Today we’d like to introduce you to Krys- Christopher Penn-McCroskey.
Hi Krys- Christopher , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for cooking began at a very young age, just as my passion for hairstyling did. One day, I simply woke up and decided I wanted to become a chef. From that moment on, I dedicated myself to learning and mastering a wide variety of cuisines, while also developing a love for creating desserts.
Hairstyling was a passion I discovered along the way, but it quickly became a lifelong career. Today, I have been a licensed hairstylist for over 20 years. Both cooking and hairstyling allow me to express my creativity, connect with people, and create experiences that leave a lasting impression. Whether I’m preparing an unforgettable meal, designing an elegant dessert, or transforming someone’s look, I take pride in bringing passion, artistry, and excellence to everything I do.
Today, I am proud to own and operate a successful bakery and catering company ( The Cake Gentleman), a professional hair salon( The Hair Gentleman), and an apparel brand ( Life Apparel) that my wife, Ashley, and I built together. Each business reflects a different part of who I am and allows me to combine creativity, entrepreneurship, and a passion for serving others. Whether I’m creating custom cakes, preparing unforgettable meals, helping clients look and feel their best, or building our clothing brand alongside my wife, I am committed to delivering quality, excellence, and a memorable experience in everything I do.
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 journey hasn’t been easy. Five years ago, I was fighting for my life after contracting COVID. During that same season, I experienced the unimaginable loss of my best friend and my wife. Overnight, I found myself starting over as a single father of five, forced to walk away from everything I had worked so hard to build.
As painful as that chapter was, it became the foundation for a new beginning. Through faith, resilience, and determination, I slowly rebuilt my life. Along the way, I was blessed to meet my beautiful wife, Ashley, whose love, encouragement, and partnership helped me believe in new possibilities. Together, we’ve built a life centered on family, purpose, and entrepreneurship. Looking back, I realize that my greatest setbacks became the stepping stones to my greatest blessings.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When it comes to hair, I specialize in natural hair care — everything from braids to sew-ins — with a commitment to healthy hair and no chemical services. My goal is to enhance natural beauty while protecting the integrity of the hair.
With cakes, I decorate from the heart and specialize exclusively in buttercream creations. Every cake is designed with care, creativity, and attention to detail, because I believe a cake should not only look beautiful but also bring joy to the people celebrating.
As a chef, I cook from the heart and season with my soul. Food is more than a recipe to me — it’s an expression of love, culture, and passion. I strive to create meals that leave people feeling comforted, satisfied, and connected.
My apparel line is also built with intention. Every shirt and hoodie I create has a purpose behind it. It’s not just about fashion or appearance; it’s about sending a message, inspiring others, and giving back to the causes and values I believe in. Each design represents a piece of my journey and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Family is what brings me the greatest joy. After facing many challenges growing up and enduring some of life’s toughest moments as an adult, I’ve learned that the people who genuinely love and support you are life’s greatest blessing.
Nothing makes me happier than spending time with my family—both those in my home and my extended family. They are my source of strength, my motivation, and my greatest accomplishment. Loving the people who love me is incredibly important, and I never take those relationships for granted.
To me, family isn’t just an important part of life—it’s everything. They are the reason I continue to push forward, dream bigger, and work hard to build a legacy that will impact generations to come.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thecakegentleman, @l.i.f.e. @clothing apparel , @the_hairgentleman
- Facebook: The Cake Gentleman
