Naya's Pastries & Sweet

CEO Biography

Who Am I / The Story Behind It

My name is Lanaya and I am the CEO of NayasPastries. I am a 21 year old Black African American Woman born and raised in Southeast D.C. I am currently a Junior at Winston Salem State University majoring in Early Childhood Education. I come from a family of 7 and stand as the third oldest. I graduated from a small school on MLK Ave called Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy where the motto is to be "built by grit and driven by innovation." 

I’ve enjoyed baking since I was a little girl. My dad brought me my first easy bake oven at an early age and once I begin to get older I was allowed to bake using the stove with the assistance of my dad or godsister(s). 

I started NayasPastries as an 18-year-old freshman at the Illustrious Winston Salem State University. At first I was baking for fun but I often times had people approach me inquiring about buying my sweets then I realized there was a side hustle for everything except baking. I knew of many people who had side hustles of things like selling lashes, doing nails and hair, taking pictures, designing clothes and even selling dinner BUT I never seen anyone who sold sweets. I saw an opportunity and took it. I made baking my side hustle. 

I have a huge support system including my family, former teachers and even extended family. Although my parents never hesitates when I ask for money I  figured it was time to become a little independent since I have 4 younger siblings back home. 

When I first started NayasPastries it was basic things like Cupcakes, Brownies and Fried Oreos. But when I went home for Winter Break in 2020 I had major support with expanding my business. I begin to experiment having my siblings taste testing every crazy idea I had. My mom has always been extremely creative so she started throwing out every creative  idea she could think of and a lot of them were great. My parents along with my former teachers gave me a lot of constructive criticism on prices and presentation.

I have watched my business expand within the past two years. From baking in Martin Schexincer Residence Hall freshman year to having people who lives an hour away coming to shop; to even hosting my own pop up shop for black owned businesses. But I didn’t do it all alone. Not only did I have an amazing support system back home but I had amazing friends and a group of brand ambassadors helping to bring awareness to my business right here in Winston Salem State University.  I never expected my business to expand this far but I know this is just the beginning.