For this Barbadian native, kindness is best expressed through baking

Angela Price was born in Barbados to her mother Barbara Smith, who would have been 98 years old on July 19. Price was originally from the Pine Hill (often referred to as the Pine) area of St. Michael. She later moved to the province of Christ Church.

She spent a considerable amount of time with her mother who supplied patties and cupcakes to the Women’s Self Help and supermarkets in surrounding areas of St. Matthias in Christ Church.

“I spent a considerable amount of time making deliveries to these places for my mother,” Price said. Because of this experience, her tenacity, drive, endurance and business acumen was being fostered, leading her to a career in entrepreneurship.

The popular three-pound Black or Brown Cake. Photo by Milette Millington

Price moved to the United States in 1972, moving to New Jersey, and soon after that, she got married to her husband Bruce and had two children, Jamal and Kamari.

“I spent time volunteering with the homeless when they overnighted at my church. I also sat on The Board of the Arc of Union County, when Jamal was attending daily programs there, in Plainfield, New Jersey,” Price said. She now lives in Brooklyn.

Price’s son Jamal, who had Down Syndrome, recently passed away on July 12, at 48 years of age. Price added that she grew in patience, endurance, compassion and empathy because of him.

In addition, Price said, “Having a child with Down Syndrome requires one to have moments of constant self-reflection, to effectively communicate and fulfill the needs of others without words being spoken.”

Price described her mother as someone who was an “incredible force of decisiveness, independence, faith and generosity.” Because of their impact, having both Jamal and her mother in her life created the environment that led Price on the path she pursues today.

Growing up in Barbados, Price enjoyed reading, going to the beach, dancing and listening to jazz music. Now she spends a considerable amount of time working in her business and serving customers who look to The Black Cake Company for excellent service. The company currently has another Barbadian working with them.

The Orange Rum Cake. Photo by Milette Millington

She serves her community by donating cakes to organizations and nonprofits. “These donations, especially to non-profits, have allowed them to raise funds in order to grow their organizations,” she continued.

One of the short term goals for the company is to move to an expanded location, which will allow it to ship a minimum of two pallets of cakes per week, nationally and internationally.

“Another short-term goal, which we are currently negotiating, is to hire individuals who have been formerly incarcerated and give them a living wage. This allows them to re-enter society with dignity and a second chance of having a life well lived,” Price stated.

Price hopes that building her business, while co-creating with God, allows the younger generation in Barbados and here in the US to know, that we are each born with individual gifts, which must be nurtured and exercised.

Her message to them: “There is work to be done and you must be fearless, while pursuing your purpose, always understanding: putting God first in your lives and surrounding yourselves with individuals who help you to grow, assures a way through to your best life.”

Those who are interested can place orders with The Black Cake Company here: https://www.blackcake.com/shop.