Church Lady: A Slice of Sunday

This cake is more than yellow layers and chocolate frosting—it’s a memory.

It’s sitting at my grandparents’ place after church, still dressed in your Sunday best, listening to grown folks talk, laugh, and sneak in gossip between gospel records and reruns of old shows.

The Church Lady cake is classic. Familiar. Comforting.
Just like the women who raised us with tough love, hard prayers, and unbeatable pound cake.

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I don’t drink milk—never have. So my slice was always paired with a red Solo cup of that iconic church punch. You know the one. Sweet, bright red, ice cold. If the Caribbean lady made it that week? It might’ve had guava juice… maybe papaya. You never knew—but it always hit.

This is that cake.
The one that shows up at every occasion but especially matters on Sundays.
The one that says “you’re home.”

If you bake it pls tag me! also pls share your grandparents recipes with me, i would love to try it! and maybe we can make some content together around it!

Embracing the Spotlight: How Engagement Fuels Growth (Because Life Is Messy, But It’s Still Sweet)

“Don’t read the comments,” they say.
I say, dive into them headfirst — like a glitter sprinkle into warm cake batter.

I’ve read the comments. Every last one.
The shady ones. The sweet ones. The “how did HE get on the show?” ones.
And you know what? I’m not ducking. I’m not dodging.
I’m right there — screenshotting, sipping tea, soaking it in.

Because part of notoriety is critique, and part of being self-made means learning how to listen without folding.
This isn’t just about ego — it’s about engagement, growth, and strategy.

What They See Is What I Built

When Spring Baking Championship Season 11 dropped, there were 13 contestants.
All talented. All worthy.
But somehow, you remembered me. You said my name. You debated my cake. You laughed, you commented, you reposted — and even when you didn’t mean to support, you helped me grow.

I’m not here because of a fluke.
I’m here because I’ve got:

• 11 years of real baking experience

• An Ivy League digital marketing education

• A brand, a story, and a product I built from the ground up

• And most of all — VISION

Let’s Talk Numbers — Real Ones

Since the premiere aired:

• 3,200+ visits to my website in under two weeks

• 2,100+ pageviews

• Visitors are spending 5+ minutes on my blog posts

• 59% of site traffic is from iPhones — meaning people are looking me up live while watching

That’s impact. That’s reach. That’s conversion through curiosity.

People aren’t just watching.
They’re searching my name.
They’re checking my site.
They’re reading, clicking, and most importantly — engaging.

The Comments Ain’t Just Drama — They’re Data

Sure, I’ve seen things like:

“Kareem is so sweet, but that cake? He gotta go!”

And I’ve seen people ride for me too, like:

“Okay but y’all can’t act like ANY of those cakes were good. At least his had a story.”

Here’s the thing: even the critique is a win.
Because engagement fuels growth.
Whether you came for the cake or stayed for the charisma — I got you here.
And that’s marketing, baby.

Every Reddit thread, TikTok stitch, tweet, comment, or roast is a reminder that I’m memorable.
That’s the goal in brand-building — be unforgettable.

How to Track the Buzz

Want to follow your own impact in real time? Here’s how I’m doing it:

1. Google Search Console — See what keywords people are searching to find your site. I track phrases like “Kareem Youngblood Baker” and “Spring Baking Championship Kareem.”

2. Squarespace or Website Analytics — Watch for spikes in traffic after an episode airs. Look for bounce rate, time on page, and where people are clicking from (Reddit? Instagram? Direct?).

3. Google Trends — You can literally compare your name to other contestants or even other seasons. I saw spikes in searches for me specifically in Puerto Rico, Australia, and the U.S.

4. Reddit & Social Media Search — Type your name into Reddit or TikTok and sort by “new.” You’ll see the rawest, realest convos — that’s gold for learning what sticks.

5. Screenshots are receipts — Don’t just read, document. Save praise, critique, confusion — it’s all part of your growth archive.

If I Have to Be the Face of “Try Anyway,” I Will

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I’ve been in the bottom. Twice.
And I still showed up with a smile, flavor, and the kind of hustle that can’t be taught.

So if I have to be the one to:

• Take the Ls with grace

• Show your kids that winning includes losing

• Inspire someone sitting at home to say, “Wait... maybe I could do that too”

Then I’ll be that bitch every day.

Kareem On Brooklyn Roof top in PANGAIA

Like Me, Like PANGAIA — It’s About Sustainability

This moment? It’s not just about cakes or clapbacks.
It’s about transformation and sustainability — the kind you feel in your spirit and your strategy.

