Help Build Florence's Brick & Mortar

Hello, community,

A couple months ago, I took the risk of leaving a solid corporate job that I had for decades to work full-time on my baking business, and it has been an absolute blessing! Through it, I’ve gotten closer to my family, my community, and the generations who have come before me.

I’ve been selling my products via my website where customers can preorder, prepay, and then schedule a pickup. As well, a variety of my 5-inch pies were sold wholesale to Basics Market Hillsdale, and I’m having conversations about a very likely larger wholesale account for 2024. I’ve experienced success and I’ve gained popularity at seasonal markets (My Peoples Market, the Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Tribute, and other yearly events) and now – I am very close to opening my own brick-and-mortar for my bakery café business, Nana’s Exquisite Confections (named from being a Nana to my two beautiful grandchildren)!

I’ve found a wonderful space for my brick-and-mortar space, but I need walls, counters, plumbing, commercial equipment, finish work, and more. The cost of the build-out is extremely expensive, well beyond what I had anticipated and because I want to have a place to be able to showcase the beauty of what it looks like when community is intentional about coming together for the sake of community enrichment. This is why I’m asking for community support to raise the funds for my dream.

I have a detailed business plan, previous success and a strong reputation, most of the capital to get started, and a steel-forged work-ethic. I’ve found a talented architect of color and an amazing, Black-owned, community-minded construction team who are doing whatever they can to bring down costs. (Your support for me will also be supporting them as small business owners.)

My business is not about making money, though it is how I support myself and my family. The heart of my vision is about touching and changing lives. I don’t just want to sell “Exquisite Confections,” but I want to find ways to connect, comfort, and guide others so they can also achieve their dreams.

Any amount is helpful! No amount is too small! Know that I will multiply it back in good deeds for the community once my bakery is set up. I will be fundraising through the fall and the holidays, so I can have a strong start in the new year!

Asking for help has always been hard for me, but I’m ready to take the uncomfortable leap and reach out to my community to help me build my dream to have my own bakery cafe!

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to my GoFundMe.

Thank you for your love and support!

Florence (a.k.a. Nana)