Today we’d like to introduce you to Ki-An Harmon.
Hi Ki-an, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello, my name is Ki-an Boodram Harmon. I am a 27 year old first generation Trinidadian-American business owner. My business “The Busi Vegan” highlights plant based eating in a creative way.
When I first started, I was 18 years of age & honestly my brand vision was nowhere near what it is today. My first pop-up happened in Baltimore in Fall of 2017 & I haven’t stopped since. I’ve primarily operated as a baker that does pop-up’s. I’ll basically convert recipe’s that use animal products to one’s that are a bit more plant forward. Primary focus being vegetarian & vegan recipe’s & now also including gluten free & sugar free diets as well.
Since Fall of 2017, I have done pop-up’s all over DC & Maryland. Currently in Baltimore, I am based at “The Black Mall” (6 E Lafayette Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202). We are a collective of small businesses & creative that come together once a month, third Sunday & pop out to & for the community. It’s a wonderful place with energy that is addicting, definitely come check us out.
Something cool & highlighting in my journey is that in 2024 I won the a first place trophy during the Dessert Wars competition that had stopped in Baltimore. I was the only vegan vendor to do that during the entire competition. I also placed 12th in their national competition. I did this all with a tiny tot on my hip & working a fulltime job. Haha! We had to prepare a crazy amount of mini desserts, the first time I had the best help, team of family that stayed up all night to help me AND came to the competition with me. At the time, spirit was really low, I couldn’t have gotten through without them. I made 4 different types of desserts because why make things easy for myself? Nope, had to go all the way ya know lol. I did the same thing the second time around.
Something else to note is that I have basically been baking my whole life apparently. Family members have memories from when I was a tiny tot with 2 things mainly, singing & baking. For me, the biggest highlight is baking with my sister. We used to bake late night, food is our love language. So for special occasions & things of that nature we were baking. We get it from our mom honestly. She is always cooking up something with her magic hands. When I was a teenager, my sister moved away & I continued baking. It’s been a happy place for me. I baked throughout high school for friends, teachers & family. It makes people feel special to get a sweet treat & it makes me feel happy to bring them that joy.
In today’s Busi world, I am incorporating savory foods now highlighting my cultural background. I come from Indo-Trinidadian & African-Ameirican families & food means a lot with us. Trini food is still a hole in the wall. There are still people who say “Where’s Trinidad?” & I want to be one of the individuals who changes that. Trini food ranks up there with some of the best food on this planet & I intend to share that with the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest struggle has probably been just handling life & business at the same time. It’s really not easy finding that perfect sweet spot. The amount of times that I have had to pick myself up out of the darkest pits of depression to show up for myself. I have had to carry anxiety, fear & just heavy weight & still show up for myself. Over the past few years I have transitioned from high school into a mom & business owner & just human in today’s society. It’s been a long road & I am grateful for it all but it was rough truly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in vegan pastries mostly. What sets me apart is that I take traditional recipes & convert them myself. Every recipe that I put out is my own & could range anywhere from experimental to mastered. I am most proud that there are random people all over DC & Maryland who have tried my recipes.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I can see a lot for us. Definitely some physical locations to come, more pop-up’s all across America. Hoping to connect sith come colleges soon to provide better food options for our youth. Looking connect with other cultures from other tiny places & highlight their veggie foods as well. I am most excited for all of the communities that we will be apart of & get to love. Absolutely thrilled for the future of Busi.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/thebusivegan
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusivegan?igsh=MWthOXdhYnh6MDhxZw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14pwEsFbhN9/
