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VocationVacations Alum Opens Bakery


Denise Treco grew up baking with her grandmother. She loved it but never considered a career baking for others. Denise is a successful 20-year public relations and communications professional who has worked for companies like Scholastic, the MTV Networks and, currently, the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, New York.

However, about nine years ago she began thinking about how she could also follow her passion for baking and take it to the next level. “I was always the one bringing baked goods into the office and making birthday cakes for everyone,” says Denise. She began doing research, taking classes, writing a business plan and visited bakeries all around the country. “I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do related to baking.”

During this time, she also became approved by the Department of Agriculture to bake at home. “I began baking cookies and brownies for the concession stand for the non-profit I work for, my first experience actually selling my baked goods,” shares Denise.

However, she still needed a push in the right direction to realize her dream. In January 2008, Denise took a VocationVacation with mentors Dawn Casale and David Crofton at One Girl Cookies in Brooklyn, New York .

“It was just what I needed to get me moving,” Denise explains. Dawn helped her see she needed to take action and “dive in”; Dave helped her understand how to set up a professional kitchen; and both Dawn and Dave provided her a financial reality check on what was needed to operate a bakery and be successful. “It was truly an enlightening experience.”

In February 2009, Denise opened Flour & Sun Bakery in Pleasantville. Specializing in cupcakes, the shop has received wide acceptance, garnered a loyal following and has already won the Best Cupcake listing on Westchester Magazine’s Best of 2009. Denise continues to work at the film center, but is on site at the bakery every morning, at the close of business each day and on the weekends. “I took baby steps on my way to opening the bakery, and I would recommend this approach to others considering opening a new business.”