I am a 16-year-old baker, baking under the Cottage Law of Maryland. All my life I have loved to bake. I watched Food Network baking shows and took special interest in Duff Goldman from the Baltimore based Charm City Cakes. I would bake on holidays and for my friends for birthdays or special event. Once the pandemic hit, we were sent home from school immediately and I found baking was something that I continued to enjoy and kept me busy. By the end of May, we knew that going back to school was not happening and my parents tried to find me an internship with local bakeries for the summer. Unfortunately, they found that I was too young as insurance could not cover a 14-year-old in professional kitchens. After putting internship requests out on social media, a gentleman reached out to me for his wife’s birthday. It was my M&M antigravity cake. And that was when my business took off.
At the end of May 2020, my parents surprised me by registering my name with the state of Maryland. I was officially Butterworks Bakery USA. They gave me $150 to buy ingredients and materials. I was able to pay them back within 3 weeks. By July, my business and social media followers grew so fast that the local media took notice. I was featured in the Carroll County Times and then interviewed by Baltimore TV Stations – WJZ, WBAL, and FOX 45. By the holiday season, I was working 7 days a week completing individual orders. All this while studying as a full-time high school student.
One of my biggest moments was when The Kelly Clarkson Show invited me to Hollywood to tell my story on her show. While being interviewed she surprised me with a visit from Chef Duff Goldman and I had the opportunity to be his Sous Chef while doing a demonstration with Kelly Clarkson, Ms. Pat and Duff. What an amazing experience!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my Mom, Dad and grandparents. My Mom works in the hotel industry and my Dad and his parents work at their business in Laurel, Gary’s Automotive. I have 2 dogs and a bunny.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?I am unsure of my future however; I know I love to bake. Currently, I am accepted into the Carroll County Technical School for the Baking program in my Junior and Senior years of high school. After high school, I am considering additional instruction in Italy. I would love to own my own store one day.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite places or events in our community?
My favorite event is farmers markets so I can see other small businesses and support them.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love paranormal based shows and movies.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t ever think that something is impossible because you can always find a way to make it work.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
One Direction, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Lizzo
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Lizzo. I’d love to speak with her because of her confidence. She could guide me through accepting myself like she has. We would hang out at Starbucks Cafe.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how supportive my community has been of me and of others.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have taken vocal lessons for several years and love to sing.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My time I spent at the Beachwood Cafe while in LA for the Kelly Clarkson show.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Mom.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. My pets. Butterworks.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To travel outside of the country: England, Italy and all over Europe.
Q: How can I know if someone I am speaking with is a good connection for you? Please include your website link.
Someone who I can inspire to do what they want and love.
