Meet Ykeena Covin | Art teacher & Owner of Cakes by Keena and B.E.A.M.S LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ykeena Covin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ykeena, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by my husband who passed in 2019, Family and friends. As a matter of fact, I resigned in May from teaching in 2019 because I was finally listening to my husband. He told me to just concentrate on my cake business. Unfortunately he passed in August of that year. He believed in me. He had just transitioned to a great job when everything happened so his Life and medical insurance had not kicked in is what I was told! I asked myself how could this happen especially at a time like this after having insurance for 2o plus years! My life was turned upside down. I remember having a cupcake and pizza sell to help pay for some of the cost of burial and did pretty good! I hear family and friends all of the time tell me how creative I am with baking, cooking, painting, drawing, poems, drama… One thing that stuck out was hearing a friend tell me, ” If I had YOUR talent, I would never be worried about money!”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I changed my major from Art to Architect to Education. So, here I am!! I moved to Texas in 1998. I’ve been teaching 26 years in the Dallas, Texas area. Even though teaching has really changed, I still love it! One of the keys is having supporting staff and parents. What sets me apart from others is I love to take things apart to see how they work. I didn’t realize until I was grown that I recognized certain songs by the instrumental parts and not the lyrics. Another major thing that sets me apart from others is I had craniotomy brain surgery in 2014. I can remember Doctors coming in after I got put into a room and they were amazed that I didn’t require pain medicine. I am so thankful even today that I did not have to go to therapy for anything. That was a major surgery. It has made me appreciate life more.

It’s not easy to get to a certain level professionally. You have to be dedicated, believe in yourself, network and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. That’s something I am still working on. I have to conquer that if I want Cakes by Keena to continue to prosper and to help put my other business on the map, B.E.A.M.S LLC (Baking Equals Art, Math and Science). These sessions will hone in on couples’ awareness of their love language while having fun in the kitchen at the same time. Some women will even enjoy the man just sitting while she cooks giving her some attention if it’s a household where she does most of the cooking. I do understand times have changed and they might share the cooking or he does most of it. There will also be sessions for kids to have hands on baking or just activities to show why it is SOOOOO important to learn Math, Science and of course Reading because it does connect to the REAL world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I love nature and Science, I would first cook for them in Keena’s kitchen. We would set off to go the the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Wax Museum in Grand Prairie and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. I would also take them downtown Dallas to view the architect. Places to visit would be Babe’s Chicken Dinner House and would experience together other good places to eat and hang out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wanted to dedicate my shoutout to my deceased husband, Joe Covin II, my parents, Rose and Frank Miller Sr., siblings LaTonya, Ramona and Frank Jr. and friends. I also wanted to recognize two women that I met within the last 5 years through education that has greatly influenced my life along with my customers and others. Linda Johnson and Rolanda Brigham whom wear many hats in a successful business world has recognized my talents and has given me guidance and advice. They are like my Sisters from another Mother, if you will. Not to mention my Birthday Twin, Demetra Baxter, whom I met after I had brain surgery in 2014 going to a lab to get blood samples. She is the one that gives it to me straight like it is! No cutting corners with her. She has to check me sometimes and bring me back to reality and ask me what in the world am I waiting on!!! Also my cousin Kendall Triplett who is a Gospel Singer. Even as a little boy, loved to sing. His perseverance has gotten him this far! Last but not least, Steve Harvey! I have listened to his story on how he first started. I think about the song “We started from the bottom, now we’re here “by Drake. One thing that plays in my head is Steve Harvey said if you stay in your comfort zone, that’s where you fail!

Instagram: @Cakesbykeena

Linkedin: Ykeena Covin

Twitter: @MsYkeenaELAR

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ykeena.millercovin www.facebook.com/cakesbykeena

Yelp: Cakes by Keena