PUBLISHER
Veronica Fountain
Veronica@simplymagazines.net
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Trans4mationphotography, Cre8tiveKimestry and Akua Tracey Marlene
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alyson Turner and Lauryn Forbes
LAYOUT & AD DESIGN
Info@Simplymagazines.net
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Info@simplymagazines.net
Publisher/Founder of Simply Magazines + Digital
What an exceptional night honoring Awards to the best of the best Business Owners at the 3rd Annual Readers Choice Awards hosted by Veronica Fountain and Co Host Jackie Thompson. There was a wonderful Mix & Mingle and Vendors displayed their products and services to 200 attendees. The Dessert Junkie owner Alexis had her lavish amazing Desserts on display, as guitarist John G. Lewis performed in the Black Box Ballroom and Zadia , Neosoul artist performed on the main stage.
The Awards ceremony held at the Bowie Center for Performing Arts was Simply Bowie Magazine owner Veronica Fountain handing over 19 awards, followed by an after party with DJ Angie Entertainment + Photobooth!
I want to thank all the attendees and my amazing Team from the photographer, videographer , DJ, Caterers, and Co Host. Please continue to support our Businesses in Bowie and surrounding area.
!
Principal Broker, business coach, and entrepreneur, Kesha Catlin proves that building relationships is the foundation for wealth, wisdom, and impact.
Article by Alyson Turner
When you sit down with Kesha Catlin, you’re not just having a casual chat. You’re walking away with motivation, clarity, and a roadmap to your dreams. As Principal Broker of KC Realty Group, a longtime entrepreneur, and an investor in both people and properties, Kesha has built her life around one vision: inspiring others by building relationships.
“I am an entrepreneur. I focus on inspiring and motivating people to live out their dreams. That
is how I have become truly successful, by simply encouraging others,” she explains. “I want people to hear my story and think, ‘WOW, I can do this. I am going to live my life in health and wealth.’”
Kesha grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, where her first business venture was delivering The Capital
newspaper at just 14 years old. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur because I realized that building relationships with my neighbors helped me grow my paper route,” she recalls. That early experience sparked a career spanning more than 37 years from restaurants and boutiques to training centers and real estate investments.
Her heart, however, has always been focused on helping people. “I always meet people where they are. There is no cookie cutter in the world of business and entrepreneuring. Having an open mind and being a good listener when people are talking helps me really understand how I can help them.”
This approach extends to her brokerage, where she serves not just as a broker licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., but also as a coach and mentor. “The realtors I bring into my brokerage want to be entrepreneurs so that one day they can own their own business. I have been helping businesses for three decades from retail to hospitality to fashion. I work with people to share how to start their business and how to keep that business thriving.”
Kesha’s impact is felt across generations and industries. She recalls guiding a young man in his 20s who thought homeownership was out of reach. “He saw me online speaking about achieving your goals and not to let things pass you by. We connected about buying a home, and then 7 months later I said to him, ‘Now is the time. You have worked on yourself to get ready to purchase a home, and now it’s time to take the next step.’”
On the other end of the spectrum, she recently helped a veteran investor purchase a hotel. “[The investor] came to me to help with his commercial purchase because he said that I was self-made, a shrewd negotiator, and an excellent communicator.”
Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, her philosophy remains the same: success is built on relationships, listening, and encouragement.
As a leader, Kesha motivates her team every day and finds inspiration in their wins. “As a leader I have to motivate my team daily, and they motivate me when they get their wins,” she says. Her biggest piece of advice is simple but powerful: “Ask the Question.” “There are a lot of people that are afraid to ask questions. My mentor told me to always ask the question [if you would like to learn something]. If you don’t ask, then you will never know how to move forward and continue on your journey.”
It’s this openness combined with her giving nature that fuels her success. “I feel that I am successful because I am giving. You just never know what you can give to people, and how it can come back to you.”
Today, Kesha’s many honorary doctorates and ambassadorships are a symbol of a life built on pouring into others and taking initiative in her community. “I encouraged the young people who would work with me to give back to the community, help people in need and to always put your best foot forward.” It’s these moments that fuel Kesha’s passion for life.
But for Kesha, the true recognition comes in the conversations she has each day. “When people sit down for a coffee with me they come in with a mission, but they leave with motivation and a roadmap to their dreams and goals. If people can walk away inspired, if I can walk away and say I have had the most amazing conversation — it is all worth it.”
