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Keijuane also invests some of his success back into the Desserts are more than just tasty treats for Durham native Keijuane community, putting special emphasis on providing employment Hester – to him, they represent a second chance at life. Keijuane, who for formerly incarcerated individuals. graduated from Hillside High School in 1994, once spent four years in “We try to give ex-offenders a chance,” he says. “We’re serving the prison after a conviction for selling cocaine. Today, he runs a successful community by offering opportunities for the disenfranchised.” bakery. He owes everything to hard work, dedication and carrot cake. Favor Desserts’ popular cakes and cupcakes are the backbone of Yes, carrot cake. Keijuane got a job while incarcerated in the prison the business, which allows Keijuane to provide those employment cafeteria, which is where he learned to bake. “The only recipe I had opportunities. He and his staff churn coming home with me was the carrot cake,” out more than 30 flavors, like red velvet, he says. That same recipe is one of Favor banana, 7UP and his famous five-flavor Desserts most popular items – it’s listed on pound cake. the menu as “The Redemption Carrot Cake.” Keijuane has his eyes on growing the Keijuane started Favor Desserts out of business, with hopes for more contracts his home in 2004 and sold his cakes at with food service companies like Aramark barbershops and hair salons. He now has and expanding into airports throughout his own shop near Research Triangle Park, the country, but the core of his business in addition to big-time contracts to provide will always be in Durham. He plans to cakes to places like Duke University, North continue to offer opportunities to those Carolina Central University and Winstonwho might feel forgotten by society. “It’s Salem State University, and was recently not the tool of baking I want to be known able to purchase his own building at by,” he says on his website. “I want to be 4520 S. Alston Ave. He hopes to finish known by the transformation that has renovations and move the business around taken place in my life.” the end of September or early October. From humble beginnings and the carrot “It feels great finally owning my own Favor Desserts has more than 30 flavors, cake that keeps on giving, Keijuane not [place],” he says excitedly. “This is my like carrot cake with chocolate frosting and only transformed himself but also his greatest accomplishment so far. I feel like Oreo. RIGHT Keijuane ices a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting. community. the hard work has paid off.” 48
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durhammag.com
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september 2021