By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

K&J Elegant Pastries opened June 1. Located on Kent Dairy Road, the bright pink sign and interior will catch your eye.

Owned and operated by Chef Krystal Bryant, who, with her family, husband Jonathan, daughter Ja’Kaina age 10, Jaliyah age 4 and nephew Larrice Bryant, a sophomore THS varsity football player, live in nearby Wynn Lake.

Krystal is a Virginia College Culinard graduate, and has been specialty baking for more than five years. Her “word of mouth” business forced a need for more space.

“Most of my business still comes from the website, but eventually I hope I’ll have lots of calls for orders and drop-ins,” she said.

When school starts back, after-school specials will be available for students. As the business grows, more items will be added….perhaps even ice cream, candies and sandwiches. It is not feasible to grow too big at first….too much waste. Bryant wants everything to be fresh.

If cupcakes (or cookies) are your thing try blackberry, sweet potato, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, raspberry, red velvet, coconut, butter, caramel and carrot.

For special pies or cobblers, there are key lime, coconut, lemon, chocolate, peach, apple, cherry, strawberry, sweet potato and pecan. Remember, the cupcakes are there daily, but pies, cobblers and cakes require 24 hours notice. Custom made specialties such as wedding cakes, groom cakes and custom birthday and celebration cakes require a 72-hour notice.

Visit the Bryant website at Kjselegantpastries.com for more information and pictures. Lets support small business in Alabaster and meet a new friend. Bryant is young, petite, friendly and talented.

“Alabaster is so friendly and knowing that makes raising my family, schooling them and living right down the road very comfortable for me,” she said.

Krystal Bryant is a pastry artist, professionally trained, who has a passion for uniqueness and design and believes in customer service with a smile. What more can you ask?