Meet Raven Gates | Business Owner and Cheesecake Bakestress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raven Gates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raven, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Ntozake Shange’s quote, “I found god in myself, and I loved her. I loved her fiercely,” has impacted me. When my dear friend and former boss, Lea, gifted me a set of books, she included a quote from each one that reminded her of me. This quote resonated with me, especially when I thought I had everything figured out. I was set on becoming a lawyer then, but life led me to a different passion: becoming an entrepreneur and cheesecake bakestress.

Despite this shift, I’ve often grappled with self-doubt, questioning nearly everything I do. This quote reminds me to trust in myself and embrace my journey. It reinforces the importance of cherishing and loving every aspect of who I am and where I’m headed. No matter what comes next, this quote encourages me to embrace my journey with confidence and self-acceptance.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Made By Yub is a business in which I take immense pride. It has been a remarkable journey, beginning with baking in my mom’s kitchen and ending with achieving significant milestones. Each step has been memorable, from my first order and vending opportunity at the Michelle Obama Library to baking for Aquarium Night for Mayor Rex Richardson and my first wedding. I had the best time fulfilling a special order of 1,300 cheesecakes for a summer employee appreciation luncheon.
However, my greatest accomplishment is honoring my grandmother by sharing her cheesecake recipe with others. Despite her neuropathy, which limits her cooking ability, she once prepared holiday meals for our family and community with remarkable generosity. Although she never considered selling her cheesecakes, receiving her blessing and hearing her say my cheesecakes are better than hers profoundly validated my work. Sharing a dessert that holds such personal significance and receiving her endorsement is a milestone that means the world to me.
Throughout my journey as a business owner, I’ve faced numerous challenges. From figuring out how to price my products and navigate permits to finding kitchen space, marketing, building my website, and securing spots at farmers’ markets—each step has been a learning experience. Currently, I’m working on expanding my team and seeking additional funding for my business.
The incredible support from my community has helped me overcome these hurdles, networking with other entrepreneurs (shout out to Kourtney and our Monday walks), and learning through trial and error. One key lesson I’ve learned is that saying “no” is essential for maintaining a work-life balance. In the beginning, I was eager to accept every opportunity, even competing in a contest where I was in a lot of physical pain. I won first place for my vegan pumpkin cupcakes but realized I needed to prioritize my well-being.

Being a business owner is a rewarding and sometimes chaotic experience, and taking time for myself is crucial to sustaining my passion and energy.

I want people to know that my business is best experienced in person. When you visit us at the markets, you’ll enjoy our delicious cheesecakes and meet my wonderful family, who are sure to bring a smile to your face. My grandma’s cheesecake is truly one-of-a-kind, and once you try it, you won’t regret it!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d plan an unforgettable food tour if my best friend were visiting. We’d hit up Gritz n Waffles, Gus’ Fried Chicken, Earles, 1010 Wine and Events, Tocumbo Ice Cream, and With Love From Scratch pies. We’d also explore the wineries in Temecula and sample some delicious food trucks and Korean BBQ.

Since my friend is an amazing mom, I’d make sure to treat her to a relaxing day at a spa-like Glen Ivy or the new Murrieta Hot Springs spa, where she could unwind and enjoy some fantastic massages. If we wanted a break from relaxing and eating, I’d love to catch a hockey game with her so she could educate me all about the sport.

I’ve recently loved taking train trips, especially to Santa Barbara. It’s a great way to avoid traffic while enjoying the beautiful scenery and catching up. While I might try to convince her to join me on an electric bike tour, I’m sure we’d end up relaxing and indulging in great food!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I need to thank for my journey, but the most important is my grandma. My cheesecake recipe, a cherished legacy of hers, is the heart of Made By Yub. Without her, this business wouldn’t exist. Getting her blessing and hearing that my cheesecakes might even be better than hers is an incredible achievement and a testament to my pride in her recipe.

My family has been a cornerstone of my success. If you’ve seen me at events, you’ve seen my support crew in action. My mom, my taste tester, plays a crucial role by sampling and approving all my new flavors before they hit the market. My dad and brother handle all the logistics—setting up, breaking down, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Their support is invaluable.

I’m also grateful to my friends. Maggie encouraged me to take the leap from a therapeutic hobby to a full-fledged business. Kourtney, an amazing baker behind With Love From Scratch, has been a great friend. Her guidance and our weekly walks have been vital for me as I navigate the world of farmers’ markets and some crucial special occasion orders. My best friends know who they are and have been a constant source of emotional support, whether helping me through overwhelming times or lending a hand with deliveries (Jenilee). Their belief in me has been a driving force in my journey.

Lastly, a huge thank you goes to all the family and friends who have helped in the kitchen or with order presentations. And, of course, my customers are the heart of my business. Whether they find me at markets or place orders through my website, their support makes it all possible. I am truly honored to bake for them.

Website: https://www.madebyyub.com

Instagram: @madebyyub

Facebook: Made By Yub

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/made-by-yub-costa-mesa

Image Credits
Adrienne Credo
Jenilee Remigio-Saquillo
Jimmie Gates