Hello There! My name is Megan, and I want to introduce you to my good friend Ericka, who is one of the hardest-working mothers I know. I am organizing a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for a refrigerator for her new bake shop in Calumet. I had the opportunity to interview her about her inspiring story and how Laurium Bites and Tasty Treats came to be. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering contributing to a worthy cause!

PAST:

Ericka grew up in California and Texas, and her relationship with baking began at a young age. Her mom Brenda Lee, and Aunt Lisa were her baking mentors and teachers. She vividly remembers standing at the threshold of the kitchen, watching their every move as they cooked and baked together. Ericka’s earliest baking memories as a kid are of a cream cheese swirl brownie she made for an elderly neighbor and a colorful Neapolitan cake she baked on Easter.

For most of Ericka’s life, baking had always just been a hobby. In 2022, Ericka got her first job baking professionally, and a couple of years later, she and Pete transitioned to the local farmer’s market scene, which allowed them to bake for their community in a more connected and direct way. This is when Laurium Bites and Tasty Treats were born!

PRESENT:

Ericka is busy baking every single day, from the wee hours of the morning into the wee hours of the night. She bakes for private orders, such as parties, anniversaries, and special events, and also has numerous local wholesale clients. And, if that isn’t enough, she's even partnered with the local school districts, creating healthy breakfast options for students a couple of days a week!

FUTURE:

Laurium Bites and Tasty Treats has secured a bake shop location in Calumet off the highway, where you will soon find Ericka and Pete baking and selling traditional bakery items, including their famous cinnamon rolls and scones, in addition to grab-and-go breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Ericka and her family are very excited to make the space their own—they plan to have their menu offerings inspired by local in-season produce, a founder's wall, as well as window decorations decorated by local art students.

The current timeline estimates that the kitchen will be open for them to use beginning in June 2025. The goal is for the front of the shop to be open for business by the end of summer 2025.

GO FUND ME CONTRIBUTIONS:

In order to continue to serve community partners and complete current projects, Ericka and Pete are hoping to acquire necessary equipment for their bake shop that will allow them to bake more. These contributions will be used to acquire a large, up-to-code refrigerator for their bake shop in Calumet. Any additional donations will be used to purchase local produce from local farmers to put in their baked goods! Just imagine: A “Ghost House scone” with goat cheese and spinach :P

Thank you so much for helping Ericka and her family expand Laurium Bites and Tasty Treats to the next step!