Meet Essence Baham | Black & LGBTQ Owner

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

Hi Essence, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Lancaster, California. A small city an hour and a half away from Los Angeles with a high level of poverty. I was raised by a single mother in a middle class home. She did her best but sometimes things were hard. I think my creativity stemmed from those experiences because often we had to make something out of nothing. The first time I sold my baking was to make money to afford the extra-circular activities I wanted to do. I started selling brownies on my high school campus. This was a popular snack to sell for $1 each. All the students thought they were so good and I got so much positive feedback. I started to sell out by third or fourth period. Although there were a lot of students that sold brownies, mine were in high demand. I used my creativity and turned $1.50 brownie mix into something special.
I channel the energy of my background in my business today by using my creativity to make great treats at affordable prices. Of course profit is important, but I believe in being aware of people’s budget in the community is so important when running a business.  

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The obstacle I faced the most with getting my business where it is today is myself. The fear of not being able to take my passion and make it a career. I asked myself since high school what was my passion, and my purpose. When it has been staring me in the face this whole time. I knew what my passion was, but that voice in my head saying I need an “actual career” kept me from making that first step. I realized that passion comes first and business comes second. Besides profit and customers, passion is what comes first in a business because that is why you started it. I got where I am today by taking risks and leading with faith that my business will be in high demand one day! I want people to know that Wake N’ Bake puts passion first and all our baking is made with love.

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 would take them to Brandy’s cafe for breakfast which has good food and so many options. Then after we can walk Downtown Flagstaff and enjoy the shops. For nightlife I would take them to Collins’. The bar has great music and affordable drinks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my mom Lorna, my siblings Geoffrey & Ebonee, and my girlfriend Mimi. Thank you for always supporting me.

Instagram: wakenbakellc01

Facebook: Wake N’ Bake LLC

Other: email: wakenbakellc01@gmail.com