The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia.
The story of Mary Beth Wigle, the proud owner of Flakery Bakery located at 516 Louisa St, Point Edward, Ontario, is one of unexpected opportunities, a foundation built on years of experience, and a deep commitment to both her craft and community. Three years ago in July, she took over Cassie’s Cottage Bakery, a business that had already been running for six years. Though she had spent 25 years in the food industry and had a wealth of management experience, she never dreamed of owning her own business. But when the opportunity knocked, she answered —and it’s a decision she’s never looked back on.
A Culinary Path Less Taken
Mary Beth’s path to bakery ownership wasn’t typical. She didn’t start as a baker or even in the baking industry. Her background is rooted in culinary management, having gone to school for the subject, which set her up with a broad understanding of how kitchens and restaurants operate. But as she worked her way up the ranks in various institutional kitchens, restaurants and as a delicatessen manager at a privately owned grocery store, she never imagined she’d one day be the one calling the shots in her own business. “I always thought I would be content with a steady income,” Mary Beth reflected. “Owning a business just seemed so far outside what I ever considered for myself.”
It wasn’t until she was working as a general manager in a restaurant that things began to change. Through some friends, she learned that the location now known as Flakery Bakery was up for sale, and her first instinct was to dismiss it. Owning a bakery, or any business for that matter, didn’t seem like the right fit for someone like her, who had grown used to the stability of a management position. But sometimes life presents you with an opportunity that you can’t ignore.
“Sometimes when an opportunity shows up, you have to look at it,” she said, speaking of the moment she decided to take the plunge. “I wasn’t sure at first. It felt a little scary, and I didn’t think it was secure. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized everything I had done in my career up to that point was really in line with being a business owner. I had a lot of experience that allowed me to step into that role. I had a foundation.”
Her time spent working in management, ordering supplies, tracking inventory, and hiring staff all gave her the skills she needed to take the next step. The fear of the unknown didn’t disappear overnight, but Mary Beth quickly realized that owning a business wasn’t as out of reach as she once thought. It was just a matter of applying the same skills she had honed over the years — in a different setting.
Stepping Into the Unknown
When Mary Beth first took ownership of Flakery Bakery, there were a lot of things to learn. Though she had decades of experience in food management, the hands-on, everyday operations of running a bakery were entirely new to her. She was stepping into an entirely new world — one where she would need to navigate everything from perfecting recipes to understanding the nuances of managing a bakery staff.
“It was definitely a challenge,” Mary Beth confessed. “I had never worked in a bakery before, so there was a lot of learning to do. But I think the experience I had in managing staff, working with suppliers, and handling day-to-day operations helped me ease into it. Without that foundation, I think I would have been completely overwhelmed.”
Despite her apprehension, Mary Beth didn’t hesitate to roll up her sleeves and dive in. She quickly surrounded herself with a dedicated and skilled team of 13 people, each of whom helped her learn the ropes of bakery life. Managing a team, especially in a small business like Flakery Bakery, can be a daunting task. But Mary Beth feels fortunate that she has a group of individuals who are not only hard-working but also genuinely enjoy what they do. “I’m lucky to have such a friendly, dedicated staff,” she said.
Sweet Success
Flakery Bakery, located in the heart of Point Edward, is known for its mouth-watering desserts. From cakes and single cookies to mini cheesecakes and various cupcakes, the bakery offers a wide variety of treats that appeal to all tastes. In addition to the store’s standard offerings, Mary Beth and her team love to mix things up by introducing new flavours and seasonal creations. However, it’s their squares and bars that have become something of a local legend. “We have our regular items that are in the case every week, but we also love to switch up the flavors,” she explained. “We’re well known for our squares and bars — they’re definitely a crowd favourite.”
One of Flakery Bakery’s most popular items, however, took the internet by storm this year. The butter tart cupcake, a decadent creation with a mini butter tart baked inside of a cupcake and topped with caramel buttercream and a drizzle of caramel, became a viral sensation. The post showcasing this treat reached over one million viewers and garnered 46,000 engagements on social media. It was an unexpected success for Mary Beth, who handles Flakery Bakery’s social media herself.
“I was so surprised when it went viral,” she said, laughing. “I knew people loved the butter tart cupcake, but I never expected it to take off like that. It was amazing to see how many people were interested in it.” The popularity of the cupcake didn’t stop at likes and comments — people were even calling to inquire whether the treats could be shipped across Canada. Unfortunately, due to the lack of refrigeration, that wasn’t possible. Still, the response was overwhelming and made Mary Beth realize just how much her little bakery had captured the hearts of both locals and people from farther afield.
The success of the butter tart cupcake is just one example of how Flakery Bakery has been able to build its brand and connect with a growing customer base. The bakery currently has almost 10,000 followers on its Facebook page, and Mary Beth is proud of the strong online community they’ve built. “
The Balancing Act of Entrepreneurship
Running a small business is no easy feat, and Mary Beth knows that better than anyone. Between managing staff, creating new treats, and keeping the business running smoothly, the hours can be long. But despite the demands of entrepreneurship, Mary Beth is dedicated to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
“I try to keep my work hours between 50 and 55 hours a week,” she explained. “That gives me enough time to focus on the business while still having time for myself and my personal life.” Finding that balance can be tricky, especially in the early years of business ownership, but Mary Beth has learned the importance of self-care and making time for the things that matter outside of work.
Outside of her bakery duties, Mary Beth has several passions that help her unwind. She’s a dog lover and is the proud owner of two Potcake dogs, a breed native to the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands. She’s also close with her circle of friends and family, spending quality time with them whenever she can. In addition to her love for animals and people, Mary Beth is avid gardener with an extensive iris collection. Her hobbies that allow her to relax and be creative in her own time.
The Future of Flakery Bakery
As Flakery Bakery continues to grow and gain popularity, many have wondered whether Mary Beth plans to expand and open additional locations. However, despite the success she’s seen, she’s not looking to grow too quickly. “I don’t see another location in the future,” she said, reflecting on the challenges of scaling a small business. “When you’re a small business owner, you really must be there and make sure everything is maintained.”
Mary Beth values the personal connections she has with her customers, and she knows that expansion could mean losing that close-knit feel that makes Flakery Bakery so special. “We have regular customers who we know by name,” she explained. One of their regulars, an older gentleman, came in and while at the cash register Mary Beth jokingly told the cashier that "he thinks our baking is as good as his mother's". He replied, “Better!"
For Mary Beth, it’s these moments that remind her why she took the leap into business ownership. While she’s focused on running a successful bakery, her heart remains with the customers who have made Flakery Bakery a part of their lives. It’s clear that, for her, the sweet rewards of entrepreneurship aren’t just about financial success — they’re about building connections, creating joy, and bringing a little extra sweetness into the world.
As Flakery Bakery continues to thrive, Mary Beth’s journey serves as an inspiration to anyone who’s ever wondered if they could take a leap of faith and make their dreams a reality. With the right foundation, a supportive team, and a passion for what she does, Mary Beth has shown that anything is possible — even in the world of butter tart cupcakes.
"Humans of Sarnia" founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook.