The Legacy and Future of Black-Owned Bakeries
Blondery is more than just a bakery—it’s a Black-owned bakery with deep roots in craftsmanship and culture. More specifically, it is African-American owned, and that distinction matters because it provides context for the intention and spirit behind my work.
Like many African Americans, my known family lineage only traces back about three generations. While I may not have a direct ancestral link to traditional tribal baking, those three generations have been impactful enough to shape my entrepreneurial journey.
The History of Black Bakers in America
Black bakers have played a crucial role in American history, yet the mainstream portrayal of Black-owned bakeries often leans on outdated imagery. Many people still envision a servant-like figure baking in a pre-Civil War setting, a stereotype ingrained by historical narratives.
Ironically, this very imagery has made Black bakers “acceptable” in society, turning our identity into a marketable point. Every Black History Month, I notice an increase in orders—not just for my baked goods but also for headshots and imagery. I often wonder: when customers order from my non-Black peers, do they request a headshot too, or is their product simply enough?
The Role of Black-Owned Bakeries in Community and Entrepreneurship
So much history has been lost through the African diaspora, but one thing remains true: Black baking and community have always gone hand in hand. From fundraisers during the Civil Rights Movement to the cultivation of sugar by enslaved African Americans, the legacy of Black-owned bakeries is deeply embedded in the culture.
Today, we are witnessing a renaissance of Black-owned bakeries in New York and beyond, with many Black bakers creating thriving businesses and strong communities. But one critical question remains: What is the exit plan?
Scaling Black-Owned Bakeries Beyond Local Success
One of my biggest concerns for Black-owned bakeries is the challenge of national expansion. Unlike other industries, bakeries have traditionally been hyper-local due to the perishable nature of baked goods. However, large-scale bakeries have cracked the code by focusing on:
• A small selection of products that ship well and can be mass-produced
• Venture capital funding to open stores across the country
• E-commerce and direct-to-consumer strategies to reach nationwide customers
I rarely see Black-owned bakeries in New York or across the U.S. taking advantage of these strategies at the same scale as our white peers. That’s why I’ve been documenting my journey of building Blondery on my YouTube channel, sharing insights on dropshipping, shipping perishables, and growing a local audience through farmers markets and pop-ups.
A Challenge for Black-Owned Bakeries This Black History Month
This Black History Month, I want to challenge fellow Black bakers and Black-owned bakery owners to think about the future. What does success look like when we’re ready to retire? How can we build sustainable businesses that outlive us and create generational wealth?
Building a Black-owned bakery today is especially meaningful because our ancestors were once forced to cultivate land and harvest sugarcane for free. The best way to honor them is by building more than just a job—we should be creating lasting enterprises.
So, as we continue to push forward in this industry, let’s commit to scaling, sustaining, and securing the future of Black-owned bakeries across New York and beyond.