Meet Raven Fleming

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Fleming.

Hi Raven, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I always had an interest in cooking, with hopes of one day becoming a chef and owning a restaurant. My older brother went to culinary school, and I would always see him cooking something new in the kitchen. He created meals that piqued my interest, and made me want to learn everything possible about his work. I remember coming home from school, and seeing him watch Iron Chef America, or Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and I would think to myself, “That’s it! That’s what I’m meant to do. One day, I’ll have my own restaurant, and earn the opportunity to show the world just how great the food I can create is.” From there, at a young age, I started studying various recipes, and cuisines, as well as different food histories, along with anything else I could get my hands on to become as knowledgeable as possible in my chosen craft.

Having noticed my passions, and interests, my family, teachers, and community leaders did all they could to invest in my future, and teach me the skills I needed to get started. Though there were no economic classes available for me to complete during my elementary school years, my teachers took the time to create different incentives for me once I learned my goals. While other kids were rewarded with candy, toys, and other incentives that motivated them, I had the opportunity to earn recipes that went into the first cookbook I was being taught to construct. By the time I reached the 4th grade, I was among the few students selected to join my elementary schools nutrition group. In doing so, I was allowed to work closely with staff to learn how to pick quality meals that would be implemented into new menus, and introduced to peers. In this process, I was able to learn how to make healthy menu decisions, and learn about the benefits they would present as well.

Coming up I also had the opportunity to partner with individuals who had various backgrounds in the kitchen, and the opportunity to learn from some of the knowledge they were able to share through their presentations. In 2017, I finally decided to leap of faith, and start my own business. I began accepting orders for coworkers, birthdays, lunches, and then larger events. In 2019, I found my love for baking, and started my self-taught journey to becoming a baker, and treat creator. In 2020, I decided to rebrand my business as “Ravens Cravings” and prepared myself to take on a different approach. From there I began to create my own version of well-known, and loved desserts for coworkers, family members, and friends. It took a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, and strategic planning. But every step of the way, I’ve been able to perfect my craft, and though I’m still growing in it, every day I get closer and closer to my goals, and lifelong dreams.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but all the bumps I’ve hit have helped to mold me into a better individual, and business owner. I’ve had to take risks, face unimaginable challenges, and allow myself to be a student within my process as each task presented itself. The biggest challenge I’ve had to face so far, was discovering that I suffer from Scoliosis a year ago, and I  have been going through a healing process since. It has not been easy, but I’ve learned a different level of discipline, as well as a new way of doing things, which has allowed me to be more successful, and grow in my craft. Often times we see our passions, and come up with the goals we want to accomplish, but we never truly know or understand what it will take to get there. When you become an entrepreneur, and create a business, a different level of discipline, posture, and stewardship must be learned. With each passing day you’re growing with your business, and craft while implementing all that you learn consistently, no matter how difficult the steps in front of you may be.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With my work, I specialize in creating cakes, desserts, treats, as well as meals for various events. I’m most known for my cookies, pound cakes, cheesecakes, and pasta dishes. What I believe sets me apart from others, is my faith system, determination, and what I know I’m capable of. I have the ability to stand my ground regardless of the obstacles at hand, and learn from them while appreciating the received experience. What others may often shy away from, I tend to face head-on. I ensure my research is done and plan accordingly to tackle the task. The results aren’t always perfect, but I never let that stop or hold me back. I pride myself on giving my customers a memorable experience with every order they receive from me while sparking new ideas for comfort food. We always hear that “good food brings people together.” So no matter the event, or reason for gathering, my goal is to help bring the ones you love together while helping you share, and creating memories over a meal, and sweets worth having. A food experience that truly provides comfort through the stomach.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I want to highlight a few people, my mothers, and aunt. They saw how passionate I was about becoming a chef, and taught me everything I needed to know to be proficient in the kitchen. We come from a big family, so they ensured that I knew exactly what I needed to do when properly organizing, preparing, and planning large, stretchable meals. My parents were also very active in the church I grew up in as outreach ministry leaders, and taught me how to stay involved. While doing so, I was able to gain experience with community outreach, from preparing meals for the homeless to helping organize community service events.

I would also like to give credit to my mentors, and leaders who have been with me every step of the way. They’ve shown their support by providing me with educational business classes, and workshops, to give me the opportunity to learn more about various business techniques, strategies, and approaches while having all the resources I need to succeed.

Lastly, I would like to show appreciation, and give credit to my family, friends, and all my wonderful, supportive customers. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to properly develop, and be where I am today. They’ve pushed me, supported me, provided constructive feedback, and so much more. When you’re first starting out, you never know what the outcome will be, but I’m happy to say that because of those who’ve helped hold me accountable throughout this journey, I’m still going strong.

Pricing:

• Cheesecakes $35 & Up
• Cookies $20/Doz & Up
• Cupcakes $24/Doz & Up
• Treat Bundles $25 & Up
• Cakes $50 & Up

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ravens.cravings?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyravenscravings?mibextid=2JQ9oc
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravens_cravings?_t=8g8S1o59ftj&_r=1