expectations model group. That way I don’t have to look for models when I have a fashion show. I also have a seasonal fragrance line called Fragrance by H.I.G.H. That’s so cool!

Thanks. It includes colognes, soaps, and lotions. It’s only available for Christmas and Father’s Day. I’m also releasing my H.I.G.H. skin care for men this year. I’m really excited about that because a lot of men don’t know how to care for their skin. My goal is to become an esthetician so I can understand all types of skin.

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Do you feel old when someone calls you a legend?

No. Because, if you don’t age, you die.

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That is true. How old are you anyway?

I’m 59.

No, you are not! I never would’ve guessed that! (SN: The white beard is not bleached.)

(He laughed) It seems like you have lived a full life. Have you been married before?

I’ve never been married. But I was close. She was the love of my life, and we are actually best friends now. She will always be the love of my life.

So, there’s no current love interest?

No current love interest. I really haven’t taken time to explore that part of life again.

What advice would you give to models coming into the industry?

Be confident in your ability to do your job. You can know the business, but you must be secure in your knowledge and your skills.

Photo by Gazelle Productions

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9:36 One question that I ask everyone is what do you know now that you wish you knew then?

I wish I knew people then. I was taught to take people at face value, and I am a giver. That, unfortunately, left me humiliated and hurt several times. I had to learn when to stop giving because takers only know how to take. They have no limit. I also wish I understood the importance of therapy then. It’s okay for people to take their issues to God, but sometimes you need to sit on a professional’s couch.

Therapy is the one thing that has saved me in my older life.

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Love Thyself

9:36

by Romi Darling

Body Positivity: More Than a Movement... It’s a Statement In a world fixated on unrealistic beauty standards, individuals like myself redefine what it means to embrace our bodies. Growing up, I faced ridicule and limited fashion options due to my size. Yet, empowered by the affirmations of my family, I learned early on to craft my own style and exude confidence.

For me, body positivity transcends mere activism; it’s a bold assertion of self-worth and resilience. Whether strutting down a runway or navigating daily life, I radiate self-assurance, embodying the mantra: “size has no barrier.”

My message resonates beyond size, extending to those battling body image issues, from anorexia to societal pressures. My unapologetic self-love challenges norms, affirming that beauty exists in every shape and size.

I defiantly reject society’s labels, proclaiming curvy women as more than a passing trend but as luminous forces challenging conventions.

Through my words, I champion self-love and acceptance, urging others to embrace their uniqueness and defy societal standards.

In my unwavering confidence, I offer a beacon of hope, reminding us that with patience and self-compassion, the journey to self-love is transformative. My bold declaration echoes loud and clear: body positivity isn’t just a movement—it’s a powerful statement of selfRomi Darling acceptance and defiance.

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9:36

Model of the Month Who is

Dee Pippen?

Start by telling us your name and where you are from.

My name is DeAngela Pippen but I go by Dee Pippen and I’m from Birmingham, Al.

9:36 sat down with model Dee Pippen to discuss Modeling, Ministry, and her Sexuality.

Why did you start modeling? What was your motivation?

I started out just seeing models in magazines like Jet and Beauty of the Week and I knew I wanted to do something like that with my life.

Also, there weren’t that many plus size models when I was growing up, so I wanted to be one and give other girls, who are also plus size, someone to look up to.

What’s one of your most memorable moments as a model?

The good or the bad?

Either.

Photo by Breezy Visuals LLC. Romi chimes in, “Both.”

Well, a bad experience was when I went to a model call and the lady said that none of us has modeling qualities. It was in front of everyone.

There were cameras there. Celebrities were there too. It was embarrassing. I knew then that I wanted to do my own thing. It was degrading and I would never put someone through that.

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One of my best moments was when I modeled for Rip the Runway. I was the only plus sized model bold enough to try. And they chose me.

(Pause: I realized that Romi Darling knew what questions to ask better than I did, so I turned part of this interview over to her.)

Photo by Gazelle Productions

Romi: What made you decide to focus on a program for mentally/behaviorally challenged youth?

I was a troubled teen, so I understand some of what they are going through. I don’t blame the parents because many times they can only do what was done to or for them. Sometimes, they don’t know what to do. When I started working with mentally challenged teens, I was with a state (Alabama) program. They placed me with children who were considered some of the “worst” children to work with. But to me, they weren’t bad. They just hadn’t been given any structure and they were misguided. They needed love. They, just like me, were a product of their environment. I decided that I would be the change that I wished to see so I became an example for them. Like, you can try to relate to children who struggle in that way, but you don’t really know unless you have experienced similar things.

What’s the name of your program?

