Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Washington
Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My love for baking started young, inspired by my great-grandmother, Mamoo, who baked with heart and purpose. She taught me that food isn’t just nourishment; it’s a way to bring people together. She very thoughtfully ensured everyone had their favorite dessert anytime they were in her home or at a family gathering. My mother, an interior designer, instilled in me the understanding that beauty has the power to transform a space and make moments feel even more special.
For years, baking was something I did for family and friends—a way to celebrate, to comfort, to create something meaningful. But as I grew into motherhood, I began to realize that my love for baking wasn’t just about the recipes; it was about crafting the kind of life I wanted for my daughters. A life where the table was always full, the home always welcoming, and the memories we made together would last long after the last cookie was gone.
With that vision, The Thursday Bakery was born. What started as a small endeavor—baking sourdough for friends and neighbors—quickly grew into something more. It became a way to help others bring beauty and intention into their homes, whether through blueberry muffins shared over coffee or an elegant cake for a celebration. As the bakery evolved, I expanded into tablescape and event design, blending my love for baking with my passion for creating spaces where people feel truly at home.
Today, The Thursday Bakery is more than just a bakery—it’s a celebration of tradition, artistry, and the simple yet profound joy of gathering. My mission is to help others create meaningful moments, whether that’s through a handcrafted dessert or a thoughtfully curated table setting. Because at the end of the day, the sweetest things in life aren’t just baked—they’re shared.
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?
Like any journey worth taking, mine hasn’t been a straight, smooth road—it’s been full of twists, lessons, and unexpected pivots. When I first started The Thursday Bakery, I focused almost entirely on bread. I loved the process, the patience it required, and the way a simple loaf could bring people together. But as the business grew, I realized that while I was passionate about baking, I wanted to create more than just bread—I wanted to craft experiences.
Pivoting from solely bread to a more curated dessert menu was both exciting and challenging. It pushed me to expand my skills, refine my craft, and learn how to create desserts that weren’t just delicious, but also beautiful and elevated. I had to embrace the learning curve, experiment, and trust that growth comes from stepping outside of comfort zones.
Expanding into tablescape and event design was another turning point. It felt like a natural extension of my love for hosting and creating meaningful moments, but it also meant learning an entirely new side of the business. From sourcing the right materials to mastering the art of styling, it took time to develop the confidence to offer these services at the level of excellence I envisioned.
Through every challenge—whether it was shifting my focus, perfecting new techniques, or navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship—I’ve learned that growth often comes from allowing yourself to evolve. The Thursday Bakery is still rooted in tradition, but it’s also a reflection of how my own creativity and vision have expanded over time. And I think that’s the beauty of it—learning, refining, and always striving to create something meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At The Thursday Bakery, my work goes beyond baking—I create elevated desserts and beautifully curated tablescapes that bring people together and make every gathering feel special. I specialize in artisanal, seasonal desserts that are thoughtfully crafted, balancing timeless flavors with refined presentation. Each month a new collection is offered while bespoke desserts are always an option. Alongside baking, I also design bespoke tablescapes and event styling, blending my love for food with my passion for creating beautiful, intentional spaces.
I think what sets The Thursday Bakery apart is the philosophy behind it. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience. Whether it’s a simple brunch with friends or an intimate dinner party, I believe that the details matter. The way a dessert is plated, the softness of candlelight on a table, the feeling of warmth and welcome—all of these things contribute to the memories we create.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how this business has grown from a love of baking into a multi-faceted brand that celebrates tradition, artistry, and the joy of gathering. I’ve had the opportunity to help people turn everyday moments into something extraordinary, whether it’s through a handcrafted dessert that feels like home or a tablescape that transforms a gathering into an unforgettable experience.
At the heart of it all, my work is about creating moments—moments that feel beautiful, intentional, and full of warmth. Because I truly believe that life’s sweetest memories aren’t just baked, they’re shared.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned on this journey, it’s this: start imperfectly and pivot.
When I first launched The Thursday Bakery, I had a vision, but I didn’t have it all figured out—and that’s okay. I started with what I knew, baking bread, and as I grew, I allowed myself to evolve. I pivoted from bread to desserts, expanded my skills, and eventually introduced tablescape and event design. If I had waited until everything was “perfect,” I never would have started at all.
The truth is, no business (or creative endeavor) unfolds exactly as planned. You have to be willing to adapt, refine, and trust the process. Some of my biggest moments of growth have come from embracing change—whether it was shifting my focus, learning a new craft, or reimagining what The Thursday Bakery could become.
I’ve learned that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Every step, every pivot, every lesson along the way has shaped this business into what it is today. And I know that as I continue to grow, I’ll keep refining, evolving, and creating something even more beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-thursday-bakery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethursdaybakery
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thethursdaybakery
