The small business sector in the United States is continuously growing and not a soul is complaining! Across the nation, small businesses are creating millions of jobs and making each city uniquely memorable.

Although it can be tough to start a business, that's not slowing down Lakeland local, Kandace Crosby. The 21-year-old found her inspiration to create her own bakery after making a bad batch of cupcakes five years ago. She was determined to get it right and not long after, baking became her creative outlet. In fact, Crosby's peanut butter chocolate cupcake was the first dessert to kick off her baking obsession, ultimately leading her to start her business.

Now known as Nook Bakery, Crosby caters every occasion, including parties, weddings, and even community and theater events. From special occasions to just satisfying a sweet tooth, Nook Bakery has all the right treats!

While explaining the ideal future of her current home-based bakery, Crosby expressed how she hopes to have her own brick and mortar to sell from. Her goal is for the Nook Bakery to have a cozy, welcoming environment so all customers will feel at home.

"My dream is to have a small store that makes you feel like you're right in your grandma's kitchen."

Everything that comes out of the Nook Bakery's kitchen is made from scratch and full of flavor, just like your Grandma's delicious classics! The menu is constantly expanding and has something for everyone, including gluten-free options. Today, Nook Bakery has a variety of cupcake and cake flavors, bundt cakes, and even candies. Crosby said her personal favorite happens to be the gluten-free lemon squares because of their classic taste with a lemon zest and crunch from the shortbread crust.

Here is a sneak peek of the baked goods you don't want to miss out on!

Cupcakes:

Vanilla

Lemon filled with homemade lemon curd

Lemon Blueberry

Tiramisu

Mocha

Peanut Butter Chocolate

Cookies and Cream

Pumpkin

Carrot Cake

Coconut

Grapefruit

Bundt Cakes:

Grandma's Caramel Cake

Lemon Pound Cake

Cakes:

Vanilla Cake with Grapefruit Curd Filling

Chocolate Ganache Cake with French Meringue

Gluten-Free:

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Lemon Squares

Lemon Raspberry Squares

Blackberry Cheesecake Bars

Key Lime Bars

Candies:

Homemade Snickers

Caramel Corn

Where can the Nook Bakery be found?

Nook Bakery can be found at Simple Vintage with Scout & Tag in downtown Lakeland (244 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801) every Saturday with various delectable baked goods. For catering requests, Crosby can be contacted at 863-370-6930 or nookbakery@gmail.com. To follow and support Crosby's business journey, find her on Facebook (Nook Bakery) and Instagram (nook.bakery).