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MarTia’s Cakes, a boutique bakery that has crafted custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies since 2011, is expanding its home-grown operation to a new commercial kitchen in Westwood, according to the bakery's Facebook page.
The new location provides owner Markita Durant with a kitchen "suite" where she can work to meet ever-increasing corporate orders, vending opportunities, and recurring sales.
Durant began baking with her grandmother, sparking her passion for from-scratch sweet making. As an adult, Durant continued to bake to relieve stress from a hectic work schedule.
"During a lengthy layoff in 2008, I was encouraged by my family to turn this hobby into a side hustle and from there MarTia's Cakes (named after my daughters MARtina and LaTIA) was born," Durant said.
Once situated in her new space, Durant plans to expand her community activities, including baking and decorating classes for youth and supportive programs for seniors.
To assist with the cost of growing a small business, Durant created a Nu Market fundraising campaign, which allows dessert lovers and small business supporters to donate - and get a reward for their generosity.
"It provides the space I need to operate more efficiently without the labor and overhead of moving into a storefront," the campaign description reads.
Donors will help cover the costs of rent, equipment, inventory, and supplies for the new location, and for every $100 they contribute, they receive $120 in-store credits.
"You can support my small business and get my delicious baked goods," the campaign description reads. "It's a win-win!"
Click here to access the fundraiser for MarTia's Cakes.
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