The Surprise that was Itty Bitty Bakers: My Start-Up Story

I first had the idea for a kids baking camp in the spring of 2018. My son Luke was three years old at the time and I had been reading books about the Montessori approach to child development. I found it so interesting and loved the idea of teaching kids, even toddlers, hands-on, practical life skills.

Inaugural Summer Camp for Ages 3-5 in 2018

I bought a used Montessori learning tower for our kitchen and Luke and I made a recipe together just about every day. Around that same time, I was looking for a summer camp for him to attend and found nothing available for kids under age 5 in our area of Birmingham, AL.

That's when the idea occurred to me to host my own summer camp for little ones and make it baking-themed - since I was already baking with a little one every day anyway! I posted the idea on Facebook and invited some of my friends with kids and neighborhood kids. They LOVED it and their parents loved it.

First summer camp for Ages 6-10 in 2019

After it was over, I was surprised to find that people were asking me when I was doing it again - something I hadn't really considered doing. I thought my summer baking camp of 2018 was a one-time thing!

So thankful for all the support!

But, with so much interest and praise from family, friends, and neighbors, I decided to jump in and do more, starting with a fall baking class for Halloween. Before I held that class, however, my husband wanted to make what I was doing legal and legit. So, I got an LLC and business license and, bam - Itty Bitty Bakers was born!

Now, with the addition of many wonderful teachers, we've added more classes, camps, school field trips, and even a Christmas bake off to enhance the culinary learning of kids in our area. I've said over the years, as long as there is interest, I'll keep doing it. I didn't set out to be an entrepreneur and I'm surprised to find myself in that role. But, I love Itty Bitty Bakers and I'm so grateful that the path has led me here.

Ironically, I am not a baker by trade. I'm a dietitian! I worked for many years in clinical care, specializing in Oncology Nutrition, before moving to the corporate world as a Wellness Analyst for BCBS-AL.

Luke and I before baking camp in 2022.

That is a far cry from baking with kids! Yet it gave me experience in both teaching and business and prepared me for where I am today.

Now, I stay connected to the field of dietetics as a preceptor for the University of Alabama and Samford University dietetic internships. It is a joy to train up-and-coming dietitians and give them experiences teaching children about food and baking.

I hope your child will come bake with us soon! If you have any questions, please Get in Touch. I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Baking!

❤️Jessica

Management Team 2025: (clockwise) Jessica Hamby, Hillary Ryan, Amy Jones, Melissa Carden

Click here for more information about the ladies who help make Itty Bitty Bakers a success.

Fun Fact: Amy Jones was the first person I ran the idea by when her daughter was over at my house for a playdate. She loved the idea and we ended up brainstorming names for the business. Guess what name she wanted for the business? ......Tot Chef! But, I wanted it to be a nod to "Itty Bitty Magic City," a favorite spot of mine and Luke's at a local children's museum. I think Tot Chef would have worked, too!