Meet Ashley Huston | Mad Baking Scientist

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

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Since I was a young child as little as 4 years old I can always remember being in the kitchen. Before I was even tall enough to see over the counter tops I was pushing a chair from the dinning room into the kitchen and attempting to cut,stir and mix anything I could get my hands on. Growing up I could always see myself becoming a big shot chef at a prestigious restaurant. While this wasn’t the path I chose to take for the better part of my 20s I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was suppose to be in the kitchen. After becoming a single mother in a world that is in an economic disaster at the moment unfortunately the normal 9-5 just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I had to figure out how to provide for myself and my young daughter. Something more than what my full-time time career could provide. Im always looking for new ways to use my talents and improve both my daughters and I quaity of life. I knew that I wanted the opportunity to grow a college fund for my daughter to set her up for success and future financial security. I’ve always had a passion for cooking/baking and the overehelming positive feedback people give me when they try my food is always so uplifting and gives me a true sense of pride and accomplishment. With that being said it was really a no brainer to start selling my food and baked goods as a way to help my little family succeed and grow to our greatest potential.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
By day I am currently a pre-school teacher in Texas. Most people in my community probably know me as the biking mama because due to a medical disability I am unable to drive in which case I am usually seen biking my way to and from work with my toddler come rain or shine! I try my very best to provide quality care and love to my 20 students each and everyday. I constantly push myself to grow into a better teacher so that my students have the opportunity to get the most out of their time with me. By night and weekends I’m striving to promote my business and grow it to its greatest heights. Walking door to door, talking to prospective customers, fulfilling orders and leaving flyers. My biggest dream is to continue to grow my business large enough to be my only source of income and I can’t wait for all my hard work and determination to pay of and turn into all the success I could imagine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would most definitely have to start out the day at Our Place in Arlington bright and early in the morning. The lemon blue berry pancakes and texas southern scrambler are a menu staple and a key part to many fond childhood memories. After breakfast we would have to make time to stop at a local farmers market to sample some fresh fruits,veggies and Texas Honey of course. A quick stop at traders village to enjoy a fresh squeezed lemonade and various handmade items from expiring businesses. Next off to fort worth to seek out all the bests of the amazing food trucks. Ending the night at Coyote Drive-in on a warm summer night is always the best way to end a long day enjoying the cool breeze,in an open truck bed covered in blankets and pillows, eating all the popcorn and candy you desire.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My daughter is truly my biggest driving force to do more, push harder and keep going no matter how hard or long the road may be. My family and friends support means everything to me from buying my various desserts to shouting me out on all their social media platforms and true and honest reviews and critiques. Without them I would not continue to thrive and grow. They were my first customers, most honest critiques and biggest push to keep up the hustle going.

Instagram: @the_cakelab1