It's not luck that brought a Durham bakery owner into the heart of the busy American Tobacco district.
Keijuane Hester says it's about flavor and favors: “not only the favor of God but also the favor of customers,” he said.
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At 19 years old, Hester was serving a 42-month sentence in federal prison for selling drugs.
It was another inmate in the prison kitchen who taught him how to bake.
“One day he told me, ‘I’m teaching you this trade, and if it all fails, you’ll have a trade to fall back on,’” Hester said.
He bakes his wares in his Favor Dessertsshop on Highway 55.
His carrot cake is called “redemption carrot cake.”
“Without this recipe, I don't think I'd be baking,” he said.
Hester is this month’sPopUp on Blackwell Street. He has 30 days to win over new fans for his confections.
“When we reached out and saw that we could be a part of this, we jumped on it because it's a win-win for us,” he said.
Hester began his baking business out of his mother's home.
Now, from his bakery and coffee shop, he serves 1,000 customers a week with over 30 cake flavors.
PopUp businesses have the chance to attract the district's lunch and dinner crowds.
“We use this as a place where we can market and network,” Hester said.
He said if customers take just one bite, they’ll come back for more.
He’s convinced hard work and prayer bring sweet success, he said.
“I found my passion,” he said. “I found my purpose, and I knew that God -- this is the plan that he had for my life.”
“It won't be easy,” he continued. “It's not easy, but it's worth it.”
Favor Desserts is open through Nov. 27. The hours are 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.