Meet Madeline Ashby | Baker & Kidpreneur

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

Hi Madeline, what do you attribute your success to?

Passion! I really love what I do. I get excited when it’s time to bake something- whether it’s cookies, cake or other baked goods. Learning about baking is so much fun. I spend time daily either watching online videos, classes, TikTok, YouTube videos’ or reading an article to learn new recipes, tips or decorating techniques.

I am blessed to have a great support system with my family. My interest in baking started when I was very young while watching and helping my mom who was a hobby baker. I always loved it so when decided to start my own business, she was very supportive. My brother, Michael is my business partner and we work very well together. While he also bakes, he mostly handles the business side of Maddie Cakes Bakery 2.

Even though I am a kid, I take my business very seriously and invest a lot of time into learning my craft. I still have a lot to learn about baking and about business, but passion, discipline and a great support system have contributed to the success that I have had and I am I’m having fun and enjoying my business as well.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I’ve always loved baking but decided to start my business during quarantine since I was home all day and homeschooled during that time. I was pretty much baking every day and realized how much I loved it. I have an entrepreneurial spirit and have always wanted to start my own business. I started off making chocolate treats (hot cocoa bombs) in December 2020 which were a big hit but decided moved more into my real passion which is baked goods- cakes and cookies. When we first launched Maddie Cakes Bakery 2 in February 2021, we put an ad on Facebook expecting to get a few orders but was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response. There were 40 orders in our first week and business has been consistent and great ever since then. One of my challenges however has been wanting to take every order that comes in but also wanting to continue to be active in sports, theatre and other activities that I love. One of the biggest lessons that I have learned is time management and priority setting. I’ve learned how to manage my schedule so that I am able to balance my personal and business life and still be a kid but also run a professional business.

I’ve also learned that not everyone is going to support your business and that’s okay. There are people cheering for you and wishing for your success that you don’t even know and you never know who’s watching. I have found supporters that I never knew I had who have brought opportunities that to me that I never could have imagined. I just try and stay focused on my goals, keep doing what I love, give back to my community and keep learning and growing as a person and a baker.

I not only want to have a successful business but I want to inspire other kids who dream of entrepreneurship to follow their passions. We aren’t too young to make an impact and find success in doing what makes us happy.

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?

I love Houston! There are so many cool places to see and to go. One of my favorite spots to hang out is at City Center near Town and Country. There is great shopping, nail salons, fabulous restaurants, a movie theatre and a nice green space to sit and talk with friends. There is something there for everyone!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My mom, Rayetta Seals Ashby who first introduced me to baking, She supports me on my baking journey and encourages me to continue to learn and grow as a baker . She works hard to ensure that I have the resources that I need to pursue my passion and is committed to helping me grow the business. Also, shoutout to my older brother and business partner, Michael! Baking with him is always so much fun. We have always been close but we’ve definitely bonded even more over baking and the time we spend together in the kitchen. Also, thanks to my Dad who also supports my dreams and cheers me on every step of the way.

Website: www.maddiecakesbakery2.com

Instagram: @maddiecakesbakery2

Facebook: @maddiecakesbakery2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5dz2maERb9k_fw3Wou1nOg