Bailey Knight is a lifelong baker and trailblazer for gluten-free baking in the Upper Peninsula. What started as a creative hobby since childhood quickly became something much more valuable with Bailey’s diagnosis of celiac disease.
It wasn’t until 2023, however, when Bailey’s son was diagnosed with a dairy allergy, that she decided to switch to dairy-free baking. That change led Bailey to something greater. She realized how few options there were in downtown Marquette and the greater UP for people with food allergies. Boom! There went the eggs — and with them, the inflammation that comes from celiac disease.
Bailey knew decisions like these would be a challenge, but she wanted to be the change. Besides, “everyone deserves to have a chocolate cupcake.”
Bailey started Honey Haven Baking Co. on social media, working out of her house and taking orders through Facebook. She quickly realized that allergy-free baking was an untapped market, and she needed to expand.
In 2024, Bailey opened her storefront, Honey Haven Baking Co., on Third Street. What was one of the most exciting times or her life was also the most challenging, and maintaining a work-life balance became paramount. Because family always comes first, Bailey got a fast lesson in setting boundaries. She continues to encourage her employees to put family first, and is transparent with her customers, which has only strengthened her relationship with them.
The relationships that Bailey has been able to create with the community are one of her biggest motivators. She explains how some of the biggest surprises since starting her business are how nice and supportive everyone is. The majority of her customers come in for dietary reasons, but often leave as friends. Having a first-name basis with customers and knowing their orders is so rewarding. Bailey values people over profit in every way and believes that “success is not defined by money”.
Bailey found Northern Initiatives through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and couldn’t be more thankful for the SBA Microloan that helped launched her storefront. She is also grateful for the support that she has received from Northern Initiatives and her business coach, Jody Lindberg. They’ve worked extensively on balance sheets, profit-and-loss statements, and Bailey attending Northern Initiatives’ Financial Freedom Bootcamp.
Honey Haven Baking Co. has become a staple in the Marquette area and a true testament to putting people first. Bailey has changed the game when it comes to baking and has helped to create so many smiles along the way. Honey Haven is “spreading inclusivity — one cupcake at a time.”
