Our Spotlight on the Arts for August 2024 shines brightly on dual culinary artists and event planners, Annise Jefferson and LaKisha Dubose, of The Southern Maryland Sugar Show!
We heard about the upcoming Southern Maryland Sugar Show! Tell us more!
The Southern Maryland Sugar Show has been created to introduce local sweets vendors to our community in a fun and creative way.
We are designing this very special event for families, individuals, local businesses, and also for couples looking for options for their upcoming wedding.
We invite everyone to come out and try multiple sweets vendors in one location! Many of our vendors also offer catering services for special celebrations, weddings, and so on.
One of the inspirations for the Sugar Show is the annual Dessert Wars event in Baltimore. Also known as “The Largest Dessert Festival in America”, Dessert Wars sells out every year. Guests sample over 50 locally sourced desserts, are able to vote for their favorite sweet treats, and participate in other fun food-related activities.
We love attending this festival and got to wondering why we don’t have something amazing like this locally? It can be a challenge for people here to have to drive all the way up to Baltimore. We know that Southern Maryland will very much enjoy an event like this one right here in our area!
In the process of coordinating The SoMD Sugar Show, we have also found that a support system is needed amongst local cottage food and small batch sweets businesses. We have been able to successfully make connections and bring these groups together.
– Annise & LaKisha
How long have you each been involved with culinary arts?
Annise (owner of Sweet Poetry Cakery) – I have been baking and decorating custom cakes for 14 years!
LaKisha (owner of Pound of Love Cakes & Events) – My time in the culinary arts for baking (and also coordinating events) has been six years now.
What have been your past and present inspirations?
Annise – My past inspirations have been my children, who I started baking and decorating for. I have also been heavily influenced by my aunts who I grew up with and baked alongside with during many family functions.
My present inspirations include cake artists such as Raina Washington of the Sweet Stop of RVA as well as small business owners who are managing life, business, and self in many positive ways, such as Kelly Davin of the Kneaded Baking Co. in Leonardtown.
LaKisha – My most significant past inspiration has been my friend and mentor, Sabrina Monroe, who encouraged me to sell my pound cakes and to pursue my endeavors as a small business owner.
Presently, my faith in God has inspired me to go after my dreams and utilize all of my talents to the fullest!
Do you have a favorite aspect of your artistry?
Annise – My favorite go-to aspect is presentation. I am a sucker for great packaging! A great package tells you the quality of product provided by sight and also showcases the artistry of cake design.
LaKisha – There is nothing like a classic, well-made pound cake! It brings nostalgia and feelings of love and home to everyone who tastes them.
From the event planning side of my business, my favorite aspect is the process of providing custom coordination to offer a unique venue of activities and programs. I love knowing that my guests will leave feeling as if they have had a truly special and one-of-a-kind experience!
What are a few of your other interests or occupations outside of your art form?
Annise – Outside of creating, I LOVE spending time with my family and friends, be it a trip to an amusement park, a quiet day out with my husband, or gathering around a table full of Maryland Blue Crabs. A walk around Hobby Lobby is nice as well!!
LaKisha – I love spending time at family gatherings! We are guaranteed to have an amazing day filled with great food, great company, and lots of laughter.
Thank you, Annise and LaKisha, for being a valuable part of our creative community!
Learn more about the Southern Maryland Sugar Show and our featured artists, at the links below:
Southern Maryland Sugar Show
Facebook – SoMD Sugar Show (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558286442543)
Instagram – @somdsugarshow (https://www.instagram.com/somdsugarshow/)
SoMD Sugar Show –ticket info – The SoMD Sugar Show (https://www.sweetpoetrycakery.com/event-list)
(Note: children ages 10 & under are free when accompanied by an adult! There will be special activities for all ages!).
Also of Interest:
Sweet Poetry Cakery (Annise Jefferson) – www.sweetpoetrycakery.com
Pound of Love LLC, Cakes & Events (LaKisha Dubose) – www.facebook.com/poundoflove624