Turning critique into fuel.
Turning struggle into story.
Turning your flowers into down — literally (FLWRDWN™).

That’s why I connect so deeply with PANGAIA — not just as a brand, but as a mirror of my mindset.

• Pan = all, everyone, everything

• Gaia = Mother Earth

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Together? It’s unity. It’s innovation. It’s vision.
They’re not just making clothes — they’re merging science and nature to create a better future.
That’s what I’m doing, too — just with sugar, story, and soul.

PANGAIA is the only brand I really want to wear right now.
Their values are my values.
Their mission to sustain the Earth? Matches my mission to sustain the dream.

✨ Use promo code [Qvrkv0zs6] for a discount on your first order — if you’re ready to wear something that means something.

Final Slice 🍰

I didn’t come to serve perfection.
I came to serve realness, heart, and hustle.

So if you see me in the comments, don’t be surprised.
I’m not there to fight — I’m there to learn, to laugh, to listen, and to keep baking forward.

Because life?
Life is messy. But it’s still sweet.

And I’m just getting started.

WTF is SEO? A Straightforward Guide to Understanding the Basics

If you’ve ever heard someone mention “SEO” and thought, WTF is that?, you’re not alone. Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, a small business owner, or just someone trying to grow your digital presence—understanding SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a game-changer.

This guide breaks it down without the jargon, so you can finally get what SEO is and how to use it to boost your website traffic.

Why Should You Even Bother With SEO?

Let’s start with the big question: Why does SEO matter? Simple. SEO helps people find your site when they’re searching for something online. And get this—45.1% of desktop users click on organic search results, while only 1.8% click on paid ads. That’s a huge difference.

Even basic SEO can lead to more traffic, more leads, and more revenue. So yeah, it’s worth your time.

Indexing Basics: Make Sure You’re Seen

If Google can’t crawl and index your website, it won’t show up in search results. That means your audience won’t even know you exist. Use tools like Google Search Console to check your indexing status, and always submit an XML sitemap to help Google understand your site’s structure.

Keyword Research 101: Finding the Right Words

If SEO had a love language, it would be keywords. These are the words and phrases people are typing into search engines to find content. Tools like SEMRUSH’s Keyword Magic Tool can help you figure out which keywords have high search volume and low competition—basically, the sweet spot.

Content is King: Writing That Ranks

Once you’ve got the right keywords, it’s all about how you use them. Write content that satisfies the user’s search intent. Tools like SEMRUSH’s SEO Content Template will guide you on optimal text length, related keywords, and even where to get backlinks.

Optimizing Your Pages: On-Page SEO Essentials

Want each page of your website to rank higher? Focus on:

• Title tags

• Meta descriptions

• Heading tags (H1, H2, H3)

• Clean URLs

Don’t forget to optimize your images and use internal linking to guide both users and search engines through your site.

Building Authority: The Power of Backlinks

Backlinks = Digital street cred. When reputable sites link to yours, it tells Google your content is valuable. You can build backlinks by:

• Getting featured in articles via HARO

• Submitting to quality directories

• Connecting with business associations

Behind the Scenes: Technical SEO Basics

There’s a lot going on under the hood of your website. Technical SEO makes sure all of it runs smoothly. Key things to check:

• Your robots.txt file

• Core Web Vitals (speed, responsiveness, etc.)

• Whether your site uses HTTPS (secure browsing)

Going Mobile: Mobile-First Optimization

Google now indexes the mobile version of your site first, so it better be on point. Make sure your site is:

• Fully responsive

• Easy to navigate on smaller screens

• Not bogged down by unnecessary animations

Tracking Progress: Know What’s Working

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Track metrics like:

• Organic search traffic

• Keyword rankings

• Bounce rate

• Engagement

• Conversions

Use tools like Google Analytics 4 and SEMRUSH’s Position Tracking Tool to keep tabs on your SEO wins (and where you need to do better).

Final Thoughts

SEO isn’t just for marketing nerds—it’s for anyone who wants their work to be found. With the right foundation, a bit of strategy, and the tools mentioned here, you’ll be on your way to better visibility, more traffic, and higher conversions.

Let’s stop asking WTF is SEO? and start making it work for us.

Want this as a downloadable PDF or email mini-course? Let me know and I’ll make it happen!

