A Milwaukee woman is proof that starting your own business does not have an age limit. She's gained a huge following for her ability to solve cravings for sweets. Her ability to overcome odds is Positively Milwaukee.
63-year-old Martha Austin, also known as Memah cooks up love.
"It's a taste of heaven in every!" she said.
Memah is a pastor, a former principal whose recipe for success includes her winning personality.
The centerpiece? Memah's famous made from scratch cakes. They are loved and devoured by devotees. Memah is quick to praise a higher power.
"There's no one greater than the Jesus in me, I have to say that because when you taste these cakes they are no way human," she said. "It's not just the baking it's what's connected to it and that's you, people."
Memah's business is piping hot. She calls her loyal staff a blessing. They spray, they mix, they pour and they bake.
"You know we have those customers who ask me for cracked cakes, well that's one." Memah said.
The reward? Divine desserts
"Memah's bakes all of her cakes in St, Francis at the Superior Test Kitchen. She makes them one by one, about 30 to 50- cakes a week," she said.
People and companies have warmed up to Memah's tasty desserts.
Signed or pending contracts include Lena's Food Market, Piggly Wiggly, Daddy's Soul Food and Grille, Woodman's Market in Menomonee Falls, El Rey's, even the Marriott Hotel in downtown Chicago.
On Superbowl Sunday we found Meemah surrounded by fans as she peddled her cakes.
"Would you just call me millionaire," she said.
Despite her quip, Memah says it's not about the money.
"I'm excited about my journey. It's more than dollars. It's legacy. Its like what can we do. It takes a village to raise the family," she said.
And at 63, Memah is still inspired to work hard even after a setback. She had to close her downtown store awhile back. Austin admits she did not fully understand business practices. But she studied and learned from her mistakes, and today she is confident.
"Just because you fail does not mean that you're not fantastic. Cause I'm here and I failed, but I'm still cute," she said.
Her favorite part of backing a cake?
"Watching you eat it!"
Memah's message to all of us is you're never too old to start over or chase your dreams.
"I thank God Miss Meekins for the city of Milwaukee."
