Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Hixon – Azame Eyitayo.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started off working in product development as a chemist for cosmetic companies in Chicago and the tri-state area. After becoming a bit bored with the lab environment, I started planning avenues for transitioning into the education industry. I even took a break in between to teach full-time for two years. Since my background is a blend of business and chemistry, I researched and planned during this time for a concept that spoke to both of my interests and my soul. With CJH Bake -Lab, I found a fun and creative way of teaching science and business concepts to kids using food, formulation (chemistry), and art projects.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all; working with school districts is financially challenging. Sometimes, schools literally run out of funds midway through a school year or your contractual time-period. Due to this, there’s a possibility of having to re-market your brand for a new contract very often. Staffing is also tricky with a business comprised of part-time (after-school) hours, too. This type of business is truly a labor of love from a desire to work with youth.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with CJH Bake – Lab – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
CJH BakeLab is my brainchild. It’s an enrichment program introducing kids to business and science concepts through a fun and innovative curriculum of art, food, and formulation chemistry projects. I’m most proud of the impact that we have with children and our spunky curriculum. Making chemistry fun for an elementary group is almost unheard of. Teaching 6th graders about atoms and electron configuration by looking at the periodic table of chemical elements is also unprecedented for that age group. Truly, the coolest part is making science attainable and touchable using day-to-day items, like food. If you can make a tough discipline relatable, anyone can learn it.
We offer our services offsite for schools, youth organizations, and churches. In the past, CJH BakeLab has been officially approved as a vendor for HISD (Houston Independent School District), SBISD, Pasadena ISD, and Alief ISD to offer before, during, and after-school enrichment services for elementary – high school grades.
We love working with mainstream and special needs audiences, too!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love, love, love the diversity of Houston. I love that diversity is embraced here, and you’re seldom a minority when you walk into a workroom or meeting here. That means that people are always open to discussing new ideas with different people, which makes business proposals and contracts easier on my end. The spirit of this city is warmth and inclusion overall.
Houston has two cons: summer temperatures (105 degrees and “puffy” hair from the humidity) and the social scene. I’ll be specific. After living in New Orleans for several years, I miss the amount of creative events and festivals available and happening within your close part of town. There was always something fun to do or celebrate there, without having to commute fair or spend excessively. That would probably be Houston’s largest con (access to fun, affordable neighborhood events within your close region). In a sense, I associate Houston more with work (and fewer social events), and I associate New Orleans with pure fun. However, I’m hopeful about eventually finding a happy balance of both elements here.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://cjhbakelab.com/
- Email: courtney@cjhbakelab.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjh_bakelab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjhBakeLab
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