Meet Jasmine Montgomery | Dean of Instruction & Baker

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

Hi Jasmine, how do you think about risk?
When considering the concept of risk within the context of business expansion, I reflect on my own experience. In 2023, I made a significant leap by diversifying my business to include wedding cake orders. Weddings hold a special place in people’s lives, and the wedding cake stands as a crucial element of that momentous day. As a baker, venturing into this domain carried inherent risks because the success or failure of the cake could profoundly impact the couple’s special day. It was a bold move, but it has yielded valuable lessons and growth opportunities.

Expanding into the world of wedding cakes necessitated acquiring new skills and investing in essential tools, such as a convertible refrigerator/freezer and a Cakesafe for secure transportation. However, these additions came with associated expenses. I am fortunate to have supportive parents who were willing to invest in my business, and I am immensely grateful for their assistance in mitigating some of the financial risks associated with this expansion.

In hindsight, taking the risk to embrace wedding cake orders has been a pivotal juncture in my career, pushing me to acquire new capabilities and elevate the quality of my services. While it involved financial investments and the potential for high-stakes outcomes, it has ultimately enriched my business and allowed me to play a significant role in making couples’ special days even more memorable.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I currently serve as a Dean of Instruction at a local high school in Memphis, TN, and I absolutely love my job! It’s my ninth year in education, and I returned to the school setting in 2021. Having a professional role alongside running my own business sets me apart, as I see my business as a personal escape from the hustle and bustle of my professional and personal life.

In 2015, I began my education career as a Chemistry and Environmental Science Teacher in Chattanooga, TN. Then, in 2018, I transitioned into the role of Lead Teacher for a CCTE Program focused on Teaching as a Profession. In 2021, I moved back to Memphis, TN, where I worked as an advisor for MSCS before taking on my current role as a Dean of Instruction at a local charter district. It’s been quite a journey, not without its challenges, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned a great deal about education, myself, my life aspirations, and the path I need to follow to achieve my goals.

Currently, I’m deeply engaged in working on my doctoral dissertation. The most significant lesson I’ve learned on this journey so far is to cherish the present while diligently working towards the future. It’s worth noting that I never envisioned myself as an entrepreneur or a baker, but I believe it was meant to happen in its own time. LK’s Bakery initially emerged from a place of depression and sorrow, but it has since blossomed into an amazing business that I am immensely grateful for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If I could show my best friend the best time in Memphis, here’s how I would plan our two unforgettable days:

Day 1:
Brunch at Automatic Slims: We’ll kick off the day with a delightful brunch at Automatic Slims, savoring delicious dishes in a trendy setting to energize ourselves for a day of exploration.

Visit the Bass Pro Shop: Next, we’ll head over to the iconic Bass Pro Shop, where we can admire the stunning indoor wilderness and maybe even do a bit of shopping for outdoor gear or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Lunch at Curry n Jerk: After some shopping or exploration, we’ll indulge in a tasty lunch at Curry n Jerk, where we can relish the flavors of Caribbean cuisine.

Grizzlies Game: To add some excitement to our day, we’ll catch a thrilling Grizzlies game, immersing ourselves in the electric atmosphere of the arena.

Dinner at Supper Club: We’ll wrap up the day with a memorable dinner at Supper Club, enjoying a cozy ambiance and delicious cuisine to reflect on our exciting day.

Day 2:
Brunch at Biscuits and Jam: We’ll start our second day with a hearty brunch at Biscuits and Jam, savoring Southern comfort food to get us going.

Tanger Outlet in Southaven: For a bit of shopping and exploring, we’ll visit the Tanger Outlet in Southaven, where we can find great deals on a wide range of products.

Lunch at Crumpys Hot Wings or A&R BBQ: We’ll refuel with a mouthwatering lunch at either Crumpys Hot Wings or A&R BBQ, depending on our cravings for hot wings or BBQ goodness.

Manhattan Lounge for Live Music and Dinner: To wrap up our unforgettable visit, we’ll head to the Manhattan Lounge, where we can enjoy live music while savoring a delicious dinner. It’s the perfect way to end our stay in Memphis on a high note.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a big shoutout to my parents, who hold the top two spots as my most unwavering supporters! They’ve had a front-row seat to witness the long and sometimes stressful days as I juggle being a Dean of Instruction during the day and a dedicated baker in the evenings. Their unwavering encouragement and belief in me mean the world.

I also want to express my gratitude to my best friends and close friends who have been a constant source of motivation. They’ve always been there to lift me up, even on those days when I felt like I didn’t perform at my best. My support system is rock-solid, and I’m endlessly thankful for each and every one of them.

A special shoutout goes to my mentor, LaShondra of Cake Mommy Sweet Treats LLC in Chattanooga, TN. Despite the five-hour distance between us, she has been a constant source of support. Whether it’s advice on pricing, a FaceTime call to provide feedback on a cake, or just general cake-related guidance, she’s always there when I need her. Mentorship like hers is invaluable, and I’m fortunate to have her in my corner.

Website: bakesy.shop/b/lks-bakery

Instagram: @lksbakery20

Facebook: LK’s Bakery