December 8, 2023
Pictured Above: Mr. Earl and Mrs. Cathy Davis of ShugaShack Baked Goods L.L.C.
The Echo is thrilled to present Mrs. Cathy Davis as this month's New Jersey Black Beauty for December 2023. Davis owns and operates ShugaShack Baked Goods L.L.C. Cathy is a wife, mother, and grandmother whose recipes are inspired by her great-grandmother Viola Hebron, the matriarch of her family who always cooked with love. And her Grandmother, Catherine Hebron-Williams was widely known throughout the Black community for her delicious baked goods. Cathy shared that to this day, she "cannot figure out how her Grandmother Catherine's apple pies tasted so good." But one thing for sure is that the Hebron family's secret ingredient in their recipes was love, and Cathy shared that "baking is just in her DNA!"
Picture Source Shugashack Baked Goods FB Page. Above owner operator Mrs. Cathy Davis
When asked when she felt inspired to become a baker? Cathy shared that she decided to be a baker when she was a Brownie in a Girl Scout Troop. Davis had a Girl Scout Troop Leader named Mrs. Simms as a child. She was good friends with Mrs. Simms's daughters. Mrs Simms worked as a secretary at Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls, N.J. That, on a side note, was historically referred to as Pine Brook or Macedonia N.J. The Girl Scout program is designed to help girls set and meet goals. One day, Davis's father brought home a German Chocolate Cake made by a co-worker that was shared with her family. Cathy shared that as she witnessed how the cake pleased everyone in the home, including her brothers, this inspired her to want to make people feel good on the inside and out by becoming a baker. Hence, Davis's dream to be a baker began as a child and was cultivated by her positive learning and social experiences while being a Girl Scout.
Some of Mrs. Davis's homemade yummy soul food confections and baked goods are her Shugga Shack L.L.C.
German Chocolate Cake
Sweet Potato Cake Loaf
Homemade Cinnamon Buttercream,
Candied New Orleans Pralines
Cookie Biscoff Cheesecake
Oreo Cheesecake
Peach Cobbler
Butter Pecan Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake
Pina-Colada Cupcakes
While chatting with Mrs. Davis, I had the privilege of asking her perspective about the importance of education in young children's lives. Davis shared how education is a doorway for children to grow and mature socially. Davis is an educated retired Human Service Specialist Level 3 who works closely with the Black community. Her Great-grandfather, Rev William Hebron, founded Emmanuel Baptist Church of Tinton Falls, NJ, in 1934, which remains active to this day. http://ebcnj.org/?page_id=75
When asked what words of wisdom or advice would she like to impart to our younger generation? She immediately emphasized how the children are our future, and they must be prepared to take on the leadership responsibilities of the future. Per Davis, "Teachers play such an important role in a child's life because teachers can be that inspiration of hope that helps guide children to be the best they can be. Whether fireman, carpenter, airconditioning guy, or the next Elon Musk, etc." And this is why Davis shared that "education is vital" to raising well-rounded adults. And the relaunched Echo couldn't agree more! Something in particular that Davis shared that made me smile on the inside is that, in her opinion, "every child does not have to be an A or B student from kindergarten on." Davis emphasized that we must implement and inspire our children to acknowledge that education is essential.
As a seasoned grandmother and human service specialist, Davis shared that as human beings, "we are individuals. That means we all think differently, and we all heal differently. Davis humorously shared, "I bet if we look back on Rev Martin Luther King when he was in elementary school, he may not have gotten all As and Bs when he was a child. And that's okay because what Dr. King did have was a nurturing environment as a child." His father was a preacher, and he was living in a time when he witnessed both the upward mobility of his people and the oppression his people were experiencing. At this point, she shared that it was more than likely at this young period of his life when King determined to make a difference. But that "environment of nurture," plus an emphasis on education as he grew up, prepared him to be a great man. And young people of today can do the same thing."
Cathy's favorite scripture is 1st Corinthians 2:9. K.J.V.: "9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." The perfect holiday gift is ShugaShack Baked Goods L.L.C., heavenly-inspired and delicious cakes, cookies, pies, and confections. Made with lots of soul, butter, love, and sunshine. So support Black business by purchasing one of her many tasty wares this holiday season! Her yummy treats are a lovely testament to the beauty of Cathy on the inside and outside, and that's why she is the relaunched Echo's December 2023 Black Beauty of the Month.
