Sweet Success
Jennifer Young’s journey of transforming challenges into delectable delights
From the tangy delight of fresh key lime pies to the rich indulgence of butter pecan cheesecakes and the customer-favorite Red Velvet Cake, baking gives Jennifer Young a sense of purpose. Her passion for creating mouthwatering desserts shines through in every bite, making TC Bakery a cherished destination for sweet-treat aficionados.
Young, a trailblazing Black entrepreneur, is the owner of TC Bakery, which specializes in desserts and classic Southern treats, featuring nostalgic and timeless flavors from her childhood. The bakery supplies fresh pastries to businesses around Tallahassee, including Piggly Wiggly, RedEye Coffee, Fresh 4 Less, and Community Co-Op. TC Bakery’s latest venture has catapulted the business to new heights by partnering with Tailwind Hospitality, Inc. in Tallahassee International Airport.
Young’s journey to success was not always paved with sugar and spice and everything nice. When Young became mother to twins in 2016, she immediately felt overwhelmed by the challenge of raising two infants alongside her high-school-aged children. During her battle with severe postpartum depression, a gift from her father helped her fight her way back.
“I realized I needed an outlet,” Young shared. “When my father had given me my grandmother’s cookbook, I decided to make several of those recipes as a way to release the anxiety I was feeling.”
At the time, Young was a grant manager for the State of Florida, but baking gave her solace from the stresses of her daily toil. For nearly three years, Young balanced her government job with her after-hours baking gig of creating cakes. The overwhelming support and inquiries about her cakes from friends and strangers alike made it clear that baking could provide her the means necessary to expand her cottage food side hustle to something more.
Young found encouragement to find a permanent home for TC Bakery from her father, who once ran a restaurant on FAMU’s campus. The same building her parents once occupied in Southside Tallahassee was available. Though the roof was damaged and in need of repairs, Young leased the building, marking the beginning of TC Bakery’s brick and mortar journey.
In 2022, Young relocated to Crawfordville to accommodate her rapidly expanding operations. Today, TC Bakery delights customers with an array of delectable treats, including cakes, cinnamon rolls, cheesecakes, muffins, cupcakes, and pies.
While her business continues to thrive, Young’s dedication to her craft and the joy she brings to others remain her driving force.
“Hearing ‘this is the best thing I’ve ever had’ gives me more joy than money ever could,” Jennifer smiled. “I really get a kick out of it! I’ll take that over money any day.”
Garnering widespread recognition and boosting demand for desserts, Young is poised to share her culinary delights with an even broader audience. TC Bakery plans to expand to a second location in Tallahassee, along with the launch of a commercial kitchen designed to support aspiring bakers and treat makers in the community, underscoring Young’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for fellow baking enthusiasts.
Young attributes her success to her strong support system, the community, and her faith. She strives to hold true to her upbringing.
“The success hasn’t changed me a bit,” Young said. “I’m still country Jennifer, passionate about what I do and loving every moment of it. I truly believe I’ve found my calling.”
