A Raleigh business woman has gone from being on the verge of shutting down to a daily overflow of orders and non-stop business, a turnaround made possible with the support of her community.
Shanae Bryant opened Madame B’s Bakery on Atlantic Avenue three years ago. She has struggled to stay afloat due to inflation and the cost of baking supplies.
“I was looking at shutting down the store on Jan. 31,” said Bryant.
Before that happened, however, she started a GoFundMe page. Individuals and business owners donated an estimated $5,000 to help keep the shop alive
“To have so many orders a day is truly amazing. I first managed the shop by myself and am now fully staffed to keep up with the overflow of orders,” Bryant said.
Social media influencer Roger Kornegay of Raleigh Foodtrap (@raleighfoodtrap) contributed by featuring the bakery on their social media platforms, including their Instagram page with over 86,000 followers.
To thank everyone, Bryant is having a re-grand opening on April 15 that she dedicated to the community for their support and donations.
“I want to thank those who stepped up to help save the bakery,” said Bryant. “It is a free event, and we will have everything from food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, snow cones, and all types of things for the community.”
Madame B’s Bakery has a variety of cakes, cupcakes and desserts.
“We are best known for our red velvet, which is not a chocolate, shortcakes, cookies and banana pudding cake,” said Bryant. “Just think desserts, any kind of dessert I can do.”
Bryant said whenever a customer comes into the shop, she wants them to feel at home and experience the love she puts into every product.
When asked what advice she would give other entrepreneurs or business owners who might be struggling now, she says not to be afraid to ask for help.
“That was one of the things I was totally against, but now that I reached out, it is so many resources out here for business owners,” said Bryant. “Just asking for help can change the complete trajectory of your life; that is what the community is here for, supporting each other.”
Madame B’s Bakery is at 4701 Atlantic Ave., Suite 105, in Raleigh. Those outside the area can still enjoy the variety of treats through several food partners, including Uber Eats, Doordash, GrubHub, Carolina Blue mini-mart and Triangle mini-mart.
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