Meet Raven Gates of Made By Yub

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Gates. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Nicknamed “Yub” by her mother, Raven is the visionary behind Made By Yub, a delectable array of homemade desserts. My journey began right before completing my undergraduate studies when I was confronted with the challenges of being diagnosed with chronic pain and fatigue and became a sexual assault survivor. Seeking solace, I turned to baking, discovering its therapeutic qualities. What started as a personal healing process soon became a passion for crafting homemade treats for loved ones and friends. 

In 2014, this passion took tangible form with the inception of Made By Yub. By 2018, Yub transformed my culinary venture into a business, introducing my grandmother’s cheesecakes to Los Angeles and Orange County through vending opportunities. Fast forward six years, and I remain dedicated, diligently vending at the Laguna Niguel Farmer’s Market every second and fourth Sunday of the month, radiating joy and contentment from my work. 

My commitment extends beyond local markets; I actively participate in various pop-up events across Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside County. Despite the inevitable challenges, I embrace the journey with unwavering determination and gratitude for the experiences it brings. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating this journey has been anything but smooth sailing, yet every twist and turn has been undeniably worth it. In the beginning, I was utterly clueless. Armed with little more than determination, I turned to the vast resources of Google and YouTube for guidance. My first vending opportunity was a stumble into the unknown—I had no idea what I needed or how much product to prepare. It was a comedy of errors, to say the least, that turned out to be a success. 

Fortunately, fate led me to encounter remarkable individuals along the way, generous vendors who offered invaluable advice. One such encounter with Kourtney Rojas from With Love From Scratch stands out. Her guidance, wisdom, and friendship have been monumental along this journey. As I immersed myself further into the vending world, I found peace, laughter, great conversations, and camaraderie within the baking community. The camaraderie and shared experiences made the highs and lows of baking more manageable over time. 

Discovering resources like SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) provided essential support, offering guidance on the logistical intricacies of running a business and charting the course for future endeavors, including the aspiration of establishing a brick-and-mortar presence. Yet, challenges persist, particularly in the realm of securing capital. As highlighted by Forbes, companies led by Black women receive less than 1% of all venture capital investment—a stark reality that I confront daily. To overcome this barrier, I diligently explore avenues of learning through podcasts, books, and any available resources to navigate the complexities of fundraising and entrepreneurship. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Made By Yub?
When it comes to Made By Yub, there’s more than meets the eye. Behind every cheesecake lies a rich history rooted in cherished family recipes. The cheesecakes, a testament to my grandmother’s expertise, have a lineage that stretches back to her childhood baking adventures. Now, I have the privilege of sharing her beloved recipe with others. 

But Made By Yub isn’t just about the cheesecakes—it’s about the flavors of love and collaboration that infuse every bite. Drawing inspiration from my mom, grandmother, and myself, each flavor is a harmonious blend of our collective creativity. However, my grandma and mom are always the ultimate judges, ensuring that every cheesecake meets their high standards. 

Family isn’t just a part of my business—it’s at the heart of it. Whether I’m vending at a market or crafting in the kitchen, you’ll always find a family member by my side. From my mom, the official taste tester, to my dad and brother handling logistics, their support and love are the secret ingredients that make Made By Yub truly special. 

Yet, Made By Yub’s impact extends beyond family and cheesecakes. Baking has been my salvation, pulling me through dark times and providing a therapeutic outlet I never knew I needed. It’s this journey of healing that fuels my ambition to do more. My dream is to open a bakery that not only serves delicious treats but also serves as a sanctuary for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I envision a space where baking can be transformative, empowering others to move from survival to flourishing. If I can make a difference in just one person’s life—whether through financial support or simply providing a safe haven for healing—then every challenge and triumph along this journey will have been worthwhile. 

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, you wouldn’t catch me anywhere near a kitchen voluntarily—I was too busy carving my path in the world. Growing up in Compton while attending school in a more affluent area presented challenges, but I thrived in the lacrosse field or as a savvy Girl Scout cookie entrepreneur. Determined and resilient, I made it my mission to prove myself at every turn. If a roadblock appeared, I’d circumvent it with unwavering determination. 

My childhood aspirations mirrored the strong, independent characters I admired, like Maxine Shaw from “Living Single.” Inspired by her tenacity, I set my sights on becoming an attorney. Middle school gave me my best friend, Tanya, whose unwavering encouragement fueled my dreams. With her support, I was focused on pursuing my legal aspirations until a curveball in college altered my trajectory. 

A diagnosis of chronic pain and fatigue ruined my plans for law school, redirecting my journey toward unexpected paths. College became a classroom for resilience and adaptation, teaching me the invaluable lesson that change is inevitable and often transformative. Remarkable friends introduced me to activism and self-discovery, and they, along with Tanya, remain my biggest cheerleaders along my baking journey. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.madebyyub.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebyyub/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeByYub1/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/made-by-yub-costa-mesa

Image Credits
Jenilee Remigio-Saquillo
Adrienne Credo