Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Bickford.
Michele, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am currently baking out of my home, after my 9-5 job as an Adult Probation Officer, and saving up for my small storefront. I started baking when I was about ten years old – a bad birthday cake can sometimes motivate a kid! Since then I have baked almost everything I could find, and my family have become my (sometimes) unwilling victims. Let’s just say my journey has had its ups and downs. But that’s what it takes being a self-taught baker.
The most fun I’ve had on my baking journey was when I was baking in the Single Sailor Lounge while my husband was stationed in Japan. It was my first job where I got paid to do my passion, and I didn’t want to leave. I loved seeing the expressions and emotions of the people that received my cakes. After we came back stateside, I finished my education (not in baking), and my husband was separated from the Navy.
We moved to Texas (he’s from El Paso) to make a new life for our little family. I started baking again and wanted to stay simple with my desserts, almost nostalgic with my offerings, making everything I could from scratch. I want people to enjoy my sweets and hope it helps them reconnect to their past memories with loved ones: I want them to think “I remember eating chocolate chip cookies with my grandma.” or “This reminds me of the cake I got for my 10th birthday.”
These days though, people have special dietary needs and are trying to be healthier (while still getting that sweet treat!), so I’ve changed in my direction some and offer vegan, and keto treats and still have the original scratch-made treats as well.
It’s fun to see the look on people’s faces when they take a bite of a keto cupcake or a vegan cupcake and realize that it can taste just as delicious. That look of surprise and then enjoyment is wonderful, and that is what has made me want to continue on my baking journey.
Great, 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?
Nothing is ever smooth sailing and if so there’s no challenge. My challenge has been finding a balance of family life, working my full-time job, and help my promising business grow. If it wasn’t for my support system, I would have given up a long time ago.
Please tell us about Emotions Made Edible.
I’m not sure if I specialize in any one item or if anyone item sets me apart from others.
While at the Grand Prairie Farmers Market I was known as the lady that sold homemade marshmallows, but at the Colleyville Farmers Market, I’m the lady that sells Keto treats.
I am most proud of my marshmallows. It’s the first candy I mastered and my son’s favorite thing I make.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I had an average childhood so other than the horrible birthday cake I really don’t have a favorite memory.
Pricing:
- Keto treats start at $3 a serving
- Vegan treats start at $3 a serving
- Cookies start at $36 a dozen
- Marshmallows $5 a bag
Contact Info:
- Address: 2702 Wolff Dr. Arlington, TX 76015
- Phone: 757-773-1411
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: emotionsmadeedible
- Facebook: Facebook.com/emotionsmadeedible
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
