This week’s Spotlight is on Shakema Simmons the owner and chef of Kema's Cookies and Kreations. Simmons was born in Charleston and attended Hanahan High School. She continued her education at South Carolina State University, graduated in 2014 and moved to Walterboro in 2016. She comes from a large family with 3 sisters and 2 brothers.
Simmons works in accounting full time and has worked at a local accounting firm. She started doing tax preparation as a senior in college working for (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) VITA Tax Prep, an IRS program that provides free tax preparation to qualified taxpayers through IRS-certified volunteers. She adds, “I also worked in accounts payable as well as accounts receivable. I did a little bit of everything with accounting.”
Simmons was taught how to cook by her mom and has been baking for almost 10 years. She explains, “I started the business in 2016, doing creations like candy bouquets, gift baskets, and things like that. I found out about the farmer's market and started going there with my creations. I always wanted my own business. In 2019, God spoke to me through my pastor about trying cookies. I've been baking cookies since 2019 and started with the cakes and cupcakes last year. My favorite thing to bake is the chocolate chip cookies. The chocolate chip cookie is the most complicated cookie to perfect for me. It took me years to perfect the chocolate chip soft batch cookie, but I've perfected a recipe that I love. “
After ten years in the cookie business, Simmons would like to turn the business into a full-time job, she says, “I was at the Rice Festival for the first time this year. I'm looking forward to being at the Shrimp Festival.” Last years she was at several fall festivals and a festival in Goose Creek. She looks forward to attending more festivals and eventually setting us a storefront. She sells her products at various events and can be contacted via Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok under "Kema Cookies and Kreations.”
I asked her what she likes to do in her spare time, and she said, “I love to spend time with family, spend time with my husband and I love to travel and love to try new things.” Some of her favorite foods are Pizza and Hibachi. She also loves salads and subs.
When asked what she would like to do if time and money were no object, “I would travel more with my husband, take cruises and travel overseas. I would visit Italy or Paris; the world is just so big. I would also like to have multiple businesses that I'll be running virtually. She has big goal but thay are vary attainable. For now, you can find Shakema selling here tasty treats at farmers markets and a festival near you.