Article by Alyson Turner
For LaKeta Burgess, real estate is more than transactions; it’s about people, trust, and the joy of helping someone find their home. That passion has carried her through a more than decade-long career, beginning with her Virginia license in 2015 and later expanding to Maryland, North Carolina, and now an international designation. With family ties in Georgia, she’s preparing to add that state to her growing portfolio.
Her path into the field started with her own homebuying experience. “As I was going through buying my first house, I really just enjoyed the whole process with the agent that I was working with at the time,” she recalls. That positive experience, coupled with her natural inclination to help people, laid the foundation. “It’s just that joy they have when they first walk in that house and they’re like, ‘Oh, this is it.’ That just keeps me going.”
Today, LaKeta works under NextHome Forward in Virginia and Maryland, while also representing clients through NextHome Veterans First Choice in North Carolina. Getting there, however, wasn’t immediate. She spent her early years moving through several brokerages, searching for the right support. That changed when she found NextHome. “I honestly Googled Black-owned brokerages, and they were the first one that came up,” she says. “The Brokers at NextHome Forward, Nisha Smithrick and Sherri
Sembley, made me feel comfortable and even helped me identify a broker in North Carolina. The company offers training opportunities and lead generation, and all these different things that I felt like I didn’t have. That support was just amazing.”
That same spirit of openness extends to her clients. While some agents focus on a narrow niche, LaKeta embraces variety. “I’ve done first-time buyers. I’ve done estate sales after someone has passed away. I’ve done investor sales, I’ve done land sales, I do rentals. I represent buyers and sellers. So I do some of everything. I won’t turn down an opportunity that I can benefit myself, and, of course, other people.”
A military spouse, LaKeta naturally works with many military families, as well as civil service employees, often guiding those who are relocating or buying from afar. To bridge the distance, she offers virtual showings. “I walk them through the property, but I also record videos of me driving up to the property, so they’re not just looking at the house. They can see the area around it. I point out things like, ‘Oh, this is being built over here,’ or, ‘They’re getting ready to tear that down.’” Those extra details give clients a sense of place, even when they can’t be there in person.
More than anything, LaKeta prides herself on building trust and lasting relationships. “Most of my clients end up being my friends,” she says. “I like to educate clients and take them through the process… however I can help and just educate, I do.”
In addition to her real estate career, LaKeta holds a PhD in Business Management, which she earned the same year she was licensed in Virginia and got married. Though not directly tied to her work, it often sparks conversations with clients. “People are like, ‘Wait a minute, you’re doctor what?’” she laughs. “It hasn’t opened doors for me more than it’s opened conversation.”
Looking ahead, Laketa is excited to explore opportunities with her new international designation while continuing to serve clients wherever they are in their journey. “I’ll take clients as I can get them. I’m happy to serve.”
Sophia is a seasoned Broker/ Owner at Goodridge Real Estate, bringing over 23 years of experience to the thriving Prince George’s County, MD, along with many other neighboring counties & our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Known for her extensive knowledge of residential and commercial properties, Sophia excels at navigating clients through the complexities of buying and selling real estate, with over half a billion in sales.
Her client-first approach emphasizes clear communication and personalized service, ensuring that every transaction is seamless and tailored to meet individual needs. Outside of her professional endeavors, Sophia is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She actively participates in local church charities and events, fostering connections that strengthen her ties to the neighborhood.
An avid Worshiper of God, Sophia enjoys fellowship with other believers and spending quality time with her family. If you’re ready to embark on your real estate journey or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sophia at 301-633-3892 / Sophiagoodridge@gmail.com
Article by Alyson Turner
Michelle Reese-Wiseman didn’t set out to choose funeral service as her life’s work. For her, it’s something deeper than a career choice. Michelle is the owner and principal mortician of Wiseman Funeral Home & Chapel and a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia with an Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science. She is licensed to serve families in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Michelle began her journey in death care in 2003 and has since worked with many respected funeral establishments across the Washington Metropolitan area. In 2008, at the height of the recession, she opened the doors of Wiseman Funeral Home & Chapel in Clinton, Maryland, where her compassion and commitment to families remain the cornerstone of her work.
For many people, the thought of funeral planning is uncomfortable. Most know it’s important, but fear or avoidance often delays the conversation. Michelle believes that talking about it early is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and your loved ones.
“Anytime I am in an arrangement conference with my client families my goal is to help them
understand the importance of preplanning funeral arrangements,” she explains.
