I am seeking your help in kicking off my new cooking business!
Why food? Why now?
Food is an important part of my life and my cooking something many have come to associate with me. Whether you’ve enjoyed something I’ve made as part of a community event, a fundraiser, a potluck, a free meal program or a spur of the moment afternoon at Jackie O’s where I show up with dinner or desserts to share for no particular reason besides being in the mood to cook and share food, it seems I always circle back to the idea of making food for myself and others.
June is not only my birthday month, but also happens to be LGBTQ+ Pride Month, as well as the month when the Juneteenth holiday is celebrated, so what better time to finally embrace this talent and more officially put it out there in the world! If you know me, you also know I’ve usually got 7-12 ideas going on in the back of my mind simultaneously, so getting the business up and running with a focus on desserts, catering (personal, private and group) and having a presence at community events is just the start, but there’s lots more in store, so stay tuned!
This said, starting a business isn’t cheap and requires many upfront costs to assure you are legit according to state and local standards! I’ve decided it’s worth the costs to pursue, but if you’re able and willing to support along the way, I would be honored to have you standing here with me. I am officially registered with the state of Ohio as ABC Baking & Catering, LLC and planning to dba (do business as) Angry Black Chick Bakery & Catering! Over the past few months I have been doing extensive research on how to start my own business, working closely with ACEnet and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for their expertise and guidance and picking the brains of a variety of folks who also possess a wealth of relevant knowledge, as I begin this new adventure! Lots of time, energy and thought has gone into this journey and while there’s still much work to do, I feel I am in a good place to start getting the word out there that I’m starting this business!
Why the name?
While officially filed as ABC Baking & Catering, LLC through the state, I am dba (doing business as) Angry Black Chick Baking & Catering! So why the name and perhaps more importantly, why so angry? You may think, Angry Black Chick Baking & Catering, well that sounds abrasive!? Perhaps you’re not wrong, and maybe in some ways, that’s the point. However, after repeatedly finding myself in positions where I’ve felt undervalued, unsupported and unable to be my authentic self, I decided I’m tired of being asked to shrink. By being my own boss and taking matters into my own hands all while doing something I love, I aim to reclaim a stereotype and turn it in to something productive. Believe me many hours and sleepless nights were spent obsessing over whether this was too risky of a move. Ultimately, I decided those who get it will get it and those who don’t, likely won’t be running to support my business anyway. If you’re reading this, I hope you’re one of the folks who gets it, because this angry Black chick is ready to get cookin’!
What will the funds specifically be used for?
Before you consider donating you may want to know what your money will go, which is a completely legitimate question given there are so many worthy causes to support. I've already covered some of the initial costs to get things rolling. Additional ways the funds will be used include:
-Costs associated with the use of ACEnet's commercial kitchen space
-Vending licenses
-Insurance
-Equipment
-Advertising/publicity
-Memberships
-Supplies
Who should donate?
-Those who have ever eaten something I made and thought, dang, that woman can cook, she should maybe consider a business centered around food! While I may be biased, I have heard accounts of people days, months and years after (not exaggerating) still thinking about that cupcake, cheesecake, cookie, etc. I made once.
-Those who want to support a Black, LGBTQ+, women-owned business, particularly during said Black, LGBTQ+, women-owned business-owners birthday month and LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
-Those who know they want to engage in anti-racist actions and show support to folks from underrepresented groups/communities, but struggle when it comes to the “HOW” of how to do that. Here’s one opportunity to do that!
-Those who have specifically thought, "wow, Lacey sure does a lot for the betterment of our community, (particularly when it comes to supporting other folks from underrepresented communities), she’s a face I associate with activism/social justice, I sure wish there was a way I could give back to/support her!" Again, look no further than this opportunity to support my new business endeavor!
-Anyone-I appreciate all the support I can get and I know there will be folks who want to support even if they don’t really have the means to do so financially. Please, please, please only give financially if this makes sense for you, there will be plenty of other ways for you to support me and my business in the future.
How do I donate?
For now there are 3 ways to donate:
-Via this platform, Spotfund!
-Zelle-See Facebook post for QR code or contact me!
-Venmo-https://venmo.com/u/angryblackchick
How else can I support your new business?
If you’d like to hire me for your upcoming baking or catering needs, let’s talk! As I said, I’ve been hard at work getting things in order for this launch. I’m still working on a website/social media pages, menus and pricing, but please don’t hesitate to reach out in the meantime if you’d like to discuss having ABC Baking & Catering be part of your upcoming event! Feel free to reach out to me at angryblackchickbaking@gmail.com for your baking and catering needs! Helping spread the word about my new business via a social media share, word of mouth, etc. would also mean the world!
Thank yous
There are far too many people to thank, so for fear of forgetting someone I’m just going to say that many many thanks are in order for those who have provided guidance during the process of the creation of ABC Baking and Catering, LLC! I truly could not do it without all of your support! Also, a special thanks is in order to my friend the extremely talented Jo Marsan (they/them) who without hesitation whipped up this amazing logo!
