Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanika Andrews.
Hi Tanika, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was only four years old when I first learned that the kitchen was more than just a place to cook. It was scary. It was where love lived. It was where my story began. Growing up, I didn’t learn cooking from a book, social media or tv. I learned it standing on tiptoes or a step stool beside two powerful women in my life, my Great Grandmother Pearline and my Nana Elizabeth. Two queens of the kitchen. Two keepers of tradition not just in the kitchen. Two women who poured their hearts into every pot they stirred and every plate they fixed.
Being in the kitchen they didn’t just teach me to cook; they taught me life. I learned family stories, dance moves and the rhythm of blending food out of love. I learned to be a woman, caregiver, Christian and a good person through each meal that was cooked.
At four years old, I watched closely. I learned how to listen to the sizzle of grease, how to smell when something was “just right,” how to know when the seasoning was perfect without ever measuring a thing. Granny would say “Baby cook with your heart'” and Nana would say “taste it twice but the second time close your eyes” And I did.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Balancing college full time while working two full-time jobs was never easy, especially while raising my children and making sure they never felt the weight of my struggles. There were days when exhaustion sat heavy on my shoulders, when sleep was a luxury and rest felt out of reach. Still, I kept going showing up for class, clocking in for work, and coming home to be the mother my children deserved. Every late night and early morning was powered by love, determination, and a promise to myself that my kids would see what perseverance looks like, even when life is overwhelming.
Joining the Army added another layer to my journey. Filled with sacrifice, courage, and multiple deployments to war zones that tested me in ways I never imagined. I learned how to strong in uniform and gentle at home, how to carry heavy experiences quietly so my children could feel safe with me. Behind my smile are battles with PTSD and the pain of those deployments and the injuries that I will have to live with my entire life. No matter how hard things got I remembered my family and staying committed to them keeping a steady foundation, even while I was learning to heel with the memories I couldn’t block.
Though it all, I found peace in the kitchen. Cooking and baking were the way to connect with my elders, but it became my therapy, my refuge, and my way to keep my joy. When I stir a pot or pour in ingredients, my mind slows down, my heart settles and my spirit breathe so easy. Feeding others gives me a joy beyond my pain, and every dish carried comfort, care, and love. The kitchen keeps me focused, grounded, and grateful. It reminds me daily that no matter what I’ve been through, I still have the power to create something beautiful, one meal, one moment and one day at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Every dish, every cake and every event design is created with intention, passion and personal care. I don’t believe in one size fits all for catering or cakes. I take the time to understand each client’s vision, story and celebration so I can bring it to life through food presentation. From custom designed cakes that reflect personality and purpose, to menus crafted around meaningful flavors and family traditions, everything I create is rooted in excellence and love. My kitchen is where creativity meets commitment, and every order receives the same dedication as if I was serving my family.
Behind every event re countless hours and days of planning, designing and perfecting the details. Days sketching ideas, testing flavors, building cake designs, and creating eye catching setup’s that turn food into art. My displays are carefully styled to highlight each dish using decor that fits the day. Weather it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration; I transform spaces into unforgettable moments where the food becomes the centerpiece. Sharrayssweetandsavory, I don’t just cater and bake cakes I create memories though flavor, beauty and heartfelt service.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One thing people don’t know about me is that I have a deep love for classical music and playing the piano whenever I get a chance. In between working my full-time job, and running my business, time with family, I find peace in listening to the most beautiful music and playing the piano. Music speaks to my soul just like cooking, it allows me to express emotion, release stress and reconnect with myself. The soft melodies and powerful compositions remind me to slow down, breathe and appreciate the quiet moments. Music is another place my heart feels safe and at home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sharrayssweetandsavory.com
- Instagram: @sharrayssweeandsavory
