Kyrae Buck is a Sophomore at Moanalua High School. In August of 2024, Buck officially opened her business: Sweet Treats By Kyrae, marking the start of her journey as a young entrepreneur. She began promoting her business through Instagram, @sweettreatsbykyrae, where she has gained traction, reaching over 600 followers. Customers can place orders through direct messages on her Instagram, where she regularly posts updates, new menu items, and availability. Her Instagram showcases not only her dessert but also her passion for baking, creativity, and consistency.
Buck shares that on top of school work and her side business, she shares that she also “work[s] at a skating rink in Kapolei, KIHA (Kapolei Inline Hockey Arenas), and [her] boss wants [her] to sell them there.”
Buck’s menu includes a variety of sweet treats such as cupcakes in different flavors, creamy cheesecakes, soft and chewy cookies, colorful macaroons, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and chocolate-covered Oreos. The prices range from $1 ‘Chocolate Covered Oreos’ single treats to a $30 full pan of the ‘Churro Cheesecake.’ Her best-selling dessert has been the ‘Churro Cheesecake’. “That’s everyone’s favorite one,” Buck said proudly. This rich, flavorful treat is topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle that elevates the taste, creating a dessert experience that keeps customers returning for more.
Loyal customer Haylee Howerton (11) said, “Whenever I get the chance to eat Kyrae’s desserts, I get so excited because I know I’m not going to be disappointed.” Inspiration for her business had started during summer school, her peers had encouraged her after being moved by the emotional comfort they felt with just a single bite of her homemade dessert.
Buck’s love for baking began in a simple, memorable moment at home.
She recalled, “My sister-in-law was dipping strawberries for fun, and she taught me how. I fell in love with it, then kept doing it. Then I started doing a whole bunch of other desserts.”
What started as a fun bonding moment with her sister quickly grew into a deeper passion. For Buck, it became more than a hobby, it became her creative outlet and meaningful way to connect with others.
She also expressed how much it means to her emotionally by saying, “It’s also how I connect with my grandma.” For her, baking serves as both a calming activity and a powerful source of family connection.
Although faced with the challenges of a work-life balance at times, she continues to persevere through it all. She remains continuously committed to her academics while managing the demands of being an entrepreneur and employment.
Looking ahead, Buck has aspirations of becoming a real estate agent after she graduates high school, but would continue her dessert business on the side. By doing so, she can continue to share her passion and sweet creations while building a future in another professional field.
