Published: June 28, 2008 09:25 pm         

Baking up new opportunities

Mother-daughter duo opens bakery in Walton

WALTON — Opening her own business has been a long-time desire for Kathy Lybrook.

The Walton resident knew all along she wanted to include her daughter, Katie Moss, in the business and even had the name picked out years ago, but wasn’t sure what they could do.

“We’ve been trying to think up an idea for a business, and I’ve been baking for a long time,” said Lybrook.

With 35 years of combined experience baking cakes, the two made the decision to open The Blossom Barn. The name came one of Lybrook’s side interests of growing plants.

Lybrook and Moss, who celebrated with an open house Saturday, will start things off by offering cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

“We will make cakes for any occasion,” said Moss. “A lot will be one-of-a kind.”

Eventually, the owners would like to branch out into catering and offer what Lybrook calls a “party in a box.”

“It will be one compete package,” explained Moss. “ Invitations, decorations, thank-you cards and cake.”

The business offers free delivery to locations within the Southeastern School District, but will deliver outside of the area for an extra charge.

Both mother and daughter began baking for their family members years ago, and their interest and enjoyment of baking grew from there. Lybrook, who is self-taught, said she has picked up some tips from the Internet. Moss learned all her skills from her mother.

Each have their own strengths and are able balance one another out, said Lybrook.

“Kate has done the business side and made the contacts,” said Lybrook.

The business started coming together in February when the owners received approval from the Cass County Zoning Board as well as the Board of Health.

Prior to opening, Moss painted on the outside of the building and planted flowers to add a special touch. Lybrook also prepared a display wedding cake for the front window.

The business is now open Monday through Saturday, by appointment only.

Both women are excited about the new venture.

“The time I’ll have with my family,” Moss said.

For Lybrook, she is just excited to be her own boss.

The owners have received positive feedback from the community and they hope to see business grow.

“We’re hoping to outgrow it very soon,” said Lybrook about the current location. “We want to stay in Walton, though. We like it a lot — it’s home.”

No matter how big the business gets, the two want to be the only ones in the kitchen but said they will add some part-time help if needed.

Denise Massie can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.massie@pharostribune.com



Name: Blossom Barn

Location: 500 N. Davis St., Walton.

Phone: (574) 626-3407

Hours: By appointment only.