For Khalia Spivey, director of information technology at North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) School of Law, baking is more than just a hobby – it’s a part of her family’s legacy.
She learned the craft from her mother, a professional chef, and her late grandmother, both of whom instilled in her a love for the kitchen.
“My mom had a catering business,” Spivey said. “I learned baking from her and my grandmother. Most of the women in my family bake, so it just became part of who I am.”
In 2016, a close friend convinced Spivey to enter the North Carolina State Fair Baking Competition. What started as a fun challenge quickly turned into an annual tradition.
Since then, she has won 14 ribbons — four first-place, four second-place and six third-place — impressing judges with creations like chocolate pound cake and lemon zucchini bread.
"My friend kept bugging me to enter the fair, so I finally said, 'OK, girl, I’ll do it,'" Spivey laughs. "Now, it’s this little competition between us every year."
Each year, Spivey enjoys testing out new ideas and experimenting with recipes. Preparation for the fair starts months in advance, with Spivey drawing inspiration from her favorite recipes and brainstorming new twists on traditional favorites.
Her NCCU colleagues often serve as her taste testers.
"Oh, they know all about my baking," she laughs. "They’re always waiting for me to bring in something new."
Her 2024 submissions included pecan bread, which placed first, and an unusual beet bread that won second place, designed to stand out among more common entries like zucchini or carrot bread.
"I always try to do something unexpected," she says. "Who thinks about beets in bread?"
When asked about her most memorable win, Spivey lights up talking about her 2019 coconut cake.
"That one was special because it was part of the back-and-forth competition with my friend. Every year, I tried to add something new—coconut milk one year, coconut puree from the international market another. One year, I toasted the coconut for a deeper flavor. It was a labor of love."
Beyond the competition, baking serves as an outlet for Spivey.
"Baking is my mental health thing," she said. "It’s my break from the stress—just me, my baked goods and my music. It’s how I unwind."
When reflecting on her baking journey, Spivey credits her success to passion.
"There was one year I didn’t win anything, but I wasn’t in the right space. When I’m fully present, that’s when I shine."
As for advice to anyone thinking of entering the fair for the first time, Spivey offers this: "Go to the fair, see what’s already there, and choose categories with fewer entries. And if your family loves something, make that—but keep in mind, the judges might not love it as much."
And when the fair rolls around each year, Spivey is right there on day one, eager to see the results.
"It’s a tradition now—me and my friend, walking around, seeing who won, and just enjoying the day," she says with a smile.
Managed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the N.C. State Fair first opened in 1853, and showcases local talent in competition categories like baking, arts, photography, gardening and more.
The 2024 N.C. State Fair runs from Oct. 17 – 27. Learn more here.
