Help Save Yummy Tummy’s Kitchen

Hi,

My name is Melissa Johnson. I’m a bakery shop owner in Brooklyn, NY, and I need your help.

I currently have fees that incurred over the past 3 years in different areas of the business that put me at risk of shutting the doors. I also need an air system and signage. Most importantly, if these past due balances are not paid, this beautiful start, that’s growing into something amazing, is at risk of shutting the doors. I need your help to keep the doors open.

Yummy Tummy’s Kitchen opened in 2021. I was confident and ready to expand after 10 years of baking in my apartment. What pivoted me was being fired in January 2020 from my 9-5. It was time to take a risk. First, I went to the banks and was denied. This made me more determined. I took all the money I had, bootstrapped, took a leap of faith, and opened Yummy Tummy’s Kitchen. Of course, in the beginning, I exhausted my funds and hit a few standstills for example signage, a counter, and an air system which was important but I didn’t let that stop me. As a woman doing it all on her own and being part of a minority race, I had to do the best I can with what I got. It’s not easy but I continue to push through, show up, and build.

Over these 3 years, I can say there’s growth. Yummy Tummy’s has become more than a bakery, it’s currently a staple within the community and an employment hub for NYC youths. I’ve been able to consistently partner with different NYC organizations including one of the top in NY state programs S.Y.E.P employing NYC youths during the summer. I provide a safe, clean, positive, fun environment where I mentor and teach employment skills along with baking techniques.

With the summer coming up and the youth depending on me, I truly hope I can depend on you for your help. I’m a determined, resilient woman that has built this business without asking for help, I have asked the bank and was denied also applied for certain grants and was denied. Nonetheless, I don’t really know how to ask for help, in fear of getting a No and I was brought up to figure things out at a young age. Asking was never a form of solving problems. But now I’m putting my fears to the side and I’m not just asking for me. I’m asking for Yummy Tummy’s Kitchen to continue being an addition to the community and an outlet for the youth.

My ask will take care of fees and balances owed that will keep the business running. An air system to control the temperature inside the shop, signage to increase visibility, and repairs on appliances.