Meet Shayanne Brents: Chef & Small-Business Owner

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

Hi Shayanne, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my own business came from years of working in a male-dominated and unhealthy industry. Being a professional chef over the last 10+ years, I got my start in Los Angeles, CA, where I was born and raised, in a cutthroat and extremely competitive work environment. Woking in a kitchen is a grueling job with very little reward until your name is on that menu. I worked for many different chefs and in many different environments, the take away from each experience always led me to think: how I would do things differently and how I could make it better, not just for me, but eventually for my team and others. Now owning my own business, being my own boss, it has its challenges, but my quality of life has improved immensely! I don’t regret a single decision that has led me to owning my own business, now I get to let my creativity flow and grow at the pace that best suits me and my abilities. Plus feeling this empowered, now, as a mixed-race 27 year old female entrepreneur, makes me so excited for my step daughters future and for so many other incredible and talented women to pave their own ways!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Bleu Moon Bakery is an 100% plant-based, online bakery. I specialize in custom sweets and allergy-friendly options. I am most proud of the amazing and organic customer base that I have gathered over the years. My favorite part about a customer receiving their treats is the continued love and support that comes when they thoroughly enjoy what I do, from flavor to design. As an artist, it is truly the most rewarding part.

I started as an artist, I graduated with a fine arts degree with a minor in photography. Which led me to the idea of edible art, then culinary school. I did it all, graduated with a degree in baking & pastry, as well as, culinary arts. I absolutely love to learn! A year after that, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and more food allergies than I could count. My life and diet changed forever, but I refused to let that kill my passion. 10+ years as a professional chef with allergies, I decided it was time to find my own happiness and do what I love, in my way. 2016, I moved to Las Vegas, NV and in December of that year, Bleu Moon Bakery was born! It was definitely not easy and I would be lying if I didn’t say that I am still learning, especially when it comes to the business side of things. My research is constant (some might say obsessive) but I truly love what I do. Making a child with anaphylactic allergies smile on their birthday when they feel safe digging in to their rad birthday cake, is 100% why I decided to do this. Also, I get to be creative every single day, I am so unbelievably grateful, I couldn’t ask for a better job.

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.
My best friend is visiting Las Vegas, what would we do? If this is my friend, they already accept that I am a little different. So, in a pre-covid world, ideally, we would check out live music at BBB’s or Dive Bar. I would take them bar hopping on Fremont St. Maybe do a drive-by of the strip so they could see the lights. Go thrift shopping in the Art’s District, eat at Makers & Finders and Tacotarian! Get some coffee at Vesta and check out some local small businesses at The Gather House and Local Oasis! Next would be all things nature, we would definitely go on some hikes on Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, and Valley of Fire. We could end some evenings with a drink at the Golden Tiki or roller skating at Crystal Palace or even a movie at the West Wind Drive-in. Eat more delicious food at Chef Kenny’s or Mint. For some fun day trips, we could check out Gold Strike Hot Springs or kayak on Lake Mead. There are many fun things to do with people in Las Vegas, that don’t necessarily include being drunk or gambling. These would definitely be some of my favorites and ones that I will miss.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible & patient husband, Joe. I started Bleu Moon Bakery (officially) in 2016, Joe and I were just friends then, but the years that followed proved it all. We (officially) started dating in 2018 but the love and support that continued to grow, made this all possible today! He has been my rock from reminding me to eat when i am too busy to remember, to consoling me through my (many) breakdowns, to giving me the tough love talks when I am ready to quit and the advice I don’t want to hear, to simply doing the dishes and bringing me to bed when I have passed out on the couch from exhaustion. He has been there through it all and has always been my number 1 fan. Showing up to every event and popup to helping me deal with tough customers. He is an asset to my team and the most amazing partner I could ever ask for. Bleu Moon Bakery would not be as successful without him.

Website: bleumoonbakery.com

Instagram: @bleumoonbakery

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayannebrents/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bleumoonbakery