Ballard baking business owner launches Kickstarter

Ballard small business owner Krista Nelson has launched a Kickstarter campaign and is looking for local support to help grow her business.

The My Ballard team published a post about Krista’s Baking Co. last June when Nelson was a finalist in the Umpqua Bank Made to Grow grant contest.

Nelson owns and operates Krista’s Baking Co. in Ballard, and makes baking mixes using local organic ingredients. Customers purchase the recipe kits (pictured above) filled with all of the ingredients and directions needed for the “anti-baker” to bake to perfection.

“The mixes are your chance to show off your culinary skills. I’ll help with the measuring and instructions to ensure that you don’t burn your house down, despite life’s many distractions. Some may say you can’t boil water, but this is your chance to prove them wrong,” writes Nelson on her website.

Krista’s Baking Co. started as a “tiny operation” when Nelson rented kitchen space at a small brunch restaurant that she had worked out through college. “They closed at 3pm, so I would work from 6pm through the night. Because of lack of storage space at the restaurant, I also turned an empty 100 square foot room in the basement of my parent’s home into a state-certified warehouse,” says Nelson.

Nelson started small and since the business has grown significantly. Her product can now be found in over 30 retail locations across eight states. In Seattle retailers include Theo Chocolate Factory Store, DeLaurenti, Ken’s Market, and Cone & Steiner.

“All of this growth is amazing and I’m so excited that I was able to move my little operation out of my parent’s home and into its own home here in the heart of industrial Ballard. However, with growth comes a cost, and that’s why I am asking for your help,” says Nelson.

Funds raised from the Kickstarter will help to keep Krista’s Baking Co. in its new production space, it will fund equipment including a commercial mixer, and, if the fundraising goal is exceeded it may allow Nelson to hire her first production assistant.

“I’ve rounded up some pretty great rewards in exchange for your donations, which I hope you will enjoy. Any donation amount will help – big or small,” says Nelson.

Click here to donate to the Kickstarter campaign.