Two Weeks With Julian: From Spring Baking Championship Baking Battles to Chosen Family

Being on Spring Baking Championship was an unexpected dream come true. Out of nowhere, I suddenly had 12 new people in my life—and we were being put through the most for national TV. And when I say "the most," I don’t even mean it in a bad way. But what y’all see on TV takes hours to film.

There were 13 of us in total, all doing tastings, judging, and trying to hold it together on set. Then, after filming, it was just us again—crammed in our shared holding room, full of snacks and a couch that lowkey eats you if you sit too long. We were all full of anxiety, looking like deer in headlights.

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After we wrapped each day, we only had each other. Nobody else could really understand what we were going through. Julian and I would meet up in the garden at the end of the day to just let it all out.

When you get home, it’s like coming back from war. You’re living with this weird kind of PTSD, and the only people who truly get it are the ones who were there with you. Julian, myself, and a few others went through our own versions of post-show depression.

It didn’t matter how long you stayed or if you won—it was over. The world went back to normal, but you’re stuck living for the moment it airs.

Sometimes you dread it. Like, OMG, everyone’s gonna see me f up. The longer you’re on the show, the more chances there are to have a bad bake.

So in July, Julian and I spent two weeks together.
Week one: Desert Hot Springs—and a time was HAD! It was 110 degrees and I was like, is this HELL? They said, “At least it’s not 120,” and I was like, CELSIUS?! 😂
It was pool, food, and party all day.

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Then we headed back to Julian’s home in Folsom.
I spent time with him, his family, the dogs and cats, and celebrated his nephew’s birthday. I got to see him be Uncle Julian—which hit me in the feels. I know that life—being the one making the cake for the party, all eyes on you.

I spent my days at the shops, getting content, eating everything. And I mean everything. It was all so, so, SO good.

Honestly, when I go back, I might skip hugging Julian and run straight into the arms of that damn cinnamon roll made with laminated croissant dough.

Now, we’re a force to be reckoned with.
We’ve spent the year developing concepts for content and shows we want to produce ourselves.

Our TV competition days? They’re turning into TV hosting days.
It’s only up from here.

We all took a risk. We leaped. And somehow, our worlds collided in the best way.
We bonded over the lives we’ve lived, the things we’ve overcome.

Julian’s wife? That’s my sister from another mister—we connect hard.
Those two weeks together, plus our days off during filming, were heavenly.

We’re building a chosen family.
And being there, seeing what Julian has created? I was so proud.
He even pays extra for the insurance policies to make sure his staff gets the good stuff.

Julian isn’t just a pastry chef.
He’s a man, a father, a husband, and an agent of change, love, fun, and positivity.

I Love Yall! Are you in Folsom? Lets have some fun!

CLICK THE PIC FOR RSVP PAGE

I Quit My Job 4 Spring Baking Championship!

If you searched Kareem Spring Baking Championship, Kareem Bakery Brooklyn, or Kareem Youngblood, let me give you what you came for: the truth. No sugarcoating. Just the real, sweet, and sometimes sticky path to choosing myself.

Let’s talk about the part they don’t show on TV.

Spring 2024. I was working full-time at a nonprofit in Brooklyn, holding down an entire program by myself. For over a year, I was the only person on my team, and I built the whole program identity from scratch—branding, flyers, outreach, and a full website redesign for the entire organization.

Kareem and Family watching Spring Baking Championship

I was also their unofficial in-house baker. I had already been on Netflix’s Sugar Rush and Food Network’s Chopped Sweets, and every birthday or staff event, I was the one making cakes. They loved name-dropping me like I was their own little office flex. But support? That was a different story.

Eventually, they hired someone else to “help,” but by then there wasn’t enough work for one of us, let alone two. So I ended up rebranding other departments and managing projects far beyond my title. Meanwhile, leadership barely showed up and when they did, it felt like I was working for people who were more concerned about appearances than real impact.

I’ll never forget the day I asked the team to Google “HIV testing near me.” We were sitting in a building that offered HIV testing—yet the closest result online was three miles away. We were struggling to get our numbers up, and I brought a solution. Free. Easy. Immediate. Did they fix it? Of course not.

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If you run a business or nonprofit, you can fix this:

• Claim or create a Google Business Profile: google.com/business

• Add accurate location, hours, and services

• Use keywords your community is actually searching for

• Ask clients to leave reviews

It’s free. It’s fast. And it’s one of the easiest ways to make sure people can find you when they need you.

Then the Call Came…

When I was cast on Spring Baking Championship Season 11, I was ready. I asked for 1.5 weeks of PTO and maybe 2 weeks unpaid.

