Thinking ‘inside’ the box; invention, business ‘Leap of Faith’ for county woman
Sheila B. proves true the old saying that “necessity is the mother of invention.” Well-known for her culinary creations, the local baker is a potential inventor.
Her idea for a “bakery box’” is being considered by a major manufacturer. The box will keep cakes from slipping and will eliminate smudged designs and borders while keeping icing from melting in hot traveling conditions.
“I’ve been told that a manufacturer is looking at my idea,” Sheila stated. “The company has to do a design study and product development plan. I’ve got my fingers crossed.”
A television advertisement for Invention Technologies Inc. in Coral Gables, Fla., caught her attention originally. After checking out the company online, she submitted her idea and a fee for the marketing and promotion of the “bakery box” concept.
If the box is approved for manufacturing, Sheila could sell her idea to the company or accept royalties from the sales of her product. She hasn’t decided which she would do.
“I’m taking it one step at a time,” noted Sheila, who wants to open a full-fledged bakery in town.
In the meantime, she will continue to operate her Leap of Faith Bakery from her home. Sheila opened the business last January and is pleased with its success.
“I was working at a really stressful hob and I had to have back surgery,” she stated. “I was told I couldn’t work a full eight-hour day. My husband suggested I do the home bakery. We prayed, really hard about it and we’re still praying really, really hard about it. We decided to take this leap of faith.”
Her husband, David, is employed at a utility trailer manufacturing company. Sheila works part in an office.
“I always cooked and baked. I did cakes for friends and family ,” she commented. “I enjoyed it. So, I went into it full time.”
Among her specialties are cakes for any occasion, a variety of cookies, pies and chocolates. She also caters events for a maximum of 75 people.
“I do it all in the kitchen here,” Sheila said. “Most everything is made from scratch. If I do use a mix, I doctor it. I never follow a recipe. Everything is made fresh. I never freeze anything.”