I'm Kela Hunte aslo known as Keii. All my life I've been surrounded by good food my mother and grandmothers were amazing cooks. My mothers Southern roots and my fathers Caribbean heritage I grew eating unforgettable flavors. Being first generation American from Barbados; I've always felt a responsibility to my family. If it wasn't for my Beloved Grandma Lulu, taking a chance leaving everything she knew to come to the United States, I wouldn't be the woman I am today.
Growing up familiar to struggle, until a few years ago when I found cooking & baking. My life consisted of vicious cycles, depressions, low self-esteem and poor choices. Being the mother 4, living paycheck in my small home-town I almost convinced myself my dreams of making my family proud were too Big.
September 2017, I arrived in Austin, Texas with a few hundred dollars, couple bags of clothes and my son rebuild our lives.
While looking for housing and schools in Austin I found Escoffier Culinary Arts school who helped me find my path. Since moving to Austin my quite prayers have been heard and my purpose reveled.
I am now a few weeks away from graduating college with a 4.0 GPA and honors, I've had the opportunity to cook at the Austin Food & wine festival and SXSW. While studying and working I've assisted Chefs at the local, national and international levels, including: Lake Austin Spa Resorts- Local Chef Stephane Beaucamp, Olamaie's- Local, Chef Michael Fojtasek, Sugar Rush Winner- Local Chef Amir Hajimaleki, Chicago, Black Bird- Chef Paul Kahn, New York, Dirt Candy's - Chef Amanda Cohen and winner of Gordon Ramsey's Master Chef - Chef Sean O’neal.
Since 2017 I've been teaching and tutoring cooking and baking skills to children and fellow students. At my church I am involved in the youth & children's ministry. In my apartment community several days weekly my son and I prepare snacks and chaperone playtime for 15-25 children.
My son graduated high school and finished college for welding June 2018. However, while recovering from his traumatic brain injury, we realized how much we love cooking together.
And now with the support and love of my mentor, family and friends we launching our Austin Texas based kids culinary & baking club.
C.U.T.S (Culinarians Unified Through Service) Kids cooking classes.
I dream; to one day have a brick and mortar learning kitchen and community center. Where I will provide jobs, training and fellowship to the youth, families and culinarians. With the resources and proceeds from Keii Desserts, I intend to invest in people not expensive equipment or marketing. I will create a learning environment centered around love, food and faith. As Chef my aim will be; to keep history, integrity and excellence in my kitchens and in every bite of food we prepare.
My heart and passion is to mentor and teach through food, exercise and creativity giving kids & teens positive outlets to bond, play and grow. My motivation is to empower children and others that may be otherwise victims of circumstances to cook for liberation. My purpose is to inspire them to learn independence, nutrition and life skills options for better living.