KILLEEN, TX — A Killeen baking supply store is still finding success despite opening in the middle of a pandemic.
Cakelandia has only been open for two months, but they have what bakers can’t find at the big stores.
”We have everything for backing form making the cake to decorating it. One of the things that makes our store unique in this area is that we are going to have classes and edibale images so we can print whatever a sutomer wants on edible paper," said owner Carmen Orta.
With their closest competitor being in Austin, Cakelandia has been a welcomed business for local and home bakers, especially during the holidays.
"I was very excited. There might have been some jumping and like, "Babe we’re going! No question." I was like I need to go to the baking store. I have been here for seven years and I haven't found one," said local baker Christina Bair.
Orta says opening during the pandemic was scary but worth it.
“Uh, it’s amazing. I still can’t believe it. Everyday I wake up and im like, "Oh my God, I have my own store. I can go in whenever I want. I can do whatever I want in my store. I can order whatever I like." So to me it’s surreal still. I still can’t believe that this is my place," she said.
The owner says her dream would not have been possible without her husband's hard work and support. He says he was happy to do it.
”I am really proud and very blessed in being part of... being able to make her dream come true," said Harry Santiago, Orta's husband.
Along with supplies, Cakelandia offers specialty baked goods and will be hosting classes on baking and decorating staring in January.
