Women’s History Month Feature
PaSH Magazine is celebrating Women’s History Month with a Q&A style mini-series highlighting women from many different industries making an impact in the world, their communities and for themselves. In this Q&A we will spend time with Iesa Adams.
Meet Iesa Adams
My name is Iesa Adams, and I am the proud owner and operator of Let Us Bake You, LLC — a
local bakery based in Rochester, New York.
Let Us Bake You was officially opened in August 2020, during one of the most uncertain times
in recent history. In April 2020, after 12 years in retail, my job was deemed non-essential due to COVID 19. Like many others, I suddenly found myself facing financial uncertainty while navigating the emotional toll of lockdowns, isolation, and constant news of loss across the country.
As a single mother, the pressure felt even heavier. Providing for my son had always been my priority. Living on one income is challenging enough — the thought of having no income at all was overwhelming. To every single parent doing their best: I see you.
During that difficult season, I knew I wanted to find a way to bring happiness back into my life
and into my community. So, I sat down and reflected on the moments when I felt the most joy. My mind immediately went to time spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, Bennie Mae Evans.
You started your business during a time of global uncertainty. What inner strength did you have to tap into to move forward when everything felt unstable?
Some of the inner strengths I had to tap into were resilience, adaptability, self-belief, and a positive, proactive mindset. I had to remind myself that if I could generate a million dollars in a single weekend for a major retailer—while only earning a fraction of that—I absolutely had the ability to create the same, if not greater, success for myself. As a small business owner, most of the revenue I’ve earned has been reinvested back into the business to support growth and advancement, but that long- term vision is part of the journey.
How did becoming unemployed during the pandemic reshape the way you viewed security, purpose, and possibility?
To be honest, I took immense pride in my job and the organization I worked for. When everything shut down, however, it forced me to confront a difficult truth: no matter how prepared we think we are, unforeseen circumstances can change everything in an instant. I had to accept that if things became worse, there would be no one coming to rescue me. That realization shifted something in me. Instead of feeling fear, I found a sense of security in knowing I could rely on myself—and that I would not let myself down, no matter the challenge.
My sense of purpose also evolved. I stopped chasing promotions and recognition in the workplace and began focusing on what truly mattered: maintaining meaningful connections with my friends and family and finding ways to bring joy into their lives. I have always been a thoughtful person who believes in the limitless possibilities of my future, even when I don’t have every step mapped out. On the hard days, I still hear my mother’s voice reminding me to cry if I need to, then stand back up and move forward. I have the strength to overcome whatever stands in my way.
As a single mother, how did the responsibility of providing for your child influence your decision to take a risk on yourself?
Being a parent is challenging in any circumstance, and single parenthood adds another layer of responsibility and sacrifice. Navigating that journey without financial support makes it even more complex. My son did not choose to be here—I made the courageous decision to risk my life to carry him to term. He is truly my miracle child. At a young age, I was told I would likely never conceive or carry a child to full term. Our journey began with obstacles, and during his delivery, I nearly lost both him and myself.
Because of that experience, my commitment to him is unwavering. When it comes to making decisions or taking risks to protect his well-being, there is no hesitation—I will do whatever is necessary to ensure he is cared for and supported. Despite what many believe, parenting is not defined solely by financial stability. It is shaped by the small moments, the consistent presence, and the unconditional support we give our children. Showing up mentally and physically, loving them through every stage, and refusing to give up on them—those are the true markers of devoted Parenthood.
I have also learned to release the weight of outside opinions and judgments about who I am or how I parent. If my son is happy, secure, and has what he needs, that is what matters most. While some parents place expectations on their children once they reach adulthood, I do not carry that mindset. My only hope for my son is that he grows up happy, healthy, fulfilled, and successful in whatever path he chooses. If he is thriving and at peace with his life, then I have done my job.
You have shared that joy and comfort were the foundation of this business. Why was it important for your work to bring emotional nourishment, not just a product?
Emotional nourishment and a sense of comfort have been significant factors for me in building my business. When I first started, the uncertainty surrounding my quality of life and sense of connection deeply motivated me. I wanted to create a space where I could discover my purpose and feel emotionally fulfilled through the work I was doing. The saying, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” truly resonates with me, because for me, this journey has always been about more than income—it has been about alignment, passion, and Meaning.
