CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md.- On August 15th, 2024, Amy Bird officially closed her business, Blissful Bakes. Bird had served in the Army from 2005-2013, and was discharged on a disability. During the COVID lock down, Bird was entertained by watching baking shows, and when she attempted to make the dishes and pastries she saw on TV, was surprised how much she enjoyed herself. Bird decided to seek formal training, however with a 4-year-old at home, she was unsure how she was going to manage schooling.
Bird then enrolled with Escoffier’s School of Culinary Arts online program. She fell in love with baking, and found a creative outlet in her pastries. Bird experienced dishes from all over the world, and boasted, “I excelled in macarons!”
Once Bird graduated, she relied on her passion and set out to create Blissful Bakes out of her home. She purchased three thousand dollars in baking equipment, and began to live her dream. Bird attended different events, and passed out hundreds of business cards. She posted regularly on social media about her baking business. Soon, Bird began to take orders, however she only averaged about 2-3 orders a week.
Bird persevered for one year. There were nights she worked late into the night, which put a lot of strain on her body and finances. She mentioned that she was unable to even pay herself, because each time she made some sort of profit, she had to turn around and purchase groceries for the next order. Bird stated, “Inflation was detrimental to being successful financially.”
Coming out of 2020, groceries and their prices continued to rise. Per the USDA, prices for foods rose 22% in the four-year period from 2020 to 2024, and are the second highest it’s ever been in the past 20 years. Groceries, however, were a small part of Birds inventory.
Parchment paper, gloves, boxes, containers, baggies; the list kept going and the bill kept getting higher. That wasn’t the only thing depleting her money. Taxes, and other mandatory business filings were depleting her business account as well.
“I remember being so incredibly excited to finally have $320 in my business account, and then I had to pay $300 to submit paperwork saying I didn’t own big expensive equipment.”
Despite closing down her business, Bird is happy and proud she took a chance. She states she’s resilient and will be back.
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