Help Whisk Taker Rise! A Bold Baking Dream in the Making...

My name is Jenn Lutton and I'm the Owner of Whisk Taker, LLC. I have been baking since before I could reach the kitchen countertop, mostly with my mama. As I grew older, memories were made with her, then spread to baking with friends, then for celebrations, birthdays, showers, and weddings, but baking has always been the center of my emotions. You could say I eat my feelings and share my bakes with others to do the same. :) Food is an emotion, be it celebrating happiness, soothing sadness, comforting a bad day, saying I love you, hugging from afar - there is no limit to the healing food can provide.

When I turned 49 years old, I gifted myself pastry school and attended Auguste Escoffier, graduating just last month. I was able to learn so very much, and hone the skills I'd already learned in my life to this point. Now I'm 50, and it is time to live my passion. As a result, I left a career of about 30 years, leaned in to faith, and took the plunge.

Much like getting married, having a child, or other milestones in our lives, rarely are we told about the difficulties that come with such joy. Beginning a business is one of the hardest ventures I've ever begun. That is why you're (hopefully) reading this. About a year and a half ago, my husband and I moved back to his home town of Muncie. I knew only two other people in town, and two people about half hour away. I have been marketing and networking, and in doing so, have met some absolutely amazing and extremely talented humans. I've had the opportunity to participate in three vendor markets so far, and am signed up for approximately 30 more throughout the remainder of 2025. I have also been given the opportunity to do business with two other local small business owners who have agreed to share their space for my product. How fantastic is that!? I also have the support of friends and family, which is so much more than a person could ever ask. Here is my struggle: in order to continue selling my product in a retail capacity, I am required to work out of a commercial kitchen, which is anywhere between $35 and $125 monthly. In addition, markets are $25-50 per day, and the cost of ingredients are astronomical. If I am unable to afford to pay for markets and the occasional use of a commercial kitchen, I will no longer be afforded the opportunity to sell my products in a retail establishment, and if I cannot afford to pay vendor fees and procure ingredients, I will be forced to shut my dream down and go back to full-time, corporate employment. This, alone, is heartbreaking. I truly believe I am here to bake and show my love through food.

I'm asking for anything you are able to do to assist. If it's placing orders, donating to help with vendor, ingredient, and commercial kitchen costs, etc., it is all so appreciated. I am currently researching small business loans, grants, and investors. In the meantime, I'd love nothing more than to be able to keep my dream alive. I want to share my passion with whoever would like to experience my food. To put a smile on someone's face, if only for a moment, is my goal. This is my dream. Whisk Taker is my baby, and I would love to see her grow up. This is my jump story.