Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Foye.
Hi Madison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a kid, around the age of 12, I used to watch YouTube and TikTok videos of people baking cookies, cakes, and other desserts. I watched them so often that they inspired me to try making some of those desserts myself. My family saw the passion I had for baking and supported me as I continued learning and growing my creativity.
What started as a small hobby of making cookies and cakes with the help of my family has grown into a career path with an even deeper meaning behind it. The name ‘Trae Cakes Bakery was chosen to honor my late cousin, who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. The bakery is a reflection of both my love for baking and the happiness he shared with others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I started baking a little before COVID-19, which slowed my progress in terms of selling products and connecting with the community the way I would have liked.
When I look back, I also realize that the pressures of school, sports, and building relationships and friendships throughout middle school and high school were difficult to balance. At times, it left me feeling unmotivated and unsure about moving forward with the business because I didn’t know how to manage everything at once.
Once I reached my senior year of high school, I had to seriously think about what career path I wanted for myself. I have always had a creative soul and a love for baking, so I decided to attend Collin College at the Frisco campus and major in Applied Science in Pastry Arts.
I also made the decision to pick up the pieces of the business and rebuild the brand into ‘Trae Cakes Bakery starting the beginning of 2026.
Currently, my biggest challenge is balancing work while finishing school and completing cake orders on the side. I have learned that starting a business requires much more work than most people talk about. The late nights, marketing efforts, and financial barriers have all been challenges along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
‘Trae Cakes Bakery is a Black-owned home bakery specializing in custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and small-batch desserts. Operating under Texas Cottage Food Laws, the bakery focuses on premium ingredients, creative designs, and personalized customer service.
The business operates on a pre-order model, serving local families, event planners, photographers, and small businesses. ‘Trae Cakes Bakery’s long-term vision is to grow into a bakery trailer and then expanding into a boutique commercial studio or storefront, offering expanded menu options and community-focused events such as cake decorating classes and pop-up markets.
I am most proud of being given the opportunity to build ‘Trae Cakes Bakery into a business that reflects my creativity, resilience, and passion for baking.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My mom, Ruquiyah Foye Hines, is definitely all of the above. She has played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today and has provided me with many opportunities throughout my life. She has not only helped grow my business, but she has also helped me grow as a person. She helped me start my business and when I have had doubts she helped me rebuild and strengthen it into what it is today. Whenever I need help with anything she’s always the person I turn to. Another person who has been a tremendous source of support is my dad, Zachary Brown. He consistently shows up for my events and is always willing to help in any way he can. He promotes my business both at his workplace and online, helping spread the word to others. He even helps sell baked goods at his job, which has been a huge support to me and my business. His workplace always gives me feedback so that I can continue to improve. From the beginning of my journey selling cookies at soccer games my stepdad, Stephen Hines, has been a huge source of support and encouragement. He has always been there to help with selling products and engaging with customers at events. He has shared valuable advice on communication and offered creative ideas for promoting my business and reaching more people. Whenever I run out of ingredients, he is always willing to make a store run, ensuring I have what I need to keep my business going. My extended family on all sides deserves credit as well. I have a big blended family so from grandparents to aunts, uncles, cousins, Godparents, siblings, etc. They have all supported me whether that’s helping with any funds I needed for the business, bragging about me to others, providing recipes or just showing up to vending events I have been apart of. I know I can always count on them to help and support me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.traecakesbakery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traecakesbakery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585562207418
