This baker's rise: From home kitchen to storefront

What began in Cindy Chen’s West Kelowna basement has now come full circle, opening her very own shop, Baked, at 548 Lawrence Ave in downtown Kelowna.

After working several years in the culinary industry, Chen turned her attention to custom cakes for special occasions.

She told Ara from 103.1 Beach Radio while she liked working in her own home, she wanted to expand with a chance to be more creative.

“I don't ever want to work in restaurants again, making desserts and plating desserts, but I want to be able to create desserts and still be able to serve them to like everyday people,” she explained. “I like to play with my medium, and I like to do whatever I feel like. That's why I wanted to open the store front.”

Since it's infancy, Chen's journey has allowed her to connect with the community on a whole new level. She’s not just creating desserts; she’s creating experiences and bringing people together through her desserts.

“I want to do that for other people. That's why I did love making pastries in restaurants, but this is more personal with custom cakes you get to create,” Chen said. “I meet brides whose cake I make, and then years later, I do their baby shower, and their kid's birthdays. It's like I'm a part of their family almost and it’s nice to see them grow up.”

Watch the video to see what special cake Cindy made for us.