Ali Schulz
Editor-in-Chief
Senior Cate Nakatani started baking with her Nana and has taken what she learned to start her own successful baking business, The Baker’s Oven.
Nakatani started baking with her Nana as soon as she could walk. She has fond memories of helping her Nana make bread and cakes, especially around the holidays.
Knowing her love for baking, her family and friends suggested that she start her own baking business.
“One Christmas, a family friend suggested I start selling them [cookies], so I decided to give it a shot,” Nakatani said.
In eighth grade, Nakatani officially started her baking business, naming it after her Nana as a tribute to her help over the years.
However, Nakatani’s Nana is not the only one who has contributed to her baking success. Since day one, her parents have been incredibly supportive.
“They’ve helped me get all the supplies I needed and supported every decision I’ve made for my business,” Nakatani said.
“I could not run this business without them,” Nakatani added.
Nakatani has also found support at the high school. Kara Siebe, THRIVE teacher, has been another huge part of the business. Nakatani said Siebe has been an amazing mentor and has given Nakatani connections, funding and more through the THRIVE program.
“Thrive has played a key role in supporting Cate as she’s grown her baking business from a passion project into something much bigger. My role has really been that of a cheerleader and connector—Cate came in with all the talent and baking experience, and I focused on helping her build out the business side,” Siebe said via email.
Naktani plans to use the lessons from THRIVE to continue baking in college, although she is not sure exactly what it will look like.
On Naktani’s college baking journey, Siebe said, “ My biggest piece of advice for Cate is to keep saying, ‘Yes,’ to opportunities that stretch her. She already has the talent and work ethic—It’s clear in everything she bakes—but the magic happens when she’s willing to take risks, ask questions, and stay open to learning.”
If one is interested in buying sugar cookies from the Baker’s Oven, they can follow the Instagram handle @bakersovenbycate to view some of her designs. To place an order, one can email cate.desserts@gmail.com.
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Ali Schulz- Editor-in-ChiefThis will be Ali Schulz’s third year on ECHO Staff. She also made several contributions while taking journalism class her freshman year. She was opinion/news editor her first year on staff |
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