Meet Theresa Prahst | Owner and Creative Director of The Creative Oven

We had the good fortune of connecting with Theresa Prahst and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Theresa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For many years people that sampled my baking told me that I should open a bakery. I agreed that the quality of the baked goods was there, but I knew that opening a brick and mortar bakery would involve a huge investment of time, money and effort, and I was not in a position for that undertaking.

When I left architecture because the firm I worked for was closing my husband encouraged me to consider finally opening a bakery. I wanted to be semi-retired, so a full time brick and mortar bakery still wasn’t right for me. I have a friend who operates farmer’s markets. I talked to her about the possibility of operating under the state’s cottage food laws and selling my products at farmer’s markets rather than in a store. She gave me a lot of great advice and helped me feel like I could do it and be profitable.

I spent a lot of time on research and development. I considered factors such as what products would be most popular, how to keep them fresh, how to stand out from other vendors, what aesthetic I wanted for my booth, equipment and services I needed to get started, and the requirements to be accepted at markets in my area.

One of the most important decisions was the type of product I would bake and my business name. Ultimately I decided that my love of experimenting with creative and unusual flavor combinations and unique twists on classics was my niche. The business name followed soon after, and The Creative Oven was launched with the manta “Eat outside the box!”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a former healthcare architect turned entrepreneur, I am a former designer of hospitals, now a designer of desserts.

I spent thirty-two years in the architecture profession. My specialty was healthcare facilities such as hospitals and surgery centers. This career enabled me to dedicate myself to raising my son on my own. I loved baking for him and exposing him to my love of travel, and we thrived. He grew and life continued to change. I met a wonderful man and remarried. All the change of 2020 hit. When the firm where I worked closed I decided it was time for my plans for early retirement to be implemented and for me to leave the profession. My family had changed. My son was becoming a fine young man and would soon be on his own. It was time for me and my life to change. It was time for me to focus on things I enjoyed and start shaping my next chapter in life.

Part of that next chapter was exploring my entrepreneurial side and opening a part time baking business. After all of those years in the architecture profession honing my design skills I have turned my creativity to my baking and now design desserts featuring creative flavor combinations. The feedback on my new creations has been incredibly fulfilling. Hearing customers’ stories about how my baking enriches their lives and the lives of their loved ones and brings them joy has been the best part of my newfound career. It has enriched my life and brought joy to me by doing the same for them. I want my next chapter to be a life rich in joy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My idea of a good time tends to be quite different from most people. It is more likely to include a bike ride or walk along the Spring Creek Greenway, coffee and conversation on my back porch, and delicious meals prepared in my own kitchen than nights spent at exotic restaurants, bars, and clubs. In fact, I am usually the one looking for tips on new, exiting, and interesting things to do and see.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Mary Middlebrook encouraged me, answered a lot of questions about cottage food businesses and selling at markets, and helped to convince me to finally turn my love of baking into a business.

Website: www.thecreativeoven.com

Instagram: @thecreativeoven

Facebook: /thecreativeoven