Today we’d like to introduce you to Tameisha & Cameron Martin.
Hi Tameisha & Cameron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The DREAM started with my grandmother Daisy utilizing her gift of cooking to spread love and generosity to her family, church, and community. She aspired to having a restaurant of her own but never got the opportunity to turn her dream into a reality. The VISION began with my mother Tangela viewing her joy of baking as a vehicle for a better future not only for her own family but her community. Today’s REALITY is that Love is Key is a combination of my grandmother’s dream and mother’s vision to spread love to our community through food and education in a trauma-sensitive restaurant.
In 2018, we launched a catering business and began booking events and baking desserts for holidays and birthdays. We began hosting free events for causes to help reduce the level of trauma people in our community face. These events focused on healing trauma, child abuse prevention, and domestic violence awareness, etc. We used word of mouth and eventually social media to get our name out to the public. With the help of mentors, we paid off some debt and saved the money we needed to launch the physical restaurant on 30th Troost during the pandemic without using loans. We are currently wanting to expand and launch our full concepts!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a road full of adversity. We faced many challenges in obtaining funding that’s why we pursued mentors to coach us in our finances so we could fast track paying off debt and save enough money to fund our business ourselves. We faced challenges in finding an affordable commercial space. We struggled with support from the community. We are over-comers and just kept going finding a way to push through any adversity that presented.
We’ve been impressed with Love Is Key, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Love Is Key is a unique eatery that offers delicious and innovative desserts, brunch, and drinks, in addition to free community groups to mitigate the negative impacts of trauma. Our goal is to infuse this up and coming community located in the area of 30th Troost by serving people from all walks of life. The climate in this area is in need of more positive minority businesses like Love is Key that will create a safe haven, a sense of community and that promotes unity and diversity. Tameisha Martin, owner of Love Is Key, has a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her goal is to reduce the negative impacts of trauma on people within Kansas City communities. Cameron Martin, co-owner of Love Is key, has a passion for enhancing the community through teaching wealth development, financial literacy, and resiliency. Cameron Martin has a unique and powerful story that will not only inspire others in our community but equipped them with the mindset to change the trajectory of their life for the better. The recipes, dish/menu development, delicious desserts are the works of dessert artist and skilled cook Tangela.
We specialize in the innovative cake waffle. All our sandwiches and meals are based around our special waffle. Our catering is homemade soul food and beautiful trays for all types of events. Our pricing is affordable so everyone can have delicious food and exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves in using the best ingredients and having high-quality customer service. We utilize the social code of ethics to ensure we operate with integrity at all times.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Holidays at my grandmother’s would consist of a feast of food, family, laughter, and love. Meeting Cameron, my now husband and business partner for the first time as a child.
Contact Info:
- Email: Loveiskeylik@gmail.com
- Website: Loveiskeykc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LOVEISKEYLIK/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/love-is-key-kansas-city
Image Credits
Tameisha & Cameron Martin
