In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp sits down with Lashonda Sanford, founder of Scratch Bakery, to share her incredible journey from a foster home in Kentucky to running one of Virginia's most beloved bakeries. Lashonda reveals how her foster mother's passion for baking shaped her own, the determination it took to launch during a recession, and how resilience and community support helped her grow through challenges—including a pandemic and a national television appearance on Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship.
Lashonda's story is one of grit, love, and legacy, reminding us all that real dreams are fueled by passion, persistence, and a sprinkle of sugar.
Key Discussion Points:
- (01:20) Childhood memories of biscuits, fudge, and daily trips to Spalding's Bakery in Kentucky
- (03:29) The inspiration of her foster mother and early lessons in baking and life
- (05:05) Discovering her hidden determination and fight while pursuing her dream
- (06:09) Adapting during COVID with delivery, DoorDash, and her cupcake truck
- (07:18) Opening in 2011 during a recession and milestones of growth and expansion
- (08:40) Launching the first cupcake truck in the area
- (09:48) Getting "the call" from Food Network and competing in Holiday Baking Championship
- (10:42) Facing fear, taking the leap, and discovering more of herself in the process
- (13:39) Education, mentoring women, and turning Scratch Bakery into a space of empowerment
- (17:16) The defining moment: hobby or career? Choosing to go all in
- (19:25) Positive self-talk, calling her staff "gladiators," and leading with encouragement
- (21:23) Empowering employees, including a 13-year employee who was completely deaf
- (23:20) Favorite customer desserts: wedding cake, peach cobbler, banana pudding, and more
- (24:26) Community support as the backbone of Scratch Bakery's success
- (25:26) Advice for aspiring bakers: loving it enough to bake thousands every day
- (26:59) Favorite quote: "When people show you who they are the first time, believe them."
- (29:01) Motto: "We bake it right—with love and good ingredients."
Notable Quotes:
- "You discover a fight in you that you just didn't know you had."
- "Is this a career or is this a hobby? That was my defining moment."
- "I call my staff gladiators—because they can do anything."
- "When people show you who they are the first time, believe them."
- "We bake it right. Like your grandma used to."
Takeaways:
- Early inspirations often plant lifelong dreams
- True resilience is adapting to challenges while caring for your team and community
- Fear is part of growth—feel it, then do it anyway
- Mentorship and empowerment can transform not just a business but people's lives
- Loving the craft is what keeps passion alive, even through thousands of repetitions
Connect with Guest:
• Website: https://itsmadefromscratch.com/
• Instagram: @_scratchbakery
• Email: sales@itsmadefromscratch.com
Connect with Us:
• Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher
• Stay updated on new episodes of Fanatical DreamHer: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/
• April's email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com
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