In North Minneapolis, a unique dessert business is thriving, thanks to the hard work and creativity of 30 young entrepreneurs of color, ranging from ages 12 to 18. Green Garden Bakery (GGB) is more than just a bakery — it’s a community-driven initiative that teaches youth valuable skills in gardening, baking, and business management while providing healthy, vegetable-based desserts.
Healthy Desserts, Community Focused
At GGB, the young employees grow vegetables in their own community garden, which are then baked into nutritious desserts. The bakery’s offerings include items like lemon zucchini cake, chocolate beet cake, jalapeno chocolate chip cookies, and East African spiced sweet potato donuts — all made from fresh, locally grown ingredients.
The business operates with a “pay-what-you-want” model, ensuring that everyone has access to healthy food, regardless of their income. One-third of the bakery’s proceeds are reinvested into the business, while another third goes to pay the youth employees. The remaining third is donated back to the community through a local charity chosen by the team.
The Birth of Green Garden Bakery
Green Garden Bakery began in 2014, when a group of youth in the Heritage Park neighborhood raised funds for a friend who had been injured in a car crash. To support their cause, they decided to sell desserts, and this small act of kindness grew into the successful business we see today.
Youth culinary manager Shakyira Jackson shared how impressed she is by the young entrepreneurs. “They surprise us a lot with just how eager they are to work. They always have a lot of ideas,” Jackson said. These youth aren’t just learning how to bake; they are also developing leadership skills and building confidence.
Building Young Professionals
For the past several years, youth in Heritage Park have participated in cooking, gardening, and nutrition classes, equipping them with the knowledge and experience to run a business. By the time they reach high school, many of these young people are able to lead meetings, speak in front of crowds, and even manage projects on their own.
“Their skillsets are already in place by the time they enter high school,” Jackson said. “They’re learning so much more than just how to cook; they’re gaining real-world experience in leadership, business management, and community building.”
Eco-Friendly and Community-Centered
GGB’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its delicious desserts. The bakery is environmentally conscious in all aspects of its business, from eco-friendly packaging to using local ingredients. One of the most popular items, the East African spiced sweet potato donuts, features a spice mix passed down through the community, reflecting the deep connections between GGB and the neighborhood it serves.
Through Green Garden Bakery, young entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis are gaining more than just employment — they are developing the tools to become leaders, change-makers, and professionals in their community.
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