Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bridget Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bridget, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

I currently teach baking/cooking classes at the middle school which I once attended.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Hello everyone!

My name is Bridget Wilson. I am the creator of Bakes By B. Bakes By B creates custom cakes and cupcakes. In addition to the Bakes goods I create, I also teach baking/cooking classes at the ABGS Middle School in Hempstead, New York. I graduated from this same school in the 90’s so it’s my pleasure to serve the children in my community. I got into this industry in 2010. My daughters and their cousin had a sleepover at my home. I allowed them to go outside and play. As I watched them from the window, I noticed that they were going door to door with a tin can in tow. I called them over and asked them what they were doing. They told me that they were selling “suntan” lotion to my neighbors. Surprisingly to me, they earned $7.00. I took their earnings and paired it with my own money and purchased ingredients to make a few cakes. The next day we had a bake sale in front of my home. The bake sale was a success!! We began to have bi-weekly sales and we always sold out of goods. Soon after my neighbors began to place orders for party’s etc. That’s when I realized my talent can become a business. And that’s how Bakes By B was born. I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m not only a business, but I often use the profits from my business and also raised money to help children in my community. I’ve hosted cupcake class rooms, have had Easter basket giveaways etc… When customers purchase a baked good from me, they know that the dollars they spend will help a child.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Yes. I did turn my side hustle into my main business. Once I learned how to customize cakes my business scaled up tremendously. As sales grew, I had to learn take my business more seriously. I studied, researched business models, business moguls, systems etc. I learned how to use business credit to lever my business. I learned about loans and how to finance my business using other people’s money. One key milestone was when I was offered a contract to teach baking and cooking to middle school students. Another key milestone moment was the pandemic. The pandemic forced me to take a hard look at myself, my work ethic and the direction in which I want to go with my business.

We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.

Even though the are not my official co-founders on paper. My daughters Mercedes and Alandra along with out cousin Tiyani are truly the reasons why my business even exists. If it had not been for the enterpernual spirit within them, I would have not taken the step towards being a business owner. Children are so imaginative, creative and fearless. I thank God for them everyday. I’m very grateful for all of them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bakesbyb.org
• Instagram: bakesbybdotcom
• Facebook: Bakes By B
• Linkedin: Bridget Wilson