E.Y.E.S (Embracing You Empowering Self) Mentoring

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How did you come up with that?

I feel like I didn’t have enough love for myself when I was growing up, so I had to learn to pour into myself more. That’s where my focus is for them. If you don’t have selflove, you fall into the gap of peer-pressure, bad relationships, low self-esteem, and a host of bad choices.

So, how did you get to the point of selflove?

I was fed up with what I was going through.

I was accepting less than what I deserved. I had to dig deep to find myself. I had to want better. You gotta want better for yourself. When you want better, you do better. You make better choices. If you want positive things in your life, you have to change the way you are living. You gotta dig deep. Do mirror talks. Take pictures of yourself. Boost your confidence. I started eating better. I changed my lifestyle and I started reading my Bible.

What age groups do you work with?

All. Starting at age 3.

Romi: Outside of modeling, I know you are a minister. What started your journey on the path to becoming an ordained minister?

I grew up in the church. I have several cousins who are ministers and some are pastors. The way I grew up, no one judged me for my sexuality until I accepted the call to ministry.

Photo by Gazelle Productions

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I’m open about my sexuality. I’ve even had news articles written about me that focused on that topic. Again, I will say that I wanted to be the change that I wanted to see. I want people to feel comfortable being themselves. I want them to have someone they can come to, that is of the cloth, without being judged. God is forgiving. Don’t condemn me because of my lifestyle and how you think I am living. God calls the qualified. That’s what pushed me to accept this calling. I feel like there aren’t enough unbiased people in the church. When you go to church, sexuality seems to be what so many talk about. If you want a person to truly change. Not for you, but for themselves. Allow them to hear the Word and make their own decisions based off that.

That’s a good point. I didn’t know that about you, so let’s just be clear.

When you say your sexuality, you are saying…

I’m a lesbian.

Thank you for the clarity. What obstacles have you faced because of that?

I was ordained in 2017, but I backed away from ministry because a lot of ministers did not want to work with an openly gay minister. I lot of them declined to work with me. I’ve even been judged at actual events because they weren’t aware until we were in the public eye.

How did they find out?

Someone asked the question, “Would you accept someone who is gay in church.” The others were saying “no”. Some even said, “Hell no!” When I addressed the question, I revealed that I am gay. As soon as I said it, I saw that they were shocked.

Gasp!

Yes. Just gasping. One lady was apologetic. She said that she wanted to invite me to speak at a ministry event, but my pastor didn’t approve. I didn’t shy away from ministry because of the people. I pushed back from it because my peace was more important. I experienced a lot of discrimination and shut doors from my own community. Not the lesbian community, but from the community of ministry. I still minister, but on my own terms.

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If you are not strong enough to handle the scrutiny, the doors shut in your face, and people mistreated you, I would say protect your peace. Be who you are behind closed doors. But if you want to live in your truth, have people accept you for who you are, and weed out the real from the fake, stand true on who you are.

Photo by Gazelle Productions

Someone is struggling with their sexuality, but they believe there is a strong call from God on their life. How would you advise?

I’m not sure I would advise them to do anything but live in their truth.

I call myself an unconventional minister because my truth is my ministry. If you are not strong enough to handle the scrutiny, the doors shut in your face, and people mistreated you, I would say protect your peace. Be who you are behind closed doors. But if you want to live in your truth, have people accept you for who you are, and weed out the real from the fake, stand true on who you are.

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Stylists: Looks 1 & 2: Maryauna Sterling Look 3: Styles by JS

M A R Y A U N A

s t e r l i n g

Photos by: Memorable Moments FB:maryauna.sterling IG:luvnme_yauna

Photos by Gazelle Productions

Photos by Ashley Kirkland

9:36

Sports Madness

by Shawna D. Moore

NBA It’s officially less than 30 days away before the NBA Playoffs! The Boston Celtics currently lead the Eastern Conference with a record of 57-14 while the Detroit Pistons are in last place with a record of 12-59.

The reigning NBA Champions, The Denver Nuggets, are currently leading the Western Conference with a record of 50-21 while the San Antonio Spurs are in last place with a record of 15-56.

The Hornets, Wizards, Pistons, Grizzlies, Trailblazers, and The Spurs are eliminated from playoff contention.

Who would you like to see in the NBA Championship Finals?

College Football in Title Town There has been so many questions, so much anxiety, so much nervous energy, and anticipation of what Alabama football life is going to look like without Coach Saban being at the helm. Will Coach Kalen Deboer be able to handle the pressures of leading an SEC Powerhouse to another Championship within the first three years? Will his hand-picked coaching staff be able to measure up to the expectations of the football world and its many boisterous fans?

