Meet Taja Lawrence | Chef Bella Sweets

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taja Lawrence and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taja, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Believing in myself, never giving up and consistency.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Heaven Sent Cupcakes was created during my last semester of culinary school. I attended The Art Institute Of Michigan 2013-14, there I met Chef Channy J, she was the first to encourage me to start my own business and as crazy as I thought she was…I listened.

My mother had given me $1,000 to pay off my traffic tickets that school year and instead, I used the money to purchase my stand mixer along with cake pans and other necessary tools needed to get the job done.

She was furious, however I reassured her that my investments would make us a fortune one day.

What sets me apart from other bakers is Anahata.
Anahata is our 4th chakra and my best kept secret ingredient, well, until now that is.  My guru, Fingerz, taught me that we transfer energy to whatever we touch. That I could use the same recipe over and over, however the results will differ every time if I don’t add the purest qualities of my heart.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come, from professionalism, to paperwork to the final product. I’m extremely excited about what’s next to come, whatever that may be or look like. Though I do plan my future, life has a powerful way of steering one into the path that fits best.

I started out getting my products in peoples faces by walking up and down Livernois, going into the businesses and promoting myself. I then ventured off into sponsoring non profit organizations; Strut In Her Shoes, Doors Of Success Foundation and Just Blossom, just to name a few. Social media also plays a major part in my loyal clientele. Giving out free samples whenever possible, selling products at high schools during lunch period, networking and creating new recipes in the lab all helped me get to where I am today. And no it was not easy. It took patience, consistency, bumping my head a few good times, unlearning and relearning self, constantly reminding myself why I started and what the end goal is for me and those who are directly affected by my actions.

I’ve learned that no matter what goes on in my personal life, if I just remain dedicated and consistent to the business, if I continue to work at it, it can not continue to deny me. Not to take anything personal and remember everything is business!

I want the world to know that it doesn’t really matter where you come from, how you were raised, who was there for you or who wasn’t there for you; if you can dream it you can achieve it. I came from a background of abandonment, neglect, drugs, violence and a crap ton of trauma , fear and doubts. I didn’t allow my past or my environment to define who I am and who I dreamed to be. Heaven Sent Cupcakes is a reflection of my will power and my love to spread happiness to others. Because we all know the quickest way to someone’s heart is through their stomachs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a good one. So my baby sister wants to visit Detroit for her 22nd birthday and she asked for me to plan her trip out.

I think the first place I would take her is Ozale’s Kitchen. It’s a low key spot on the west side, right off livernois and Pasadena.
It’s owned by my good friend Chef Cel. The food is definitely unique, and an experience within itself. You can also find a few of our products in there too.

I don’t really step out much but when I do it’s going to be for poetry. Poetry in the Park is my safe space, it’s an open mic for poets and singers that’s held every Wednesday night and the vibes are unmatched.

Next we’d have to hit ferndale for some fire vegan food by my bro Chef Dunny.

Food is life so we gone eat and we gone eat a lot lol.

I really live under a rock so I’m still trying to figure out a good itinerary, I’m definitely open to ideas from anyone who sees this interview and have suggestions.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Fingerz Naomi Winans
Chef Dunny
Chef Channy J
Chef Cel
Minister Tazzeline (Tazzy)
Jayson Shaw (DogPhresh)
Family & friends

Instagram: Heaven sent cupcakes

Facebook: Heaven Sent Detroit