Name: Maddie Haydon
Company: MaddieKakes Bake Shop
What Does Your Company/Organization Do? I’m a Michigan Cottage Food Baker offering sugar cookie decorating classes in Southwest Michigan and yummy sweet treats at local markets.
Age: 34
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education – University of Illinois Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership – Concordia University – Portland
Accomplishments:
After teaching elementary school for 10 years, I decided to pursue my side-hustle full-time. I’m proud of the growth I’ve seen in my small business. A few years ago, I couldn’t even have imagined myself teaching a small cookie class for a couple of friends at their home. Now, I’m teaching monthly classes at a couple venues in Southwest Michigan and seeking out new locations to grow my audience. I love having repeat customers — this shows me that the work I am doing is bringing joy to those who give it a try! I was recently featured on a live interview on HomeTown Living on WSBT-22 in South Bend! My proudest accomplishment is becoming a mom to my sweet son, Miles, who is 4 years old.
Current City: St. Joseph, Michigan
Place You Were Born: Salem, Virginia
What was your first job? Lifeguard at Wynstone Golf Club in Barrington, IL
What motivates you to give back to your community? Truly, my faith motivates me to give back to my community. Nothing I have is my own — it is all a gift from God and I am called to share my gifts and resources with others to further His kingdom.
What Superpower would you most love to have? Teleportation…is that a Superpower?? I’d love to be able to get from place to place without having to travel, even though I love road trips. I have friends and family far away and wish it was easier to visit with them more often!
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone? I just pray that my children know how much God loves them. It’s the most important thing!