Will he be able to recruit the right players and build the right team to put Alabama Football front and center and in the race to once again become the team to beat? Will he be able to continue the culture built by the late great Coach Bear Bryant and The GOAT Nick Saban?

It is without a doubt, some very big shoes to fill, but based on the talk around the city, I’m confident that Alabama Football will not miss a beat. Stay tuned...

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9:36 Decisions, Decisions, Decisions The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, starting on Thursday April 25th and going through Saturday, April 27th. Teams have been spending countless amounts of hours, as well as money, trying to build the perfect team to enhance what they already have. Several highprofile athletes found themselves temporarily without a home, as well as coaches finding themselves with their heads on the chopping block. Based on the talent that has been built by the powers-that-be, what team is favored to make it to the coveted Super Bowl? Will it be the Chiefs once again? Or will another team, take the bull by the horn and claim (or reclaim) their spot as the Super Bowl Champions of 2025. Only time will tell.

The number one pick will go to The Chicago Bears from Carolina Back in the Gloves Again In case you’ve been wondering, former Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder, aka The Bronze Bomber (43-3-1 with 42 KOs), will be returning to the ring on June 1st in an anticipated match against Zhilei Zhang in Saudia Arabia. Let the dust be with us!

Since his devastating loss to Joseph Parker last year, he’s been preparing himself mentally and physically to get back in the ring and we are here for it!

Even though Wilder has lost 3 of his last 4 fights, two of which was to Tyson Fury, his dedication to his craft, confidence, and work ethic says that he can reclaim success again.

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Mmmmmm...

T.hat’s Good!!!

“The Mental Health Benefits of Baking”

by Carmen Murray

From the time I was very little, the kitchen had always been a space filled with happiness. My grandmother used to tell this anecdote about a moment from my youth. I came back from visitng my Floridian grandparents and suddenly knew how to fold batter in a mixing bowl. It often feels as if most of my life has been spent in a kitchen, to some capacity. If not observing or stirring side-by-side with grandparents, I was more often than not eating something delicious. Kitchens remind me of conversations over oven fans, tupperware stuffed with treats for home, and my grandmother’s chocolate trifle. I’ve always been at peace in a kitchen.

Cooking is enjoyable to me, and as a foodie, learning to cook has been a necessity. However, baking is where my skillset shines. Folding a brownie batter or precisely pouring out flour provides a sense of calm no other activity has measured up to.

I cultivated my baking in my parents’ kitchen during the pandemic.

Baking proved to be essential during that isolated and fearful period.

Whether physically or emotionally, most struggled throughout 2020 and the years following. Mental health can take a downturn during times of uncertainty (De, 2022). However, I discovered, along with many others on various forms of social media, how cooking and baking can benefit mental health. Whether through cloud bread, dalgona coffee, or the viral feta pasta we fled Covid’s reality through the kitchen.

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This is a phenomenon that has been researched. A study of a mental health service analyzed the mental health benefits of baking. They interviewed the participants in a baking class and found that overall the class provided meaning to the group. Through improving the participants’ coordination, concentration, and confidence they developed a higher self-esteem (Haley &McKay, 2004).

Baking isn’t just about the treats you make yourself. It’s often more satisfying to make one of your friends or family member’s a taste tester.

Then the pleasure you get from baking is transferred to someone else. It becomes a way to prove, not only to yourself, but to others how great your skills are (Haley & McKay, 2004). It can be a real self-esteem booster, and giving away your treats is a great way to let someone know you were thinking of them.

Getting in the kitchen and baking isn’t the easiest skill. As a self-proclaimed overachiever, I often lean towards making things from scratch. However, baking doesn’t require croissant dough rolled on marble countertops or three tiered cakes. Boxed Duncan Hines can be just as good as cocoa powder, sugar, flour, and oil measured and mixed by hand. My grandmother, blessed with a husband and grandchildren with the largest sweet tooths, often stored boxes of cake mix in her kitchen. They were perfect as is or in dump cakes or as cookies. Baking doesn’t have to be fancy to taste delicious.

Whether it’s baking, reading, or some other activity, it’s important for everyone to find their reprieve from everyday life. When work, school, and family makes you feel like you’re in the deep end, we all need some form of escapism. And if you enjoy sweets, baking is a great place to find it.

Sources Haley, L., & McKay, E. A. (2004). ‘Baking Gives You Confidence’: Users’ Views of Engaging in the Occupation of Baking. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67(3), 125-128. doi:10.1177/030802260406700305 De, P. (2022).

Cooking Reduces the Stress of Individual during Chronic COVID Pandemic.

Journal of Psychosocial Research, 17(1), 23–30. https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2022.17.01.3 9:36 MAGAZINE | 35

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