Ataste to rememberis what bakerTashal Shields creates

By Lucy Weber

Spending hours in the kitchen baking up delicious treats is a labor of love for Tashal Shields.

Ahome baker in Corinth, Shields is open to taking special orders at any given time through her bakery business “Taste of Heaven” so customers get what they enjoy.

“My bakery is based off of love. My goal is to give you a taste to remember,” Shields said. “I love to leave an impression on your taste buds. I long to stand out by myself with my own unique twist. That's the definition behind Taste of Heaven.”

“I started off with a dream, it became a goal and now it is my reality. I stepped out on faith and God has not failed me yet,” she said.

Shields said she encourages others to follow their own paths to their dreams. “To anyone, if it becomes a thought it can become reality. No matter what the obstacles may bring, keep the faith and stay grounded. If it is from the Lord, it will manifest.”

Shields’love of baking starting when she was growing up in Biggersville and helping her mother and grandmother bake at home.

“I have always had a passion for cooking, since I was a little girl, but after being off work for carpal tunnel surgery, is when I began to pursue baking,”

Shields said. “I started watching videos to refresh my skills.

“I took Home-Economics at Biggersville High School, and my teacher’s name was

Mrs. Allen. So I have had the skills since the ninth grade. My very first attempt was my grandmother Sarah Shields’ birthday cake. It was a hit, and I been baking ever since.”

On average, Shields finds herself in the kitchen creating her treats at least six to eight hours a day “and that’s a slow day.” Baking for the holidays and special events turns hours into day, but Shields wouldn’t have it any other way. For her, baking helps release stress. In addition to a busy baking schedule, Shields is also pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Afew of her baking specialties are red velvet cupcakes, cookie-n-cream cupcakes and Butterfinger cupcakes. Among her most requested items are birthday cookies and tea cakes. “I have found my grandmother, auntie and uncles like the cookies over the cupcakes.”

Shields said she enjoys the independence of her baking career. “For years, I have wanted to become my own boss, building a legacy to leave behind for my children,” said the mother of three adult children, Desmin, Darius and Daniza. Shields’has a unique style for creating her custom cakes. “My favorite way to do cakes would be decorating with buttercream icing that includes an edible picture that I print off from my printer. It changes the whole game when you are able to do more with less work.”

While Shields is always happy to accept orders for customers’special occasions using her kitchen talents, she said anyone can try to jumpstart their own baking skills.

“I would say to someone who doesn't like going into the kitchen to fix a box of brownies and to include a family member in the fun. The more the merrier. Having someone to help while in the kitchen and make memories is the best part. Including others makes it worth it.”