Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Bradford.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Like a lot of professional bakers, baking started as a hobby for me and quickly grew into a career. I’ve worked in a few local bakeries over the years and expanded my skill set, learning and absorbing all the pastry knowledge I could. When I was 7.5 months pregnant, I was unexpectedly fired from my job. As you can imagine, I was terrified. I was about to jump into motherhood and had lost my financial stability. But, life went on and we adjusted. It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve made it work. I tried going back to work in a professional kitchen when my daughter was about three months old and I just couldn’t do it. I felt this huge disconnect when I was at work, away from my child. So I made the decision to become a stay at home mom. Leigh Baking Co came to fruition shortly after. Baking from home has made it possible for me to pursue my dream of owning my own business & be there every day for my daughter.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Has it been a smooth road? Hell no! And if any business owner out there tells you has been, they’re either lying or they’re in for it. As previously mentioned, losing my job and paid maternity leave just weeks before becoming a mother was one of the most terrifying things I’ve been through. There have been other big hurdles along the way. They have mostly been in my personal life, which, when you’re a small business owner, personal hurdles can affect your business life very directly. But, I always just say to myself, “We’re going to get through this because, well, we have to.” And we have. As far as advice for other women, I would say, even as cheesy as it sounds, nothing should hold you back from doing what you want to do. I lost my job and moved back in with my parents, y’all. With an infant. Then I started a business. Nothing should stop you!
We’d love to hear more about Leigh Baking Co.
I do cookies, cakes, pies, macarons, muffins, scones, etc. for Leigh Baking Co. I get a lot of custom cake orders which, if I’m being honest, really isn’t my passion. I definitely enjoy doing them but I prefer making other baked goods. Viennoiserie is my true passion. I can’t wait to get back into making croissants and bread one day. What sets me apart from others is my unique way of doing custom orders. Rather than giving a customer a list of flavors and items that I make and telling them to pick, I work with each customer to come up with a flavor and style that is special to their event. I want a customer to feel like they have received something that they can’t just go pick up anywhere!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Be loud. Be seen. Know what you want and don’t be afraid to fight for it. I did that, and it cost me my job. But you know what? I was miserable at that job. I thought about leaving every day and though I wish the circumstances had been different, I’m glad I was fired. It gave me the push I needed to pursue my dreams. Now I don’t settle for anything less than I want or deserve because I know my worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: leighbakingco.com
- Phone: 8174540022
- Email: leighbakingco@yahoo.com
- Instagram: leighbakingco
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