For Castro Valley baker and entrepreneur Donna Davis, Saturday afternoon was filled with anticipation, tears of joy and plenty of cheering from family and friends.
Her seven-year dream of opening her own bakery, Sweet Abundance, became a reality as she was announced Bayfair's 2011 Retail*Star winner.
Davis will be selling high-end specialty cakes infused with international flavors, as well as cookies and individual-sized mini cakes.
Along with one year's worth of free rent at Bayfair's food court and a three-year membership to the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, Davis also received $25,000 in start-up money from the contest's administrators — Madison Marquette, which manages Bayfair, and Guggenheim Entertainment, Inc.
The didn't walk away empty-handed. They each received a certificate from State Senator Ellen Corbett and boxes of Ghirardelli chocolates and other goodies. Plus, they gained business planning skills throughout the 4-month contest.
The participants were also encouraged by Bayfair Center's general manager, Alice Walker, to not let this be the end of their entreprenurial and culinary dreams.
Expect to see Sweet Abundance cakes for sale at the food court shop as early as November. Davis plans to hold an official grand opening in January.
Watch the video above and see how Davis' sweet victory unfolded.
You can read about the five contestants .
