Tisha Joiner - Pastry ROLE MODEL

The sweet scent of pure vanilla, the pastry chef bag laying on the counter and the sounds of a Kitchen Aid Mixer fills the air. An energetic cook is determined to bring the creation in her brilliant mind to life in a unique way. She has many orders to fill and each order must be strategically concocted.


Tisha Joiner has single handedly honed her craft and has remained focused in the process. Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Joiner was encouraged by her mother to do something creative and she parlayed that advice into an up and coming cake business. Whether a brilliant college student has graduated with honors or a festive group of Bridesmaids are looking for a unique cake, Tisha can bring it to life.

Here at Legends, Icons and Role Models, we constantly look for those who are making POSITIVE changes in our world and communities. I recently had the honor of interviewing Tisha and I must say, she is well on her way to a lucrative career in cake and pastry making. Let’s take a look at her story:

Tisha, Let me say, that it is an honor to interview you?
Thank you so much Darian. The pleasure is all mine and I am happy to be a part.

I must ask, where did the desire to prepare cakes and pastries originate?
Well, I fell in love with decorating back in 1992. I would decorate simple cakes with a fork and my mom said,” You should do something with that gift."

I simply taught myself through videos and books/magazines. My cousin asked me to make her baby shower cake and while at the shower, someone asked for my business card. I promptly realized that I was on to something. Most of my business is by word of mouth and I am still surprised at my repeat customers.

Share with our readers, some of the challenges that you have faced in your field? One of the challenges I've faced in the past relating to baking/cake decorating is actually starting to decorate period. My oven breaking down and me going from my home to my mom’s house to complete my cakes was hard. Also, the business aspect to it all has been a learning experience as well.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I'm hoping in the next 5 years to be in a commercial space selling my products and literally carving out a piece of the “American Pie” for myself. I already have a vision of it in my mind and I am constantly thinking of ways to improve myself.

Who would you consider your hero(s)?
My hero is my mom who raised me as a single mother as well as my grandmother. What I love about them is how they raised me and my brother in spite of the odds set against us. We were taught that education is the key to being a productive citizen in this society.

I do however, have some cake heroes such as: Toba Garrett, Charmaine Jones and Margaret Braun. These ladies have truly set a standard in cake decorating that I am constantly attempting to reach. I'm not on their level yet but I'm on my way and I have my own little following among my customers, so I am not complaining.

What do you say to encourage a young person pursing their goals of being a Baker/Arts Crafts, etc?
What I would say is simply stick to it and remember you're a beginner. Often, your first cake is not going to look like the ones in the magazines and this is simply due to a food stylist.

The food stylist has worked on that cake for hours with fake icing and great lighting. I would also stress that it takes time to perfect your craft. Keep reading magazines, books and always take a class here and there to brush up on your skills.

What are you doing or what are your goals to give back to the community?
Well, I am proud to say that I have donated cakes to churches for bake sales as well as taught classes to local Girl Scout Troupes. It's a great feeling to give back to my local community and I plan on doing more.

What is one thing that has kept you grounded over the years and kept you humble?
Clearly, my mother keeps me grounded. There is no way I could climb up on a high horse with her around. But really, who really wants to be that high up off the ground and be above folks? That is not me at all. It can be given to you one day and the next day gone. Business is hard and you have to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground daily.

How do you handle critics and their opinions?
I handle criticism as constructive unless it is just downright mean. I have found in life no matter what you do, you are going to be criticized but you cannot let that define who you are.

Tisha Joiner is a Great Role Model for those who have dreams and visions but feel as though they can’t be accomplished. Here at Legends, Icons and Role Models we hail her a Positive ROLE MODEL!!!