Meet Alison Phelps | Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alison Phelps and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from South Carolina.

I grew up in a single parent household with one of the strongest women I’ll ever know. Throughout my childhood and even adulthood shes continues to inspire me with her confidence, drive, encouragement and her ability to never give up. She’s always worked hard to set goals and accomplish them. Her work ethic was instilled in me in an early age.

For holidays and work events she would always invite me to help bake. She’d always let me help make the batter no matter how big of a mess I would make. We’d make peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies the most.

When I became a mother I found myself practicing these same traditions with my kids. I’ve always found baking to be soothing and as an outlet for creativity. So in my 30’s I was inspired to attend college where I turned this hobby into a career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart from others in our area is that I offer 54 flavors in cupcakes and 80 flavors in cookies that are unique yet full of flavor. I offer cake decorating class every month where I teach others how to frost, stack and decorate a cake.

I’m most excited about the future and opening a storefront in our small community.

Facing hardship in my life, I decided to attend culinary school in my early 30’s. Having a family while attending college was a challenge but I loved every minute of it. Being an entrepreneur ins’t easy, it’s full of long hours, burnout, building clientele, creating recipes and so much more. One of the biggest lesson I’ve learned in this industry is that I can’t do it all and that it’s okay to ask for help.

What I’d like others to know – Our baked goods are made fresh, from scratch and with lots of creativity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m not much of a city extrovert but more of a mountain introvert.

If I had a whole week with a friend we’d start the week by stocking up on local produce at the farmers market and getting a sugar rush from Sunny’s Donuts. We’d visit some of the state parks to hike trails, seek waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. My favorite state parks are Devils Fork, Table Rock state park and Dreher Island State Park. For dinner we’d grab the best tacos from border or a hot sandwich from Hickory Tavern. To close each day we’d enjoy s’mores around a bonfire while catching up on life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to my family. Thank you all for being so supportive along this journey. From taste testing everything, giving honest feedback, help with packaging, attending each market, giving me encouragement, you’re the best and I couldn’t ask for a more supportive group! I love you all!

Website: Www.bigtastybakery.com

Instagram: Big Tasty Bakery

Facebook: Big Tasty Bakery

Image Credits
I took all these photos with my iPhone. 🙂