Meet Brooke Duncum | Baker

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

Hi Brooke, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My love for baking grew around 2009. For about 3 years, my husband and I took over and ran my mother-in-law’s Bed and Breakfast. During this time, I discovered how much I loved coming up with different baked goods to serve. I enjoyed watching people’s face light up after trying one of my delicious sweets. For years I tested different recipes on family and friends and came up with some of my favorites. After lots of planning and creating, I was ready to expand my love for baking into a business. 2020 I launched B8K treats Home Bakery.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I view my baking as artistry because it taps into my creative side. I take great pride in the flavors I develop and my customer satisfaction is my top priority.

While running a bed and breakfast for 3 years I was able to serve guest all across the country. Often I would bake various sweets for our guests and found that they loved them. When I decided to end the bed and breakfast I focused my time on baking.

It took awhile to build up my clientele and I faced challenges in marketing my product along the way. Because of these challenges, I have learned patience and commitment to my craft. It wasn’t easy, but it has been rewarding. I have found that I truly love baking for others.

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?
Houston is my hometown, and I have great pride for my community. I would need to show them the areas that make Houston special; downtown with Minute Maid and Toyota Center, eating a delicious steak from Morton’s (great bartenders), hanging out in the Theater District and seeing musicals at The Hobby Center or our world class ballet at The Wortham Center, and of course Eado for BBVA. The Heights has great food to offer, such as Loro, or wonderful pastries from Common Bond. Take the time to go to the Houston Zoo and all the great museums located in the Museum District and Hermann Park, such as MFAH, Museum of Natural Science, and my favorite, the Menil Collection.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While I have been baking for many years, I was inspired to branch out my product by Nancy Mendoza of Nancy’s Cake Designs in Houston. My sisters, Courtney Meiselman and Margo Jackson, have also been very instrumental in helping me develop my business. I have also had great love and support from my family, friends, and long time customers.

Website: b8ktreats.com

Instagram: @b8ktreats

Facebook: b8k treats

Other: Email: b8ktreats@mail.com