Preplanning gives individuals the opportunity to remain in control of their human body even after death has occured. “You plan for other meaningful events in your life like a wedding or a graduation. It is important to prepare for the inevitable,” she says. “In order to remain in control of your human person, where you go and what happens to you once you pass away, you need to plan. You can also control
how you would like to be represented and how you would like to be reflected.”
There are also practical benefits. Michelle says, “You can control the rising costs of funeral arrangements by locking in prices even if you don’t pass away for several decades. Pricing increases every year and when you lock in a rate you will save your family money.”
Most importantly, it eases the burden on loved ones. “The other reason to preplan is to relieve your family of the burden of knowing exactly what you want and relieve them of the financial burden once you have passed. It is a very valuable tool when it comes to making end of life decisions that every single person will have to make at some point. Without preplanning it adds tremendously to grief for families.”
When a loved one passes, the weight of grief can cause decision-making to feel overwhelming. Wiseman Funeral Home & Chapel is committed to walking families through every detail with steady care.
“I find that personally as a mortician and as a business owner the best way to guide people through the process of a loved one passing is to be knowledgeable, experienced and offer the education and knowledge that you have,” Michelle explains. “A lot of fear is based in the unknown. Families feel comforted knowing that you are skilled in your craft, that you know what you are talking about, and that allays most of their fears.”
Listening plays a central role in how Wiseman helps families create meaningful tributes. “A lot of helping families create meaningful send-offs or goodbyes will be in the funeral arrangement conference,” Michelle says. “Listening to who their loved one is or was and what they meant to people and to their families. We listen to what the families highlight about the personality of their loved one and tailor that essence.”
Wiseman Funeral Home provides the full spectrum of services: earth burial, cremation, memorial services, preplanning, and national or international shipping and receiving of remains. “We oftentimes have families that live here but they want to bring their deceased loved one home to another country. We can ship their remains back to their home country to their final resting place,” she adds.
Wiseman care doesn’t stop after the funeral. “We offer our families an aftercare program,” Michelle says. “One of the ways we offer aftercare to our families is by sending mailings out for up to 2 years to highlight milestone events from their loved ones including birthdays and anniversaries. We send out notes on remembrance holidays and general sympathies throughout this time so that families know that we are there for them.”
The Wiseman team also includes a grief counseling chaplain who can provide real-time support when families need it most.
Because loss can occur at any time, accessibility is at the heart of Wiseman’s mission. “We are available to families 24/7 no matter when a death occurs,” Michelle says. “Administratively our office is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. but we have a 24 hr answering service that is able to patch the caller to myself or our team immediately. We remain vigilant and on call 24/7 to serve our client families.”
For Michelle, that availability is about trust. “All things are not created equal in the mortuary world and many people base their decisions solely on pricing, but it is important to truly trust the firm,” she explains. “You really want to base your decision on who you want to serve you, who has a good reputation, who is skilled, and who treats you with dignity.”
Wiseman Funeral Home & Chapel also gives back through the Rose-Lillie Charity, named for Michelle’s grandmothers. “We offer direct cremation services to women who have unfortunately lost a baby up to 5 years old,” she says. “The burden of cost and the emotional trauma of the loss of a child or unborn baby is extremely devastating. We want to give back to their families.”
At the heart of it all is Michelle’s calling. “It has been my experience since 2008 that many people may wish to avoid conversations about death, but it is important to talk about. We’re here to help with those conversations, to meet families with compassion, knowledge, and dignity while guiding them through this difficult process.”
As
Let
I
BEST WEDDING VENUE
• ELOQUENT TOUCH BALLROOM
BEST DESSERT
• THE DESSERT JUNKIE
BEST INSURANCE COMPANY
• CLIFFORD JOHNSON -STATE FARM
BEST HOME REMODELERS
• VISIONS OF COLOR PAINTING
BEST CATERERS
• CRAVEABLES CATERING
BEST LEADERSHIP
• MAYOR TIMOTHY ADAMS
BEST HEALTH & WELLNESS
• DMV CHILL CYRO
BEST REALTOR
• CHANDA LITTLEFIELD
BEST BROKER
• EXPRESS BROKERS
BEST NONPROFIT
• SISTERS 4 SISTERS
BEST LANDSCAPING
• JACKIE’S GARDENING GEMS
BEST HAIR SALON
• TONYA’S HAIR SALON
BEST ARTIST
• RASHAD ALI MUHAMMAD
BEST BOUTIQUE
• COMFORT CREATIONS
BEST TRANSPORTATION
• A&K TRANSPORTATION
BEST CHURCH
• 21ST CENTURY OF CHRIST CHURCH
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
• VIP YACHT CHARTERS USA
BEST SPECIALTY SHOPS
• EXCELLENT CAFE MEDRANO
Schedule a Meeting!
