Meet Tori McManamy | Owner/operator of The Bakery Babe Fort Worth,

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

Hi Tori, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am a person that lives with severe anxiety every single day. For someone like me, it feels as though getting into the car to drive to work is a risk, leaving my daughter at daycare is a risk, etc. And I guess in some ways these are events with a possibility of risk, however small, yet my mind blows them up to the size of the sun.

However, the entire foundation of my small business was fortified on risk. My passion began instantly with no indication before hand that I even had a talent for baking. I always said “I’m no good at baking” mostly because I had never tried before. Once I baked my very first confection, banana muffins, my passion spread like a fire. Overwhelming, and fierce. I received a stipend in the mail and decided then and there to begin my small business.

From there on out a bakers career is incorporated with loads of risk. Every time I deliver an order I encounter risk. What if I needed to spend more time on the decoration, what if they don’t like my recipe, what if….

Without risk taking I would not be where I am, and the risk is what makes my work so invigorating. To see complete stranger light up as they take a bite of my food makes it all worth it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business has grown faster than I had expected. I have been surrounded by support by not only my family and friends, but strangers as well. The Bakery Babe plays a large part in multiple organizations from schools to churches to non-profit organizations. With the Bakery Babe, institutions and organizations are able to request very specific confections that may require a niche decoration or uncommon ingredient.

All left over product is then donated to the homeless population surrounding Fort Worth, blessing boxes, or to community helpers such as Fire Departments, and several independent school district staffs.

My proudest moment thus far comes from my involvement with CASA of Tarrant County. CASA is a non-profit that organizes court advocates for children in the foster care system. Recently they hosted a private auction art event that was filled with art created by the foster kids themselves. I was asked to provide 200 guests with a variety of sweet treats. I was incredibly honored to have taken part in such an important event.

The majority of my growth I owe to my faithful supporters. My family and friends have constantly boosted my posts, shared my page with others and suggested strangers to my shop. After that my flavors spoke for themselves.

There is no way I could keep a straight face and say that this has been easy. I am a full time employee at a Fort Worth school district, full time student at Auguste Escoffier, and a mother to two girls under the age of two… all at the age of 22 myself!! Although it has been extremely difficult, I have thrived and continued to grow. My passion has never faded and these trials only motivate me more.

As a child my mother took care of me, went to school, and worked several jobs at once, like me. Every time I hear her stories I am filled with adoration for her and pride that she is my mother because, she is a SUPERSTAR!

I only wish to give my daughters the same example of perseverance, determination, and fierceness. They motivate me to lay a pathway to success even from starting at rock bottom.

I have struggled with perfectionism which has significantly contributed to panic attacks and general anxiety. I have never believed that I have given my best, most perfect work in anything I have done despite my best efforts, and what comes with that is constant doubt. Most times before an event or order pick up you can find me having a break down in the corner because either the frosting is slightly soft, or the boxes I need for packaging are the wrong color, etc.

It is difficult for me to overcome the minute details and accept that not everything is going to be perfect, but that does not mean that my work is unworthy or bad.

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 first take them to The Post at River East for the BEST sandwiches and cocktails where there are also many live music events. I would then take them to The Bottled Blonde for drinks, which is right next to Backyard where adults can watch the latest game, play fun outdoor group games, and enjoy handcrafted cocktails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The love of my life, Cade Sengsouriya. Cade has had an insurmountable impact on my life path as well as my career path. Never in my life have I been able to house so much confidence and pride in my work. Not only have you supported my small business by providing supplies, being my soux chef, and primarily caring for our children so I can soar toward my dream, but you have showered me in praise, provided useful, kind feedback, and pushed me to share my passion no matter the response I receive.

There is not a soul in this world that could ever compare to Cade or the pureness in his heart. Anyone should be so lucky.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebakerybabefortworth/