Photo by Jamie Plain
Becca Westerfield, owner of Becca Bakes, continues to sweeten the community one decision at a time.
In 2019, Westerfield was working in a law office and baking from home. A friend asked if she realized she was working two full-time jobs.
“My house was full of cupcakes and cakes,” she said. “My husband would come in and ask if we were grilling [for dinner].”
Success continued, thanks to word of mouth and social media, and Westerfield realized she needed a storefront — which is now open Tuesday through Friday — to continue to fill orders.
“It was just taking off,” she said.
Westerfield also realized that she could not keep up with the demand, so she hired her cousin Sarah to help. The store currently has 13 employees, and Westerfield said they’re the kind that stick around and even return from college on breaks to work. She’s also proud to pass on baking traditions to her employees.
“They are peers and teachers and I love hearing them ask each other, ‘How did you do that?’ when they are decorating,” she said. “They are forming friendships.”
Ms. Brenda runs the counter and Ms. Connie, who comes from cafeteria work, has her own corner mixer in the kitchen. Westerfield also has a second-in-charge in Aleah, who is helping Westerfield learn to “divide and conquer,” along with Heather, who customizes the grazing tables and charcuterie boards offered.
This year, Becca Bakes has made cakes or cupcakes for more than 60 weddings. The smallest wedding cake sold is a two-tier cake, but anything larger, she sets it up at the wedding site. But it’s not just full-size cakes requested for weddings, as Becca Bakes’ cupcakes are often a hot item because people want to try the variety of flavors the bride and groom select. While the cupcake display trend started during the pandemic, Westerfield said it has maintained popularity.
The enjoyment of baking for celebratory events is something Westerfield learned from her great-grandmother.
“I was always at the counter, underfoot,” she said. “If I so much as sneezed, she wanted to make a pie. It was her love language.”
Westerfield has carried on the tradition with her family, and gathering around the table is important with her two grown children.
Westerfield wanted to add that feeling of togetherness to the storefront, so from Wednesday to Friday, people can come in to eat lunch and use the space that is filled with parties on other days.
And visitors can try a cupcake – or three – of course.
On Saturdays, the storefront is closed for private parties that range from gender reveals to baby and wedding showers to birthday parties. Westerfield said they offer grazing tables, along with the sweets so that the event can be turn-key ready.
“It is all done for them … from the cakes and cupcakes to the charcuterie tray to plates, napkins and drinks,” she said. “They can walk in, have the party and walk out.”
From the pink walls to themed table decor, there is a decorated room at the back with a cozy feel that offers a place for opening presents. A couch and two comfortable chairs provide an area where attendees can watch and enjoy the intimate atmosphere.
Cookie decorating parties are also available, and oftentimes, karaoke is added for entertainment. Westerfield enjoys meeting with the client before so that all expectations can be met.
While the space looks large, with several tables for guests, Westerfield said at times it feels like they have outgrown their location.
“With 40-50 people, it’s a little tight, but I like the intimacy,” she said.
She does, however, feel the business has outgrown its kitchen space. With a room to the left of the display counter, three ovens can bake 15 cakes simultaneously. There is a stainless steel table in the middle with space for employees to ice the cakes and a separate room for sprinkles and decoration. Add in a back room for the new cookie oven and lunch preparation, and Westerfield’s compartmentalized mind for all of her business offerings is realized.
“I am thinking of a Becca Bakes cupcake truck … I sit and wonder what direction to go,” she said, adding that she is exploring plans for a second location and a franchise.
She knows she does not want to run the truck, but she would like it to be at food vendor events and supply the desserts for it.
While Westerfield rarely takes vacations, she will take time off if she needs to, but she said that after an hour or two, she is thinking about new things to offer or researching other bakeries in the area to visit.
She finds inspiration on social media, but she also likes to visit bakeries in other states to see if there are ideas or flavors she could bring back to Owensboro.
Westerfield hopes to offer online ordering in the upcoming year, something she said should streamline the business and allow customers to place orders tailored to their needs.
“I now have name and face recognition,” she said. “I want to do the little things I can to support others and be a one-stop shop.” OL