1701 Duke St Ste 100
Alexandria VA 22314
Mobile: 301-543-0559
Office: 703-535-3610
Email: TrustLewis@kw.com
Your Trusted REALTOR® in Virginia & Maryland
Clarissa Lewis is a dedicated and passionate REALTOR® licensed in both Virginia and Maryland. Known for her resilience, authenticity, and unwavering commitment, Clarissa brings a personal touch to every transaction. Her mission goes far beyond just buying and selling homes — it’s about helping clients find the place they truly love, build a life they enjoy, and create generational wealth through real estate.
Clarissa takes pride in listening closely to her clients' needs, offering honest guidance, and matching them with the best opportunities on the market. She is detailoriented, transparent, and always prepared to go the extra mile to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. Whether you're a first-time buyer, upgrading, downsizing, or selling, Clarissa is here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Let Clarissa Lewis help you love where you live — and make confident, empowered real estate decisions for the future.
I’M LICENSED IN THE MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA AREAS!
BEST WEDDING VENUE
• * Eloquent Touch Ballroom
BEST DESSERT
• * The Dessert Junkie
BEST INSURANCE COMPANY
• * Clifford Johnson -State Farm
BEST HOME REMODELERS
• * Visions of Color Painting
BEST CATERERS
• * CRAVEABLES CATERING
BEST LEADERSHIP
• * MAYOR TIMOTHY ADAMS
BEST HEALTH & WELLNESS
• * DMV CHILL CYRO
BEST REALTOR
• * CHANDA LITTLEFIELD
BEST BROKER
• * EXPRESS BROKERS
BEST NONPROFIT
• * SISTERS 4 SISTERS
BEST LANDSCAPING
• *JACKIE’S GARDENING GEMS
BEST HAIR SALON
• *TONYA’S HAIR SALON
BEST ARTIST
• * RASHAD ALI MUHAMMAD
BEST BOUTIQUE
• * COMFORT CREATIONS
BEST TRANSPORTATION
• * A&K TRANSPORTATION
BEST CHURCH
• * 21ST CENTURY OF CHRIST CHURCH
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
• *VIP YACHT CHARTERS USA
BEST SPECIALTY SHOPS
• * EXCELLENT CAFE MEDRANO
BY EMILY HENDERSON
Ready for my personal holiday decorating schedule? (Remember that my job alters a typical process, so NO PRESSURE). Ok, October: start gathering inspiration, new ideas, and any new pieces you want (good stuff can sell out). November: it’s dark/wet outside, so it’s fun to start adding greenery and twinkle lights (yes, faux for us inside, real outside comes later, and no, we don’t host Thanksgiving – we travel to family that week). And then the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we have our small family ornament hanging party (literally my favorite night of the
year), and it’s an explosion of holiday from there on out. No holding back. No shame. Just utter joy. I really want people to do whatever schedule they want, real or faux, long or short. To me, this spreads out the fun (and the labor) and we get two months of twinkling lights, which help the darker nights and mornings so much (the magic doesn’t get old). For this shoot, we took to The Carly, the most magical rentable retreat estate outside of Portland, because we wanted to try out some fun new holiday decor ideas using pieces from AllModern. They have so many great holiday gems, and The Carly is too special not to get a proper holiday makeover. If you are ready to decorate or not, check out these really pretty areas that my team and I created, and hopefully, it will give you some ideas and inspiration going. It sure did for me
Their wreaths and garlands are solid (and so full). My two favorite things from their collection that I’m likely stealing for our house this year are those stockings and the accordion
paper trees (you’ll see later). The colors all just worked so well together, in a happy and traditional adjacent way
The stockings are ochre and cream check, in a chunky knitted wool. This colorway works so well with our jewel-toned palette (it’s really just a gold, so in a way it acts as a neutral). I love our stockings, but boy am I tempted to use these this year because they are so pretty and well-made (and dare I say “on trend”). They come in green/cream and red/cream as well, should you want a more traditional color
All the cut velvet pillows are so soft, high quality in the prettiest jewel tones, and clearly we like mixing them all together (and are great year-round). And that 4′ wreath is KILLER (so hard to find that big of a size) and will be living on our huge picture window outside (it’s not pre-lit, but easy to string). Fun fact, there was a big white outlet (for a future Frame TV) on the fireplace, so we hid it with that collection of bows (not AllModern) that frankly turned out so cute.
