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Hi everyone,
I'm Ashleigh, the heart and soul behind Ashleigh Bakes Daily, and I'm so excited to share that my dream of opening my own bakery and commercial kitchen is soooooooo close to becoming a reality! I've already passed inspection and my kitchen is fully operational and up to code – a huge milestone!
This means I can finally focus on the finishing touches that will transform Ashleigh Bakes Daily into a truly special place. I'm working hard to create a warm and inviting space where I can share all the delicious treats you've come to love (and some exciting new ones too!). Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, savoring a savory biscuit, or indulging in a rich, decadent brownie with a fudgy center. The aroma of happiness is about to fill the air!
While the essential infrastructure is in place, I still need a little help to complete the aesthetics of the bakery and acquire some key equipment to expand my offerings and create the perfect customer experience.
My fundraising goal is $27,000, and here's how those funds will be used:
Here's a breakdown of how your generous donations will support Ashleigh Bakes Daily
Essential Equipment (Estimated $17,000):
Additional Ovens: $6,000 (Essential for increased baking capacity)
- I started with what I could afford and have quickly outgrown my small oven. I want to get my forever ovens ordered and installed so I can produce more baked goods daily.
Stand-up Fridge & Freezer: $5,000 (Crucial for ingredient storage)
Larger Dish Sink and upgraded plumbing: $4,500 (For efficient operations)
- Fun fact: I built my current set up using my limited plumbing and engineering skills because upgrading the plumbing was out too costly for my orginal budget. I would love to have a real 3 piece sink to make my dish washing much simplier.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere (Estimated $6,000):
Permanent Flooring & Painting: $7,000 (Creating a warm and inviting space)
- When I signed my lease and came to pull the carpet up, I found out that there was damaged concrete underneath. With a lot of manual labor, my cousin and I got a workable floor put in so that baking could commence. Y'all, I need a real floor, though.
In-kind donations are always welcome.
Comfortable Seating: $1,000
- I'd love to have space in the front of the retail space for a weekly or monthly book club. One for kids and adults because literacy is important in my household, and I believe it's an important piece to living a full life.
Display Case: $800 (Showcasing all the delicious baked goods)
Menu Display: $200 (Clearly presenting all the offerings)
Coffee Corner (Estimated $1,000):
Simple Coffee Equipment: $500 (Providing a perfect complement to the baked goods)
Coffee Stand/Counter: $500 (Creating a dedicated coffee service area)
I'm incredibly passionate about baking and sharing my creations with the community.
Opening Ashleigh Bakes Daily will allow me to do just that, and I can't wait to share the joy of fresh, homemade baked goods.
After searching for over a year for a space that could house a commercial baking space with a retail store front and when I found my space at 612 Lakeland St, Durham NC 27701, I knew this would be my home. With the lease signed and the doors open, I just need a little help from my community friends to make it cozy for everyone.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey with me. Your support means the world, and I'm so grateful for your help in making my dream a reality.
Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your friends and family.
I can't wait to see you at Ashleigh Bakes Daily
Organizer