Their response?

“Ugh, no… you don’t have the time.”

That was all I needed to hear.

I had completed a digital marketing bootcamp through Columbia. I had the skills. I had the drive. I knew I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass me by.

So I resigned that same day—just in time to get paid out for my PTO. My last check? $1,500, which hit my account the week I landed in LA to film.

Eight Months of Nothing but Faith

After filming, I came home to zero income and no job offers. I was unemployed for eight months. No checks. Just faith, hustle, and the belief that this wasn’t the end of my story—it was the beginning of a bigger one.

Then it happened.

KAREEMYOUNGBLOODPORT by kareem youngblood

I landed my first major digital marketing contract with a research lab at Columbia University, doing what I love: content strategy, HIV prevention messaging, design, storytelling—my lane. And I’ve been in my bag ever since.

And now? I'm trending.
People are searching:
Kareem Spring Baking Championship. Kareem Bakery Brooklyn. Kareem Youngblood.
And they’re finding me.

Don’t Tell Me What Not To Do

I get why they tell us not to quit our jobs for a TV show. But in my case? Quitting was the move. It was the only move.

It could’ve gone bad. It did, for a bit. But now I’m building a future that makes sense for me. I’m mixing purpose with passion, strategy with sugar, legacy with layers.

So the next time someone tells you not to do what feels right for you, ask yourself:

What’s your dreams come true?

Because mine started the moment I walked away from a job and walked into my calling.

What would you do? Pls comment and engane in the conversation

“How U DOIN” Sherri

Kareem Youngblood and Sherri Shepherd

Back in the early 2000s, I got my hands on some tickets to The Wendy Williams Show, and let me tell you—it was pure magic. If you were an '80s or '90s baby, especially from NYC, you knew Wendy was that girl. When she said your name, whether it was good, bad, or a legendary How you doin'?, your ass was FAMOUS.

Growing up, I wanted to see my name in lights. I also had this wild thought that I could somehow suppress my sexuality in public—until my inevitable Wendy interview where she would hit me with a How U Doin’? For those who don’t know, that phrase started as a way of greeting among gay men, and when Wendy said it, it was basically a knowing “we see you, sis.” I thought I was hiding back then, but she would’ve clocked me immediately. It was my nightmare, but also…my dream. And I wanted it bad!

Once How U Doin’? became just a catchphrase for TV, I was already deep in the Wendy universe. I went to the show a lot. Marco Glorious—the audience producer and ultimate hype man—made the experience addictive, and Wendy? She always took it home.

Have you ever seen someone and felt like they were going to be your friend? That’s how I felt about Marco. Yeah, he’s a King Size snack, but I like gummy candy, so it wasn’t even about that. There was just something there. Somehow, we ended up Facebook friends.

Fast forward: I start baking professionally. One day, I get invited to bring cupcakes to The Wendy Williams Show for a breast cancer survivor makeover with Mary Alice Stephenson. My name was on the green room door! It was surreal. After that, I kept going back.

Then came 2020. I landed on Chopped Sweets after Sugar Rush, but NYC media doesn’t really care about us small fish. I wanted to make my own moment. I asked a “friend” to interview me on IG Live, but they hit me with, “I don’t know, I gotta get my eyebrows done.” BITCH. At that moment, I was like, I’m getting Oprah.

But really, I wanted Marco. We were just Facebook friends, had met a few times, but I figured he wouldn’t remember me. Still, I had a message typed out to him that I never sent. Well, after the eyebrow excuse, I hit send.

Next thing I know, Marco picks me and Manny up from Brooklyn, drives us to a studio in Westchester, we film the interview, eat dinner with the whole crew, and he drives us home.

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Then, Manny and I made it to one of the final recordings of The Wendy Williams Show. A chef from Food Network was there. During the break, Marco—IN FRONT OF WENDY—announces, “We also have another chef from Food Network in the house!” He made me stand up. I had on my orange red bottoms. Wendy nodded, smiled, looked me up and down, and hit me with a thumbs-up. That was it. That was my Wendy moment.

But now we’ve got a new queen in town. Wendy will always be an icon, but Sherri, it’s YOU popping up in my dreams now!

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For Marco’s birthday, I made cupcakes, and Sherri was there. We sat right next to each other. I told her how much I love that she includes her team in everything—how she brings them along for the cool moments, making sure they shine. The next day, she talked about the party on her show—and they even showed my cupcakes on air!

