Bake It ‘Til You Make It, the Food Network’s next docu-series, will feature seven amateur bakers demonstrating their baking abilities and sharing their personal stories. As they show the world what they’re made of, the program will present a unique look inside the baking profession.
The following is from Discovery’s press release regarding the show:
“The series, narrated by legendary cake decorator Duff Goldman, follows seven competitive bakers as they feverishly chase their dreams of sweet glory in some of the country’s hardest baking contests.”
Kareem Queeman from Washington D.C. is one of the cast members slated to feature on Bake It ‘Til You Make It. Mr. Bake Sweets’ creator, owner, and CEO has previously been on America’s Best Baker and Bake It Like Buddy.
A contestant on Bake It ‘Til You Make It Kareem Queeman has had a passion for baking since he was a youngster.
When he was eight years old, the Bake It ‘Til You Make It cast member discovered his passion for baking and all things delicious. His grandma supported him, and he enrolled in a home economics program in middle school with her assistance. By high school, he was selling cakes to his friends and classmates, which sparked an entrepreneurial spirit in him.
He went on to study Culinary Arts in New York before being hired to assist in the launch of Fluffy Thought Cakes in McLean. This was followed by aiding with the launch of Crumbs Bake Shop in Washington, D.C. All of this helped him get the skills he needed to launch his own bakery, which he did in 2008.
The Maryland baker has competed in many food shows, including Beat Bobby Flay, Bake It Like Buddy, and Sugar Rush Christmas. In an interview with The Washington Post, the Bake It ‘Til You Make It cast member discussed how difficult being on the program was and why he still does it. He said that he purposefully placed himself on a platform to be visible so that others might see him.
He continued:
“So others that identify with me who are Black, Brown, and LGBTQ can say, I want to go on this program, and I too can be myself. That’s what pushed me the most.”
In an interview with Buffer in November 2022, the Bake It ‘Til You Make It star claimed, “I used to be terrified of showing off my Black, LGBT identity in my profession.” This was until he discovered how vital it was to be genuine while showing support for people in his community.
He continued:
“As a Black, gay guy with aspirations of becoming a professional baker, I was concerned that my identity would hold me back. I didn’t see someone who resembled me in the food sector.”
He went on:
“When I first started working in professional kitchens, I simply wanted to be viewed as someone who was committed to learning and growing, without being “othered” because of my sexuality or burdened by the negative stereotypes that are sometimes applied to Black people.”
Mr. Bake will now feature on the Food Network’s Bake It ‘Til You Make It, which will debut on December 26 at 9 p.m. ET.