Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizbeth Ramirez Trejo.
Hi Lizbeth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I. Love. Baking. While in high school every teen is stressed to decide, “What is the next step?” In my senior year, I finally was able to take a culinary elective and that’s where it all started. Once I finally made it to the Art Institute of Tampa, where I studied to gain my AA of Baking and Pastry, surrounded by the stainless steel, ingredients, and having the best instructors, I knew it was where I wanted to be. Although from finishing school in 2014 to opening my own storefront in the end of 2021 was a bit of gap, I eventually made it here. Opening a bakery, in all honesty, wasn’t the plan at first. Once I graduated from Ai of Tampa, I was seeking work to continue my education in the field. I landed a job that wasn’t completely what I studied for but it did have me in the kitchen.
In between the years of working there, I founded Patty’s Crumbs, beginning with a cottage food business from my home. It’s different everywhere but one of the requirements for my city was to gather my surrounding neighbors’ signature on a form to allow me to start my business. This process wasn’t the easiest because not everyone was as enthused as I was, but I persevered through. Once collected, I was able to continue my journey beginning with events and farmers’ markets on the weekends. I did this for about a year or so then covid hit shutting everything down.
Fortunately, my full-time job was deemed essential, and I was able to continue working but Patty’s Crumbs was placed on pause. After the lockdown lifted and the world started to normalize again, I finally decided I wanted more for myself and left my full-time job. I’ll be the first one to tell you it’s not easy to just quit your job and open your own place because it definetly isn’t. I am just so grateful to have grand support from my family and husband as well as the opportunity that arrived to do so.
Bartow is where I grew up, and I love my town. So, when I found a space available right on historic main street, I went for it. After weeks of work Patty’s Crumbs was officially opened.
I get asked a lot who Patty is since my name is Liz. Although it’s a bittersweet answer, I named my bakery after my sweet miniature dachshund, that passed away in 2011. She was the best dog a girl could have, and though losing her was devastating, the love she gave will always be cherished. I knew when I was on this journey I wanted to incorporate her in some way, and that’s how I came up with Patty’s Crumbs.
Being in the town I grew up in and listening to my community, we now have lots of gluten-free treats to choose from, cinnamon rolls being one of the most popular. We also recently launched our Boba Aguas Frescas made with real fruit and fruit-flavored bursting boba!
It’s been great seeing how much Patty’s Crumbs has grown so far, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Getting the storefront ready in my personal timeline was probably the most stressful. Working with the city electric and figuring out plumbing definitely was some of the most challenging as I am in a historic district, meaning the building is much older. Also finding material and equipment was difficult as supplies were still short due to covid.
We’ve been impressed with Patty’s Crumbs, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Patty’s Crumbs is where you can find baked goods and treats all made from scratch! You’d be surprised how rare that is, and I believe that is what brings guests back. If it’s not for the popular Death by Chocolate Cake or banana pudding, or maybe even the XL cookies, it could be that we also offer an array of gluten-free options as well! The feedback from guests that require gluten-free because they are celiac, sensitive, or allergic is amazing! They love the variety they can choose from compared to places where there are only one option or none at all, and I am so proud to be able to offer that to my community. On top of our everyday items, we do specialize in custom cakes, sugar cookies, and treats for all occasions to go with your theme and dessert table! We even bake to order. Whether it be a batch of brownies, a pound cake, ooey gooey bars, or whatever it is, just give us a call an we’ll make it for you!
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most is that everyone finds one sweet moment in their day. So, when you come in and find something, know that no matter how your day is going, it’s all made with love and that visiting Patty’s Crumbs will always be a safe space for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pattyscrumbs.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pattyscrumbs
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pattyscrumbs
