Silicon Prairie News

Allison Bickford doesn't hesitate to admit that she's "not a professorially trained baker," but she'll quickly add, "I've been baking basically my whole life." Inspired by the women in her family, she's recently taken her passion to the next level and opened Bickford Bakery in Omaha's Old Market district.

Originally from Texas and an alum of Baylor University, Allison and her husband, Davin, moved to Omaha for his job with WildSmiles Brackets. They say they quickly fell in love with the Old Market and when they heard about the available bakery lease they couldn't pass up the opportunity. With blessings from her family and financial guidance from her husband, she took the leap and took over the bakery.

Her menu range from cinnamon rolls to carrot cake, and her most popular item is her own invention: the CakeTeenie, a small treat somewhat like a truffleor a bonbon. She also proudly offers gluten free options as she herself has a gluten intolerance. In an email following her interview, she said, "My idea of baking is 'fuss free.' Nothing to froufrou, just a solid simple menu."

She's not sure where this will take her - will the CakeTeenies be the top seller on foodzie.com one day? But for the time being, she's loving what she's doing, so much so that she isn't able to set fixed hours. It's open M-F 7-"when the last cake is iced." However, you're able to find a limited selection of her goods at Aromas Coffeehouse during their hours of operation (open till 11 daily).

Check out the video below to hear about Allison's background, what she would've done differently and what she did well, and her thoughts on using Twitter (@bickfordbakery) to get the word out on a new small business.