BrownStyle Magazine’s column Bouncing Back is an inspirational series that celebrates the strength and resilience of women from diverse backgrounds. Each week, find inspiration from the intimate short stories of remarkable women who have overcome adversity. We hope their courage uplift and inspire you!
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My multicultural background has deeply influenced my identity and shaped my love and respect for food. As a little girl, I was captivated by the magic of cooking. My mother’s kitchen was my haven. Each day, I fondly remember asking her, “What’s on the menu?”
On my mother’s side, my great-grandparents were born in the southern United States (my great-grandfather’s life was not far removed from the era of slavery). On my father’s side, my heritage includes Native American, Irish, and Italian roots.
At an early age, I found joy in culinary creativity. My weekends were filled with watching Julia Child, the Cajun Cook, and Martin Yan on Yan Can Cook.
By age four, I was helping my mom with desserts. She started me off with simple, one-bowl recipes. Over time, I graduated from sous chef and dishwasher to enthusiastic taste tester, a role I embraced with pleasure.
Losing My Eyesight, But Never My Vision
My journey wasn’t just shaped by joyful moments in the kitchen. Life handed me challenges that tested my resilience and redefined my character.
After deciding to join the military instead of going straight to college, I was stationed in South Korea. There, I faced a series of medical challenges that left me physically debilitated. At just 20, I found myself navigating hospital hallways with a walker, tussling with the emotional toll of my circumstances.
These experiences tested my spirit, but they also revealed my strength. When I was discharged, walking unassisted through those hospital doors felt like reclaiming a piece of myself. Yet, life had more trials in store.
Later that same year, I lost my vision entirely. At 21, I was handed a new set of challenges and had to learn how to navigate the world differently. This period of my life was deeply life-changing, however, it taught me important lessons about patience, disability empowerment, and community.
My Family Was My Rock
Healing didn’t come from a single moment but from a series of events and the unwavering support of those around me. My mother was my rock, offering love and guidance during my darkest times, especially when I was battling depression after my medical discharge.
Conversations with my family, especially my brother and mother, encouraged me to consider going back to school. This idea, coupled with an inspiring visit to Bavou Spa in Philadelphia, planted the seed for my eventual pursuit of massage therapy. Three years later, I graduated from massage therapy school with honors as its first blind graduate.
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Turning Lemons Into Lemon Meringue Pie
As a blind massage therapist, I faced unique challenges that required creativity and resilience.
Over time, I expanded my interests, channeling my love for baking into a business. As The Melanated Blind Baker, I bake everything from cookies and brownies to lemon squares and cakes!
The transition to entrepreneurship was not without its hurdles. Through trial and error— and plenty of community support— I’ve successfully built a brand that reflects my passion and determination.
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons like trusting my intuition and surrounding myself with honest, supportive people. I’ve also learned not to take things personally, which has helped me navigate both personal and professional challenges with grace.
Looking To The Future
Looking to the future (pun intended), my goals are clear. I want to expand my businesses and bring my baked goods to as many people as possible while staying true to the quality and love that define my work. My journey is far from over, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
Bouncing back means turning setbacks into setups for success. It’s about the unwavering belief that anything is possible!
Written By Jasara ‘Joi’ Ponton: a passionate entrepreneur, massage therapist, and baker. With roots in a rich multicultural heritage and an unshakable love for food, the Melanated Blind Baker has turned personal challenges into powerful opportunities to inspire and uplift others.
