How I Baked My Way Through Chaos

In April of 2020, like so many others, I was furloughed thanks to the pandemic. I was a single mom, deep in a stressful custody battle (my kids’ father wanted to move them to the Middle East), and suddenly out of work. It felt like life had thrown a pie in my face — and not the good kind if you know what I mean.

So I did what any sane person would do in the middle of global chaos...started a cheesecake business of course! 

Because when life gives you lemons... you make lemon cheesecake, right???

What began as a survival move quickly became something more. People loved the cheesecake! There I was slinging slices of comfort to a community that needed a little joy, and just when things were starting to look up, we got slammed by the derecho. It was like life said, “Let’s see how you handle this.” 

It knocked out power all over Cedar Rapids, wiped out my business, and left me with nothing: no electricity, no refrigeration, no ingredients, and no income. But, even in the middle of the chaos, I couldn’t ignore the fact that so many others were struggling even more than me. So, once my power was restored, I took the last of my savings and started making meals for people who couldn’t access food. I posted on social media asking for help and something incredible happened — people started to show up.

Volunteers of every race, background, and walk of life, came together to feed those with the most need. Walking door-to-door we delivered meals, checked on people, and created a little light in a really dark time. It was beautiful... truly beautiful. Helping those people was the highlight of my year and it helped me focus on something other than my own troubles.

After about three weeks I was completely out of resources and had no choice but to announce I’d have to close my doors for good, and would have to go get a "real" job.

Then, suddenly, a miracle happened...my customers showed up at my door with donations, ingredients, and a unified message:  “Nope, you’re not quitting.” One person  went so far to say, "We would gladly uncinch our belts for you." I was dumbfounded...in a day and age when everyone is so focused on their weight, they were willing to gain a couple extra pounds just to keep me going. Mind blown!! I was overwhelmed by their kindness and generosity. Nothing like that has ever happened in my life before, and it all just felt like a dream. Their support and belief in me is the reason I've kept going over the years.

Since then, my cheesecakes have traveled all across the country. I’ve survived cream cheese and egg shortages, wildly inflated prices, and every curveball you can imagine. Yet, somehow I kept on truckin' like the doo-dah man.

People often ask how I kept going, and the truth is, I didn’t do it alone. This business was built by a community that refused to let me fail. Without the people of the Cedar Rapids area, I wouldn't be here, and there would be no story to tell.

This isn’t just about dessert - It’s about resilience, kindness, and the unexpected ways people can lift each other up. And, while the journey has been anything but easy, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.