This Philly Entrepreneur Turned Baking Into A Business During The Pandemic, Now She’s Opened A Brick-And-Mortar Store

Self-taught baker Ashley Huston is opening her own shop in Philadelphia, PA.

For Huston, it all started as a child. She was interested in tinkering with recipes that were as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, she told CBS News.

“I would try to change things up and recreate things,” she shared with the outlet.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Huston decided to open a micro bakery as a side hustle. According to her company website, she offers a variety of cakes, including flavors like red velvet, cookie butter, chai-spiced carrot cake, and unique options such as matcha cake paired with strawberry lavender jam, matcha custard, and condensed milk buttercream.

She also sells cookies, cinnamon rolls, brownies, and savory pastries.

Her creations have even won her Philadelphia Magazine’s 2024 Best of Philly baker — not to mention she caught the attention of the legendary Patti LaBelle. Huston had the honor of making the cake for LaBelle’s 80th birthday.

“We decided on making a lemon marmalade cake and had a little bit of mixed berry in there and vanilla buttercream,” Huston recalled to the outlet.

Her dedication to her craft over the years has now led to the opening of her first brick-and-mortar storefront, DreamWorld Bakes, located in Philadelphia.

“Opening a bakery has always been my dream,” Huston expressed to CBS News. “DreamWorld Bakes is my love letter to Philly and proof that with enough hard work and a sprinkle of magic, anything is possible.”

Huston was met with support from her community during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which featured samples and treats for the first 100 visitors. One customer, Christina Morales, traveled from Bucks County.

“I always love to support small businesses, and to be able here in their bakery is amazing,” Morales expressed.

Huston commented:

“This bakery is the culmination of so much hard work, love and a little bit of magic. I want DreamWorld Bakes to be a space where everyone can feel a spark of joy and wonder and of course, enjoy some incredible treats.”