Jennifer Young is making Tallahassee International Airport a little sweeter now that she’s opened the airport’s first Black woman-owned bakery.
Young first founded TC Bakery in her kitchen during COVID, Black Enterprise reports.
Cooking is in Young’s DNA. Her parents were previous restaurateurs, and the entrepreneur dusted off their old cookbooks when she launched her own baking business.
“My parents, Issac and Tommie Williams, owned a popular restaurant in the ‘80s and ‘90s called Ma Mary’s Kitchen, located on the campus of FAMU,” Young told Black Enterprise.“My mother died when I was 10, and my daddy continued to raise me as a single father. I began baking in 2016 after the birth of my twins, using a cookbook that was passed down to me and added my own twist to the recipes.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Young made the decision to perfect the craft of baking, making and selling baked goods to a growing and loyal fanbase.
Now the Florida entrepreneur has made history by taking her baking business toTallahassee International Airport.
Young announced the good news on social media. In her post, she reflected on her late parent’s legacy and the foundation they instilled in her to become the successful business owner she is today.
“The day my daddy died, he said, ‘Baby, ppl go know your name!’ He was prophesying to me, who didn’t really believe what he was saying. Fast forward, almost a year to the anniversary of his death, it [came] true! He spoke in my life when at times I didn’t even believe in myself,” Young wrote. “Daddy you were right! Ppl will forever know my name! Thank you to everyone who has pushed, prayed, supported, [and] celebrated me on this journey…This one for my momma and daddy!.”
TC Bakery products can be found at Tailwind in Tallahassee’s airport. The offerings include some of Young’s signature baked goods — including the Blueberry Dream Cake, Turtle Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls, and her Pineapple Strawberry Cake. Young also has her products at other places in the community. This includes Community Co-op Market, Lindy’s Fried Chicken in Crawfordville, and the Piggly Wiggly of Tallahassee.
Young is excited about her most recent expansion. But she’s not slowing down anytime soon. She wants to create the TC Bakery Factory, with hopes of offering franchising opportunities. She also wants to install a premium kitchen space that can host events for Florida locals.
Congratulations, Jennifer. This is only the beginning!
Cover photo: TC Bakery makes history as first Black woman-owned bakery at Tallahassee airport/Photo Courtesy of Tan Edgerton/Tallahassee Foodies