Laila Brown is a Senior at Fulshear high school who’s love for baking wasn’t born in a typical kitchen; it started on the navy submarines.
“My dad was a cook in the Navy,” Laila said, “Whenever he came home from his deployments, he’d teach me recipes he learned overseas. That’s what sparked my love for baking.”
It wasn’t long before Laila, at just seven years old, discovered her passion for cinnamon rolls—a comfort food that became her Sunday ritual.
“I’m addicted to them—the icing, the cinnamon, everything. My dad would even teach me how to experiment with flavors, like apple pie or pumpkin cinnamon rolls” Laila said.
Now, Laila is an entrepreneur, and her love for baking is the heart of her business (@ kuki_tembo_bakery).
“I enjoy baking so much,” Laila said. “It makes me feel connected to people. When they try something I’ve made and express their gratitude, it just makes me happy.”
For Laila, it’s not just about the food—it’s about creating memories and connecting with her customers.
Running a bakery, however, comes with its challenges.
“You must be in the right headspace to bake. I wake up early, get my ingredients ready, and make sure I’m mentally prepared,” Laila said. “If you’re distracted, things can go wrong fast. I pray before I bake, center my emotions, and focus on what I’m making. Podcasts help me stay in the zone without overthinking.”
This careful approach allows her to produce the best results, whether she’s catering for events or fulfilling individual orders.
In 10 years, Laila hopes to expand her business into a bakery and event planning venue.
“I want to host parties, cater for them, and manage everything—basically, one big umbrella,” Laila said.
Her company’s name, Kuki Tembo, has deep roots as well.
“‘Tembo’ means ‘elephant’ in Swahili, and it connects to our family’s ancestry. It’s a way to keep my heritage alive through the bakery,” Laila said.
Her recipes are also family heirlooms, passed down through generations.
“When I bake, I feel like I’m telling a story—keeping history alive, one batch at a time.” Laila said.
Running a bakery also opens her up to the negativity occasionally.
“Negative feedback is tough, especially with flavors. Some people, for example, think almond extract tastes like mint,” Laila said. “But I’ve learned to use feedback to improve and grow. You must accept that not everyone has the same tastes, and that’s okay.”
For Laila, one quote stands out.
“Today’s moments are tomorrow’s memories.”
It’s a reminder for her to make each day count, both in her business and personal life. Through Kuki Tembo Bakery, she’s keeping memories alive for her customers, one sweet bite at a time.