Then, on Monday, March 10th—the morning Spring Baking Championship Season 11 premiered—I went to The Sherri Show and brought cupcakes for the whole set. They gave me the full VIP treatment. And now? I’m daydreaming of sitting on that couch, crying my eyes out, telling my whole story.

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Sherri, if you ever write “And we had CupKA’AKs” in your handwriting, I’d get it TATTOOED. And I still want to say How U Doin’?—just to make that dream come true!

10 Tips for Caregiver Creators: Balancing Caregiving and Creativity

Kareem and His Grandpa at University at Buffalo Graduation class of 2008

Taking care of a loved one while trying to pursue your creative work isn’t easy—trust me, I’ve been there. Before home hospice started for my grandpa, I had to find ways to make it all work. Cooking, cleaning, caregiving, and still making space for my dreams. It’s overwhelming, but possible. If you’re a creator balancing caregiving, here are 10 tips that helped me keep going:

1. Meal Prep to Save Time
   When you’re a caregiver, time is everything. Prepping meals in advance can save you hours in the week. I relied on things like canned sliced potatoes to make home fries and breakfast bowls—quick, filling, and easy.

2. Have Go-To Quick but Healthy Breakfasts
   Mornings can be hectic, and skipping meals isn’t an option. Keep quick, healthy options ready—overnight oats, smoothies, or eggs with prepped potatoes. A good breakfast sets you up for the day.

3. Create a Dedicated Creative Space
   The hardest part can be starting. Have a space that’s always ready to go—camera set up, lights in place, tools within reach. That way, when inspiration hits (or when you finally get a moment), you can jump right in. I made this happen while caring for my grandpa, setting up a giant canvas wall to divide our spaces. While I thought he’d be annoyed that he had to be quiet while I filmed, he actually loved watching and hearing everything unfold.

4. Communicate Your Needs
   Let the person you’re caring for know what you’re doing and what you need from them. When I filmed PinPals with Stephanie Boswell after Chopped, my grandpa was right on the other side of that canvas wall. Instead of being upset, he found joy in hearing the buzz of creativity happening in our home. Those moments were special.

5. Make Sure They Have What They Need Before You Start
   Set them up comfortably before diving into work. Water, snacks, TV remote, or anything else they might need so you don’t have to keep stopping.

6. Use Pockets of Time Wisely
   Sometimes, you won’t get long hours to create. Use those short moments—write down ideas, edit a clip, sketch a design. Small steps still move you forward. Filming while caregiving meant I had to maximize every break and in-between moment.

7. Give Yourself Grace
   Some days will be hard. You might feel like you’re failing at both caregiving and creating. You’re not. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. When I booked PinPals, I was balancing the weight of my grandpa’s care and the excitement of creating something new. It was a lot, but I made it work.

8. Find Ways to Involve Them
   If they enjoy watching you work, let them be part of it in small ways. My grandpa loved hearing the buzz of creativity even when he wasn’t physically involved. Sometimes, just knowing they’re there, watching you build your dreams, makes all the difference.

9. Stay Organized
   Juggling caregiving and creativity means staying on top of things. Use lists, schedules, or even voice memos to keep track of ideas and tasks. Having a structured setup made it easier to switch from caregiver mode to creator mode when I had the chance.

10. Remember Why You’re Doing This
    You’re not just creating for yourself—you’re documenting your journey, your passion, and your resilience. And one day, when you look back, you’ll see just how powerful that was. Every video, every project, every moment spent balancing it all—it’s part of your story.

Being a caregiver doesn’t mean giving up on your creative work—it just means adjusting, adapting, and finding new ways to make it happen. If you’re in this position, I see you. Keep going. You got this.

My Cake Isn’t from the Nether? Hold On, Y’all… Hear Me Out!

Defending My Warped Forest Cake: A True Minecraft-Inspired Creation in Spring Baking Championship Episode 2

Intro: My Cake Was a Tribute to the Warped Forest—Not a Mistake

The Warped Forest is a biome that is found in the Nether dimension and was added in the Nether Update (Minecraft 1.16). It is known for its greenish-blue landscape and tree-like structures. This is the only Nether biome where you can find enderman.

Episode 2 of Spring Baking Championship challenged us to bring Minecraft to life in cake form, and I got the Netherworld as my assigned biome. Naturally, I went deep into Minecraft lore and pulled inspiration from one of the most unique, surreal, and underrated biomes in the game—the Warped Forest.

