Meet Teya-Michelle Covin of Sugar Baker in The North Shore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teya-Michelle Covin.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started baking for my surviving triplets, whom are now 26. I would bake treats for parties and school events, as they have grew into young adults. I then started baking for Church events and donating my baked goods. As time went on, I was asked had I ever thought about opening a Bakery? At that particular time of my life….that was the furthest thing from my mind.

I was a single mother working in Corporate America trying to meet financial obligations as well as prepare financially to send my son to the University of Dubuque, Well…I ended up getting ill, and was no longer able to work in Corporate America. I needed to find something to channel all the anxiety I was experiencing. I started baking again, I took advantage of every opportunity I could to bake! The greater the demand got, I decided to choose a name. Tasty Treats by Teya was the original name. Once my grandmother passed away in 2017 from Alzheimer’s, I then changed my name to Sugar Baker, as my nickname is Suga!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Anytime you set out to be your own Boss it can tend to be a rough road at times. It comes with challenges and struggles. Not all challenges or struggles are negative, Challenges and struggles are needed to grow! It is all what you make of it.

There were times when I would not sale half of my baked items at some events. My presentations of my product was not top notch. It was not horrible, but I needed to revamp my presentation. The challenge or struggle is knowing your demographic area, this is very important when it comes to what products to offer and setting the price.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Sugar Baker story. Tell us more about the business.
Sugar Baker provides pastries, at a reasonable cost. We provide a variety of sizes of breakfast loaves, cakes, cobblers, cheesecakes, cupcakes, muffins, and pies. In addition to brownies and cookies.

I am known for my Bundt cakes! The most popular flavors are Amaretto, Bourbon Pecan and Sweet Potato. I am proud that Sugar Baker accepts all challenges that come never giving up! We put our Heart in everything we do. What sets up apart from others, Sugar Baker will work with your budget! To make your event nice whether you can afford to pay full price or you have a tight budget. I make it a point to know my customers, and make each one feel special. I greet them with a smile and a pleasant word. I always let my customers know I appreciate that they patronize Sugar Baker.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Sugar Baker has been Blessed in my life and business, I have a very Loving and Supporting network of kinship family, church family and friends, I have also been Blessed with having the opportunity of attending Sunshine Enterprises, which taught me the In and Outs of running a Small Business, Lastly I have two great mentors, Alderman Robin Rue Simmons of Evanston and also Linda DelBosque Editor in Chief of Evanston Woman.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sugarbakerinc.godaddysites.com
• Phone: 224-808-0038
• Email: Sugarbaker10@yahoo.com

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