A loan helped .


Andrea's story

I began baking as an escape from reality; I call it my ‘happy place.’ I love making new recipes, and creating art on a cake. Life was very busy and it felt like I never had time to do what I loved. Due to the extreme cost of living in the Bay Area, I moved out of my house into transitional housing for single mothers with my three kids. I decided then to pursue my passion and took the opportunity to attend Laney College’s Culinary Arts Program for Baking and Pastry. After this course, I was able to get a job at a popular cupcake shop and gain business management skills in the baking industry. That’s when I decided to take a chance and begin my own baking business. Friends and family were my first customers but word spread quickly and soon I had a busy side business while continuing to work a full-time job and take care of my three kids. In 2017, I was living in Ashland Place when I heard about a great opportunity: The Ashland Market and Café was taking applications from community business owners to open a food business in my very own building. I knew that this was the perfect opportunity for my business and I am so excited to open my first storefront. I hope to grow Andrea Marie Custom Cakes and Treats to be my full time job in the next year in the Ashland Market and Café. I believe that living in the building will be especially meaningful because it directly connects my business with my community as well as my family. I’m committed to growing my relationships as well as providing employment for other passionate bakers in my community.


This loan is special because:

It helps a female entrepreneur expand her baking business and move into a brick and mortar space.



Loan details


About Andrea Marie Custom Cakes and Treats

Industry: Food
Years in operation: More than 5 years
Website: andreamariecakes.com

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Loan details