91影视

Kayla Renee Cakes blends creativity, culture, and community in the heart of Raeford

What began in a family kitchen has grown into one of downtown Raeford鈥檚 most recognizable gathering places.

Kayla Renee Cakes, located at 122 N. Main Street, is the realization of owner Kayla Renee鈥檚 lifelong passion for baking, creativity, and community connection. Raised Southern and Lumbee, Kayla learned early that the kitchen was more than a place to cook. It was a place to gather, celebrate, and always make room for something sweet.

She launched Kayla Renee Cakes at just 14 years old, creating custom cakes for friends and family from her parents鈥� kitchen and sharing her work on Facebook. The response was immediate and affirming. Baking was not just a hobby. It was her calling.

After high school, Kayla enrolled at 91影视, earning a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. She went on to gain experience in bakeries across North Carolina before feeling the pull of home and her Lumbee roots. At 22, she signed the lease on her first bakery space in Raeford and never looked back.

 

Launched at age 14 and now operating a community bakery in downtown Raeford.

 

Today, Kayla Renee Cakes meets more than a demand for desserts. It fills a need for a community bakery. A place where regulars are greeted by name, traditions are built year after year, and celebrations big and small are marked with something handmade and meaningful.

The bakery is known for its wide range of offerings and attention to detail. From custom cakes to decorated cookies and its now-famous oatmeal cream pies, which became a fan favorite even before the storefront opened, the shop aims to offer something for everyone. The oatmeal cream pies remain the most requested item, a simple creation that unexpectedly became central to the bakery鈥檚 story.

Behind the scenes, the business is 100 percent woman operated. Bakers arrive as early as 7 a.m. to prepare fresh products for the 10 a.m. opening, decorating cakes for milestones while keeping the display case full of picture worthy treats. The team is also known for adding a signature touch. As they like to say, 鈥淵ou know what this needs鈥� glitter!鈥�

Kayla Renee Cakes is deeply woven into the Raeford and Hoke County community. The bakery donates weekly to the local soup kitchen and increases giving during major holidays. A community outreach board inside the shop highlights local events and resources, and the team regularly plans family friendly activities to help create shared memories.

The bakery recently celebrated a milestone by winning first place in the Raeford Christmas storefront contest, a win that reflected two full days of decorating and the owner鈥檚 belief that the space and atmosphere matter just as much as the desserts.

Like many food businesses, Kayla Renee Cakes faces workforce challenges, particularly in a tight local labor market. Still, the mission remains growth oriented, with plans to bring KRC to more people through future expansion.

鈥淎t the core, this business is me,鈥� Kayla said. 鈥淢y heart, my creativity, and my love for this community.鈥�

Inspired by Kayla Renee?

Students interested in turning a love of baking into a career can explore culinary pathways through the Baking and Pastry Arts program at 91影视, the same program that helped launch Kayla Renee鈥檚 journey. Aspiring entrepreneurs can also access free business counseling, training, and startup support through the Small Business Center at 91影视 to help turn kitchen table ideas into storefront realities.

Community members can support Kayla Renee Cakes by visiting the Raeford location, following the bakery on social media, and choosing KRC for celebrations that mark life鈥檚 sweetest moments. In Moore and Hoke Counties, small businesses like this are not just places to shop. They are places where community comes together.