Today we’d like to introduce you to Malasia Yancey.
Malasia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since the age of seven, I’ve been creating delicious cakes and desserts. My family has always wanted me to go into business with my creations, but for something, I considered a hobby I didn’t want to turn into a job. Once I had my daughter, my biggest fear was what was she going to tell her class on career day? What was she going to brag about to her classmates about what her mother does? I know I wanted to be an example and one of the best things I could do is bake and create. As a Virgo I doubted my self a lot and even though I received compliments for my work it still wasn’t enough for me to believe in my self. One day I took my daughter to go see “The Greatest Showman” on the big screen. Both of us instantly fell in love but it was because of that movie that I was given the strength and encouragement to believe in myself to start my business. In that movie, I seen a boy with a dream for a better life and although he started off with damaged goods, he used his talents and skills to build a beautiful creation of entertainment.
Even though there were people who doubted him and didn’t understand his vision he never let that lead him away from his goals and dreams. It was more important for him to believe in himself more than anything or anybody else. That movie was definitely an inspiration for me and once the opportunity was given to me to take my first order, I took it. I invested in myself and bought all my supplies and equipment to start my business off. With the support of my mentor (Debra Pruitt), I was able to create a beautiful two tier cake for my friend’s birthday (Chayna Delahoussaye). Her reaction when she received the cake from me was breathtaking and emotional. Besides the fact that she ended up paying me more than what I charged her, it was the heartwarming feeling I got when I realized that something that I created made someone feel so happy and so special.
I knew at that point, this was something I wanted to do. I later on gave my business a name and bought my license. Get You Some Lay (GYSL) was seen in the Voice & View Point Newspaper for two weeks. It did not take long for my business to take off; it literally took a day. The confidence I built in myself has opened my eyes to the greatest parts of me, my skill, my artistry and my lack of fear all played a part in my business. Now I take on bigger challenges like designs and styles I’ve never tried. I strive for more education and bigger accomplishments like attending the Brown Sugar Retreat, taking college course classes, opening up a storefront and inspiring the community.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the biggest challenges was managing time. Hours turned into minutes and minutes turned into seconds. Putting a line between friendship, family and business were the hardest.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about GYSL – what should we know?
I specialize in custom made desserts. I make art into cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, candy and other sweet treats. I use all-natural flavors and ingredients. I get real personal with my designs and provide all may talents and focus on any order. I’m most proud of my growth. This business is turning me into a better well-rounded person and I love it.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Debra Pruitt (mentored me on my first two cakes that started me off). Chayna Delahoussaye (first customer to ever order from me).
Contact Info:
- Phone: 858-925-9490
- Email: malaysiayancey@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/get_you_some_lay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getyousomelay
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