Today we’d like to introduce you to Bayonia Marshall.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Have you ever wanted a bomb dessert from your hometown but couldn’t find it? Well, that was me! I moved away from home, and I craved some of my grandmother’s bomb banana pudding. I finally decided to text my grandmother and just make it. I ended up sharing it with some colleagues, and they loved it. So, after that moment, Go Bay’nanas was started. We are a banana-inspired dessert business that puts bananas in or on pretty much everything!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business may seem glamorous, but what they don’t tell you is how hard it can be. Yes, you are building your dream, but as an entrepreneur, especially when it’s just you, pushing forward on challenging days becomes your responsibility. Life can throw various obstacles at you, from a tough breakup to facing rejection for a program or grant. Despite these challenges, the key is to keep moving forward and showing up.
During tough times, it’s crucial to be honest with your customers or followers. In my experience, I did the opposite and went silent instead of communicating for support and encouragement. Being a solo entrepreneur can be tough, but having a community around you makes the journey a bit more bearable.
Then in moments of rejection, such as not being accepted into a program or not receiving a grant, remember to hold your head high. Ask for feedback, as you never know who might be watching. Your perseverance could catch the attention of the right opportunity. Your turn might be just around the corner, and those observing are waiting to see how you respond. Stay resilient, and things may turn in your favor.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
By day, I work as a contractor, assisting small businesses with their administrative and project management needs. During my nights and weekends, I vend at pop-ups and host kid cooking and literacy classes/birthday parties for children in grades K-3.
What brings me the most joy is developing deep connections with the founders I serve and, more importantly, the support I provide to their children. Whether engaging in quality time or helping with essential skills like reading, I love contributing to their growth.
Building a sense of community is a fundamental value for me. Combining this with my passion for food not only allows me to offer professional support but also creates meaningful connections within the community, particularly among the kiddos.
Any big plans?
In late February 2024, I will be launching my kids’ cooking and literacy boxes. The first box will feature a variety of recipes for banana desserts and some interactive activities, while future boxes will be customized based on parents’ feedback to enhance their kid’s strengths and address their weaknesses. I recently learned that up to 40 percent of kids entering kindergarten are behind by 1-3 years, so I want to help bridge that gap in any way I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gobaynanas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/go.baynanas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/go.baynanas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoBaynanas
Image Credits
Tre and Rich Barber
