We had the good fortune of connecting with My’Asia Jaaber and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi My’Asia, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. I grew up with two loving mothers. A big part of my upbringing was Sunday dinners with my family, which took place each Sunday. It was something I looked forward to, especially cooking, not so much the dishes. We had free-choice of cleaning to prepare for Sunday dinners. We chose between cleaning the bathroom, living room, or kitchen. My sister would do the bathroom because my mom didn’t like how my brother cleaned the bathroom. Whether she liked his cleaning or not, my brother would always choose the living room because it was the easiest. I was always in the kitchen. It was my favorite place. After getting the groceries on Saturday, my mom would begin to prepare certain parts of our Sunday dinner. We would stay up late Saturday nights preparing meals. On Sunday mornings before church, she would wake me up and we would continue to work on the meal. These traditions and rituals are something that demonstrated the importance of family and sustaining/building meaningful relationships in my life. My mom allowed my siblings and I to find our own passions. Our passions weren’t forced onto us and that’s something I truly appreciate now looking back on it. Unbeknownst to my siblings and I, we grew up in a food desert. However, we never knew because my mom always cooked and prepared us balanced meals. My mothers both transitioned, but I’m forever thankful for their commitment to teaching us love and the importance of family. The things they instilled in my siblings and me are still with us today through us spending holidays together (when we can) and creating memories with one another.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m most proud of being able to turn a dream into reality. My dream of having my own bakery started earlier than I realized. I started cooking at a young age, but vegan baking was new and challenging. I’m always pushing myself to create more and do more. I am always working to expand my menu and provide different options to customers. My menu items are tasted by me then a panel of taste-testers, none of which are vegan. Before my item goes to the taste-testers, I’ve made 2 variations of the product. Tasting every product is critical to me and my brand. I want to show people that vegan doesn’t mean you compromise flavor or quality. Starting Linda Reneè Sweets was one of the hardest things I’ve done. It was hard to get over self-doubt and fear. I also struggled with direction. I’m thankful for building relationships and connections with other business owners who helped me to expand my business. Two critical lessons I’ve learned along the way is that it’s ok to start small and don’t compare your journey to another person’s. Comparison is a thief. Before I would compare myself to people who had been in the business for ten years longer than me and that was unfair not only to them but to me.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve been in Dallas now for a year and a half so I haven’t gotten to experience it in its fullness. I’m still finding new places and trying different restaurants because there’s so many good options here. More than likely when friends or family come to visit, I plan to cook for them whether it’s a meal or have them try a new addition to the menu.
One of the absolute first stops is Shoals Sound and Service. They have the best food, drinks and always play great music. While in Deep Ellum, we can go to the many different bars and enjoy some music and drinks. We would probably go to Cidercade as well. Casa Del Vegano also has great food and drinks.
Another food place I loved was Pangea. The Chinese Chopped Salad…amazing! I would also drive out to Fort Worth for Mariachi’s Dine-In. They have delicious Tex-Mex. It’s a cool drive especially when traffic isn’t too bad. Nuno’s Tacos and Vegmex Grill is another must try. I love the flameado chorizo fries.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friends, family, and other supporters deserve recognition. There are so many people giving words of encouragement, being a listening ear through recipe fails or discussing business ideas/plans. I’m truly thankful for everyone. I’m especially thankful to those who pour into me and speak life into my vision and dreams. This dream started so long ago, and people are constantly supporting it in many different ways.
Website: www.lindareneesweets.com
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