APRYL SHOWERS is a mobile shower and restroom trailer providing a safe, clean environment to perform personal hygiene.
Hosting a sporting event? Organizing a church outreach program? Book Apryl Showers to give your participants a place to get clean and feel refreshed. We serve the National Capital Region, which includes the District of Columbia and neighboring counties in Maryland and Virginia.
APRYL SHOWERS PROVIDES FREE SHOWERS TO THE HOMELESS
Apryl Showers is a veteran, female and minority owned business. A portion of our proceeds goes towards providing free showers to the homeless. We take pride in offering a service that benefits our community.
Apryl Showers also provides bags of toiletries and clean clothes to the homeless.
For writer and poet Janice A. Euell, writing has always been more a lifeline than a creative outlet. Her newest release, The Journey Continues, brings together a collection of poems from her previous works, forming a deeply personal anthology that reflects her growth as both a writer and a woman of empathy.
“I took some of the best ones and those that received the most accolades and put them in this one, thinking that this might be the last book of poetry that I write, because I now want to move into just writing some selfempowerment books.” she explains.
Her path to poetry began early. Drawn to the rhythm and emotion of verse, Janice first encountered poetry in school and felt an immediate connection. “It was just so rhythmic. I just loved it,” she says. But it wasn’t until years later, through her founding of an outreach center for men, women, and children in need, that poetry became an emotional necessity.
“Of course, you can imagine the different stories that were told to me at that time about their lives,” she recalls, comparing it to doctors taking home the woes of their patients. “It just mounted up to a point where I needed to do something with this information. So I started writing poetry in relation to some of the stories I had heard.”
That outlet transformed into a calling. In her writing, emotion takes many forms, blending the laughter, love, and lessons that come from a life fully lived. “People’s lives are interspersed with so much tragedy that sometimes you need to laugh,” she says. Each collection blends moments of levity and love with deep reflection, including personal tributes like Mother, a poem written to her by her daughter, and Their Legacies Live On, honoring her parents’ strength in raising eleven children.
Across her four books, Poetry in the Key of Life, Friend Ship, The Journey, and now The Journey Continues, she captures the complexities of life with honesty and heart. Her poetry, she
explains, isn’t bound by structure or style. “A lot of people ask, what is your style? And I said, I don’t say I have a style; it’s whatever I’m feeling at that time, and it gets translated into words. I love the way words have an effect on people.” Through her writing, she hopes readers find the same peace that poetry has brought her. “If you write it down, it’s no longer on your heart,” she says. “You can always go back and revisit that pain and know how you’ve grown.”
Now, Janice’s goal is to empower writers of all ages to share their words fearlessly. “It enables you to be the kind of person you want to
be,” she says. “You don’t have to worry about whether somebody likes it or doesn’t like it. You just have to like it. And that’s the power of poetry to me.”
Her books, including her newest title, are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Academy, as well as in ebook format. Yet what matters most to her isn’t recognition, but resonance. “If you find solace in getting a book and relaxing and having that cup of lemonade while you’re reading,” she says, “I would want you to just get to appreciate that work. And if something I wrote inspired you to write one, that would be the crown on anything else I’ve done.”
When people meet Jonvoana R. Evans, widely known as Life Coach Von, they are struck by her presence—a rare combination of warmth, wisdom, and vision. A woman of faith and fortitude, Life Coach Von has turned personal trials into a legacy of transformation, equipping both individuals and industries to rise to their next level of purpose.
Her journey is proof of one of her guiding affirmations: “What you do is not who you are, but who you are makes you great at what you do.”
Welcome to The Vitamin Suite, your premier destination for cutting-edge holistic health and wellness services in Bowie, Maryland. Our highly skilled team is dedicated to providing advanced treatments in a luxurious, relaxing environment. We are passionate about helping you achieve optimal health and wellness through personalized, cutting-edge therapies.
Our services range from IV hydration therapies, Red light therapy, targeted to meet your unique health needs, to state-of-the-art medical spa treatments that rejuvenate and revive your skin. The Vitamin Suite is committed to improving your well-being from the inside out.
Alexis Streets continues to expand her dessert empire with new flavors, new services, and even greater hospitality.
Article By Alyson Turner
Photography By The Dessert Junkie
Dessert visionary Alexis Streets has been making incredible moves over the past few years with her widely beloved brand; The Dessert Junkie. With expansion on the horizon,exciting menu options, and captivating merchandise, fans of The Dessert Junkie have a lot to look forward to this year.