Family recipes and traditions play a significant role in your brand. What does it mean to turn generational memory into something living and shared?
I take great pride in my ability to understand and honor my family’s history, and to weave that legacy into the communities I serve and the work I do through my business. I know my great-grandmother and grandmother would be immensely proud of what I have built with Let Us Bake You. The sacrifices they made and the hardships they endured laid the foundation for my journey as a business owner.
Even though they are no longer here physically, their prayers, wisdom, and encouragement continue to guide me. I still keep their handwritten prayers tucked inside my recipe book, and I revisit them often. Those words remind me that this business is not just about baking—it is about legacy, faith, resilience, and carrying forward the love and strength of the women who came before me.
Starting with limited resources, what did building from your home teach you about patience, discipline, and belief in your craft?
Building Let Us Bake You from home gave me the invaluable opportunity to truly understand my customers—their preferences, their feedback, and even what didn’t resonate with them. That season allowed me the time and space to refine my recipes, thoughtfully design my logo, and shape the overall aesthetic and identity of the brand.
Throughout the process, I gained critical business knowledge, strengthened my time management skills, and developed a deep sense of accountability. There were challenges and setbacks along the way, but I remained unwavering in my belief that I could succeed. Through consistency, resilience, and faith in my vision, I was able to transform Let Us Bake You into the successful business it is today.
Community support helped your business grow—how did showing up consistently create trust and momentum?
Consistency allowed people to see how serious and committed I was about Let Us Bake You, and it helped amplify both my story and the visibility of our products. One of the most important lessons I learned is that people need something tangible to experience before they can truly invest in or believe in your business. When customers could taste, see, and connect with what I created, interest naturally followed.
That consistency sparked powerful word-of-mouth promotion, allowing others to help breathe life into my vision. As a result, Let Us Bake You grew into a brand that surpassed my original expectations and found its way into spaces I once only imagined.
Giving back is woven into your mission. Why do you believe small businesses have a responsibility to reinvest in the communities that sustain them?
Giving back is essential to me because so many people have generously poured their time, energy, and support into Let Us Bake You. Their belief in my vision played a significant role in the growth of this business. Because of that, I feel a deep responsibility to ensure that their support is reciprocated.
In the same way others have shown up for me, I am committed to showing up for my community—offering encouragement, resources, and support wherever I can. Success is not meant to be kept; it is meant to be shared.
How has honoring the women who came before you shaped the way you define success today?
Without the women who came before me—and the incredible women who surround me today—I would not be the strong, resilient woman I am still becoming. Their sacrifices, wisdom, and unwavering support are the foundation of every accomplishment and every lesson I have experienced. I carry them with pride in all that I do. My hope is that one day, a young woman will look at my journey and say to herself, “If she was able to overcome all that she faced, then I can overcome my challenges too.” If my story can inspire even one person to believe in her own strength, then everything I’ve endured will have been worth it.
When you look at what you’ve built, what part of the journey are you most proud of—not as a business owner, but as a woman?
As a woman, I take immense pride in my ability to defy the odds and challenge the statistics often imposed on Black and Brown women. I am proud of how Inavigate multiple responsibilities while maintaining strength, resilience, and grace. I am equally proud of the woman I am today and the woman I am continuously becoming—always embracing growth, learning, and the pursuit of improvement.
Thank you for reading the fifth installment of the Women’s History Month Features. Come back each day to read a new inspiring story, centering women.
PaSH Magazine is a lifestyle publication. Our slogan is “all your tiny obsessions.” We are strong advocates of self-love, self-care, body positivity and supporting minorities, especially women, people of color and communities not highlighted in mainstream media. Please send pitches to southernpashmag@gmail.com. Please note that we sometimes use affiliate links. If you purchase anything from a link we have provided, we may receive a small commission. This money is used to help support our efforts at PaSH Inc. Check out our sister magazines Explore Georgia Now , Glownoire , plurvylife. and www.redpashmag.com! This article may mention several of our sister brands including but not limited to: Plurvy, Curvy Girls Rock, AYTO, PaSH Publishing and more
