Today we’d like to introduce you to Melvin Leland Jr
Hi Melvin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into baking has been one of passion, perseverance, and self-discovery. I first learned how to cook from my mother, who instilled in me a love for food and the joy of creating meals for others. However, baking was something I taught myself, drawn to the science, precision, and creativity it required. I started my career in the service industry, working my way up through various roles in restaurants and food establishments. Over time, I realized that while I loved being in the culinary world, I wanted more control over my craft and career. I wanted to bet on myself and build something that reflected my skills and vision. That’s when I decided to take the leap and start my own business. The past three years of running my home-based baking business full-time have been both challenging and rewarding. In just a year and a half, I have been honored to win multiple awards, including Best of Savannah 2024 and 2025. These recognitions reaffirm that the risks I took and the hard work I put in were worth it. Though the journey has been anything but easy, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, as it has allowed me to do what I love while sharing my passion with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any entrepreneur, my road has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. One of the biggest struggles has been learning how to value myself and my time. When you run your own business, especially from home, the lines between work and personal life blur quickly. There’s always something that needs to be done—orders to fulfill, social media to manage, emails to answer—and it’s easy to fall into the trap of working around the clock. Finding a balance between work and life has been a continuous challenge, but it’s one I am learning to navigate. Another challenge has been the self-doubt that comes with building something on your own. There were times when I questioned if I was making the right decisions or if my business would be successful. But through these struggles, I have learned to trust myself, adapt to challenges, and stay focused on my goals. Every challenge has been a test of character, but overcoming them has made me stronger, both as a business owner and as a person.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run a home-based baking business where I focus on creating high-quality, beautifully balanced flavors that leave a lasting impression. I take pride in using the best ingredients and refining my recipes to ensure that every bite is memorable. While I bake a variety of desserts, I specialize in wedding and event sweets, offering couples and clients something truly special for their celebrations. My work has been recognized with several awards, including Best of Savannah 2024 and 2025, which I consider to be among my proudest achievements. What sets me apart is not just the quality of my baked goods but the care and thought I put into everything I make. I believe that good food should not only taste great but also bring people together and create moments of joy. My background in the service industry has also given me a strong foundation in customer service, ensuring that my clients always feel valued and taken care of.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of balance. When you love what you do, it’s easy to pour everything into your work, but that can quickly lead to burnout. As a home-based business owner, I’ve had to learn when to step away, when to say no, and when to prioritize myself. Valuing my time has been a journey in itself, but I’ve realized that taking care of myself ultimately makes me a better baker, business owner, and person. I’ve also learned that challenges and setbacks are not roadblocks but rather opportunities for growth. Every difficulty I’ve faced has taught me something about resilience, adaptability, and self-worth. Staying focused on my goals and remembering why I started in the first place has helped me push through the hard days. At the end of the day, success isn’t just about the accolades—it’s about finding joy in what you do while maintaining a life you love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Gngcookies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grinsandgigglescookieco?igsh=MTgzNms4YXBjZjNjcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15svBn94ki/?mibextid=wwXIfr