“I’m excited about expanding The Dessert Junkie kitchen into The Dessert Junkie hospitality. We will be bringing our items into high-end restaurants as well as casual dining. This expansion will ensure that we can meet the demand for our products,” Alexis says, “We are always introducing new menu items including our latest creation: mini gourmet chicken and waffles.”
On the ever-evolving menu, seasonal treats and new flavor combos keep customers coming back for more. “Funnel cakes are popular every year. The gourmet ice cream has a range of flavors from banana pudding to biscoff to creamsicle to strawberry cheesecake,” Alexis says, “Our mini chicken and waffles are a savory dessert with flavors available in red velvet, cookies and cream, or traditional vanilla. There is a powdered sugar topping and chicken bites on the waffles.” Another favorite dessert is the phenomenal, gourmet cinnamon rolls. The designs are gorgeous with the flavors in biscoff, red velvet, cookies and cream, and banana pudding. Coming soon their gourmet cookies will be ready to ship straight to your door.
The Dessert Junkie is also known for its exceptional catering for all types of events with 12 dessert bar options including the funnel cake bar, the donut and hot chocolate bar, the ice cream bar, the breakfast bar, the cheesecake bar, the infused dessert and cocktail bar, the gourmet popsicle bar, the chocolate covered strawberry bar, the milkshake bar, and more. They can elevate your events with The Dessert Junkie mobile truck which has been booked for weddings and many large events like Teacher Appreciation week.
For those looking for an array of food choices, Alexis and The Dessert Junkie offer The Bite Bar catering along with a mini mobile bar. She says, “The Bite Bar has become a go-to for events of all kinds. We have always done your traditional catering, but we are going into a season of people wanting smaller quantities with the highest quality products. It’s strategically plated and beautifully displayed. We work with items at room temperature, and we have ceramic sternos that match the table decor. We can create charcuterie boards, wedding cakes, birthday cakes, gourmet cookies, and have on-hand bartenders.”
When you are planning your next special event all premade menus and packages are listed online to take the stress out of decision making. For any dietary restrictions, The Dessert Junkie team can customize your menu items to meet your specific needs.
Along with a stunning revamped website to match The Dessert Junkie’s colorful aesthetic, a newsletter subscription will be available for what’s coming up including brand new merchandise. “It is all so much fun. There is active wear, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, and mugs. I am truly excited and can’t wait to introduce all of the new merch we have planned.”
As co-owner and operations lead, Alexis’ husband, Theodore Streets, keeps The Dessert Junkie running smoothly in the bakery and on the road. From working to launch the mobile dessert truck
in 2017 to overseeing HR, inventory, and compliance, his leadership ensures every part of the business is handled with care and professionalism. With a background in technical operations and a passion for quality, Theodore’s steady presence and proactive approach make him key in the bakery’s continued success.
Alexis’ Chief Compliance Officer and Food Scientist, Christi Dorsey, ensures every product meets the highest standards of quality and safety. From managing nutrition labels to overseeing ingredient sourcing and product information, she plays a critical role in keeping the bakery’s sweet creations both delicious and compliant. Christi’s precision complements the bakery’s creative flair. Her work empowers the team to innovate confidently while staying true to customer trust and industry standards.
Nakea Cloud, cake stylist and manager at The Dessert Junkie, is the creative force behind many of the bakery’s stunning dessert designs. Known for her high standards and trendsetting cake styling, she has helped elevate the bakery’s reputation across Bowie and beyond. Nakea’s leadership goes beyond the kitchen; she’s a master of unforgettable customer moments, often surprising guests with her signature dance moves. Her attention to detail makes her an irreplaceable part of The Dessert Junkie experience. Azaria Brown, Alexis’ daughter, who is affectionately known as Zari, brings vibrant energy and a love for cupcakes to her role as Pastry Coordinator. As the owner of Primo’s Choice Barkery, she’s turned her passion for baking and animals into a thriving side venture, serving up treats for both people and pets. Zari constantly experiments with new flavors and techniques, growing her skills while inspiring others. This powerhouse team brings passion, precision, and personality into everything that they do.
Giving back to the community continues to keep Alexis energized. Through her own charitable work with the Cupcake Foundation and work with a local nonprofit, she helps create joyful celebrations for children in the hospital who might not otherwise have a chance to be celebrated. From crafting unforgettable sweets to giving back in meaningful ways, The Dessert Junkie truly does it all with fresh menu creations and exciting events always on the horizon.
