TOWAMENCIN — For all of her life, senior Molly Ostrowski walked into her kitchen to either grab a quick snack or to prepare a meal for herself. As of recently, walking into her kitchen on some days is almost like heading to work. What started as a simple hobby that helped spread some happiness has now evolved into her own full-fledged business that is more small and local than one could get. 

At the start of the pandemic, Ostrowski’s days were mostly spent in the kitchen baking. 

“In May of last year, I actually spent an entire day baking cookies for family, friends, and neighbors. I baked over 500 cookies and handed them out throughout that following week,” Ostrowski said. “I think the main thing for me is that people were feeling really down and I did the cookie thing just to make people feel happier because it was a really sad and tough time.”

After receiving positive feedback from others, she started baking goods for birthdays and graduations. Eventually, her aunt introduced the idea of starting a small bakery through social media and that’s when Baking on the Brightside was born.

“The reason why I chose it to be Baking on the Brightside is that I’ve taken this business, especially during the pandemic, as a way for people to be happy because I know I struggled with happiness this past year and other people have too and a sweet treat or something, I feel, would always cheer up their day,” Ostrowski elaborated on the reasoning behind the bakery’s name. “It’d be on the bright side of things.”

Her first order was definitely a special one. It was a cake for her aunt’s 50th birthday.

“I was a nervous wreck for that one because [her aunt] is the one who really inspired me to do this. She was the one who told me, ‘Molly, you should start doing this,’ and so it had to be perfect. I only had a week before I had to give it to her and I tried to come up with plans. Nothing worked and then I came across this photo on Pinterest and I was like, ‘That’s it, this is so her,’ and I made it,” Ostrowski said. “I was so nervous to give it to her, but then when I gave it to her, she was like, ‘Molly, this is amazing, I love it,’ and it just really warmed my heart because it showed that my hard work did pay off and my expectations were obviously met.”

At first, Ostrowski mainly sold plain baked goods like cookies, cookie cakes, and cupcakes. It wasn’t until she decided to go outside of her comfort zone and make her grandmother’s birthday cake where she began to consider cake decorating as a possible way of expanding her business. She began purchasing piping kits online and experimenting with designs. 

“I think my most extravagant cake is probably one of my Easter cakes I did or my 18th birthday cake, which was way out of my comfort zone,” Ostrowski said. “But after I did them, I felt so proud of myself and it’s something that I definitely want to keep continuing in the future because I want to just get better at what I’m doing.”

Many of the designs took her hours to master and she would look on Pinterest, Tik Tok, or Instagram for tutorials and inspiration. 

“After watching those videos, it was pretty helpful and most of the time, I freehand stuff like I don’t trace it out or draw it out. I just do it as I go,” Ostrowski said. “There are times where I do mess up, but I don’t get frustrated with myself because I know it’s frosting. I can wipe it off easily and just restart.”

“I also try to come up with different ideas that aren’t as common, which I think definitely attract more customers,” Ostrowski added.

Ostrowski offers special orders for holidays like Christmas or Easter where she sells treat boxes or does certain designs based on a predetermined selection. These special orders tend to be popular as people enjoy supporting smaller businesses for more intimate celebrations. On a regular basis, however, she gets 5 or 6 orders per month. 

Orders can normally take 2 days to get done, depending on the specific request. Spreading the work over a few days makes it easier for her to balance school, dance, and her job at American Eagle. Some days she works on orders at night or early in the morning. 

“I have my schedule for the day, but then I try to find a certain time where it’s just all for baking. I just started having a set time where I don’t have anything going on and I know I can get it done,” Ostrowski said.

Over the past few months, she gained many supporters who love the idea of supporting a business as small and as local as hers.

“It’s so different from a bakery at Wegmans or Giant because it’s more personal. You put a lot more heart and love into the business,” Ostrowski said. “People really appreciate that I do this because it’s made people really happy on their birthdays or other events.”

“I will always give my 110% to every single customer. That is my biggest thing. I want every customer to be happy with the work,” Ostrowski said.

Despite the constant feeling of sadness and loneliness surrounding the pandemic, Ostrowski managed to bring out the brighter side of things and discover an outlet that truly brings her happiness.    

“I’ve definitely found a love for something that I never really thought I would. I think especially this time last year, people were finding hobbies that they didn’t really know they had or talents and that’s how I felt,” Ostrowski said. “I found a hobby that I really enjoy doing and it’s brought me a business where I’m making money, I’m making people happy, I’m happy, and it’s just overall a very good experience.”

“I’ve found baking as a way to get away from everything happening in the world. It’s an escape,” Ostrowski added.

Interested in supporting Molly’s business? Check out her website and social media to place an order!

Instagram: @bakingonthebrightside

Facebook: Baking on The Brightside

Website