Meet Becky Edwards

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Edwards.

Becky, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am Becky Edwards, a baker, a soap maker, entrepreneur, housewife and mom of 2 boys. I am an avid rescue dog lover and promoter. I am also an introvert who loves to sew, quilt and craft anything by hand. If I can make it, I do. Just don’t ask me to knit. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in the Polish community of Garfield Heights, Ohio. Although my mom was not a baker, we did spend some time throughout the year making Christmas cookies or other baked goods for friends, family or church gatherings. I believe my greatest influence, however, stems from my great uncle Ed who was indeed a baker himself and passed his Czechoslovakian influence on to me.

Along with my uncle, I have also been influenced by family traditions. One such tradition comes from my maternal grandmother who used to bake Christmas cookies for all her grandchildren. She would package dozens of cookies in large tin cans for each child and every year. We would receive our gifts in the mail. Because of this childhood memory, I find this as a key element in my passion for creating something special for others to enjoy.

It’s traditions like this that influence my baking and how I approach and develop my style, which I call “Rustic Comfort.” Even with the influence of my family, I don’t limit my creativity to family traditions alone. My Rustic Comfort style also includes my husband’s traditions, which are rooted in English baking. I have also gained knowledge of baking through my experiences at local restaurants and bakeries. I am always looking to learn new techniques to expand my skills and as a small business owner, my passion and creativity drive me to develop new products.

For more than 30 years, I have dreamed of owning a bakery. I think I have driven my husband insane with how much I talk about that dream. Mrs. Edwards Bakery is a new business that I started in my home kitchen. After a couple of years of failed attempts at trying to start a home-based bakery, I decided to start a handmade soap business instead. I still currently own and operate Birdie’s Soap Nest from my home and just recently was able to start Mrs. Edwards Bakery in my home as well. My goal is to have a farmhouse style bakery that also includes a gift shop that offers only local handmade gifts.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think a dream is a smooth road. If you want something bad enough, there will be obstacles. As an introvert, my main obstacle was myself and at times, I still feel that. Lack of confidence is a struggle that I face head on. I have so many people in my life that have encouraged me along the way and this of course helps me to overcome my obstacles. Another obstacle I have is staying focused on my dream. Sometimes it’s easy to say I don’t want to do this anymore because of its so much work, but every day, my feet hit the floor and I find myself still doing what I love. I tell myself, “Tits UP, Girl!” and I carry on. I take on my tasks one at a time rather than being overwhelmed with list things that seem unreachable.

Please tell us about your business.
My company is Mrs. Edwards Bakery. It’s a home-based cottage bakery where I offer a variety of traditional baked goods such as artisan breads, brownies, cookies and cakes that I grew up eating and making. My specialty does not lie in any one particular item. That I feel is what sets me apart. Many businesses only make cakes, or who only do cupcakes or cookies, but for me, my variety of baked goods and custom orders is my focus. I also offer celebration cakes and wedding cakes along with special order cookies and cake pops.

I am proud of myself. I grew up never once thinking that I could own a business. It never even dawned on me that it was even a thing. Here I am with two businesses and never regret it.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
There are many—integrity, consistency and quality of products. I pride myself on never taking short cuts with my products. I use real ingredients and never any substitutes or preservatives. I make every single product with my own two hands and I pour my heart into it. That is what makes a really special product and that is what keeps people coming back.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mrsedwardsbakery.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mrsedwardsbakery
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrsedwardsbakery

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