For those who don’t know, the Warped Forest is the most peaceful part of the Nether, but it’s still otherworldly. The vivid blue-green colors, eerie fungi, and glowing shroomlights make it feel like a dreamscape, and I wanted my cake to capture that magic. But when the judges saw it, they didn’t quite get it. So let me break it down.

What Is the Warped Forest?

The Warped Forest is a biome introduced in Minecraft’s Nether Update (1.16). Unlike the fiery chaos of the rest of the Nether, this space has:

• Warped Nylium-covered ground (a teal-blue version of the Nether’s terrain)

• Giant Warped Trees with twisting vines

• Glowing Shroomlights nestled within the foliage

• Endermen lurking around, the only mobs that spawn there

This isn’t a hellscape—it’s a mystical, almost alien landscape inside the Nether, where vibrant blues and eerie greens contrast against the lava-filled world around it.

How My Cake Captured the Warped Forest Vibe

When given the Netherworld as my assignment, I knew I didn’t want to go with the expected lava-and-fire theme that most people associate with the Nether. Instead, I wanted to showcase the depth of the Minecraft world by representing the Warped Forest’s beauty and mystery in a dessert.

What do you think now?

Spring Baking Championship A Minecraft Movie

Kardea, Duff, Nancy, And Jessie Spring Baking Championship Host and judges with Minecraft characters

Another wild episode—back-to-back two-hour challenges? Insane. Out of 11 seasons, we were the first to have two of them in a row, which is pretty huge. Was it hard? 100%.

Jesse Palmer had us making Minecraft-inspired square fruit entremets, each featuring an assigned fruit to create geometric, visually striking desserts. Then, we teamed up to bring A Minecraft Movie to life with landscape cakes—one baker representing the Overworld, the other the Netherworld—all connected by an edible portal that tied the worlds together in both design and taste.

Kareem Youngblood on set of Spring Baking Championship

Now, let’s talk about square cakes. They are brutal. Even with unlimited time, getting sharp edges takes layers of patience. Chill, ice, clean up, repeat—over and over—until it’s crisp. I always allot extra time when making square cakes, but on a competition clock? Whew.

That said, I’m not here to complain because I had a blast, and Team Pri-K was safe tonight!

Speaking of Priya Winsor—absolute rockstar. A mom, pastry chef, and chocolatier who lives for chocolate. Her business in St. Albert, Alberta, is all about handcrafted sweets—bonbons, bars, and confections. Working with her was a highlight—she's one of my favorite gals. Team Pri-K 5 Ever!

From a Brooklyn 2 Food Network:

From the heart of Brooklyn to the national stage, Kareem Youngblood’s journey to Spring Baking Championship is a testament to resilience, passion, and family legacy.

Born in 1985 during the crack and HIV epidemic, Kareem was raised by his grandfather in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. With his father absent and

his mother battling addiction—now over 30 years clean—Kareem found strength in his grandfather, the neighborhood’s unofficial patriarch, who made sure no one went hungry.

"Even though I wasn’t classically trained, my education came from life itself—I went to the University of Grandpa and YouTube," Kareem says. "He taught me everything I know about food—not the fancy stuff, but the real, soul-satisfying kind."

Now, that foundation has led him to Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship Season 11, where he’s set to showcase his talent, heart, and hustle.

A Story of Loss, Strength & Full-Circle Moments

Kareem’s journey isn’t just about food—it’s about loss, growth, and stepping into his purpose. His grandfather passed away on May 22, 2022, after a battle with kidney failure. The hardest decision of Kareem’s life was choosing not to put him on dialysis, knowing it would make his final days harder. Instead, he made a promise: one more sunny day—the same words from one of his grandfather’s favorite gospel songs.

After bringing him home for one last Thanksgiving together, Kareem stayed by his side until the end, personally washing and dressing him after he passed and carrying him to the funeral home van. Every last penny of his grandfather’s life insurance went toward what he calls his “grieve-cation”—a healing journey to Big Bend Summit and Cancún.

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"My grandpa didn’t die for me to pay bills," Kareem jokes. But in truth, the trip helped him heal—Big Bend gave him clarity, Cancún reminded him to live again. Then, exactly two years later to the date, Kareem found himself competing on Spring Baking Championship. "It wasn’t just a baking competition—it was a full-circle moment," Kareem shares. "Everything I had been through led me to that kitchen."

Don’t miss Kareem as he bakes his heart out and brings his Brooklyn roots to the national stage! Mondays 8pm on Food Network

Host Jesse Palmer, Judges Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller and Kardea Brown as seen on Food Network Spring Baking Championship