We were lucky to catch up with Barbara Hoover recently and have shared our conversation below.
Barbara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
For me, resilience has never been a choice—it’s been a necessity. Growing up as the youngest of four to a hardworking single mom in California, I didn’t realize at the time how much we went without because it was simply our normal. My mother showed up for us every day, doing the best she could, and that instilled in me a deep sense of perseverance. With her always working, I spent a lot of time alone, and that independence shaped me from an early age.
As I got older, I faced my share of obstacles—being underestimated by family and relationships, working in male-dominated corporate environments, and overcoming an abusive marriage. At almost every stage of my life, people told me I couldn’t do something. But I refused to believe that. I learned early on that no one was going to save me—I had to want more for myself, fight for it, and prove to myself that I was capable.
Resilience is a skill, though in the beginning, it felt more like survival. Over time, I realized it’s something I cultivate daily—choosing not to let negativity shape my perspective, refusing to accept limitations others placed on me, and pushing forward even when the odds were stacked against me.
Baking started as a childhood dream, something I loved but never imagined could be my career. When I made the leap in 2020 to leave my corporate job and pursue it full-time—with no prior business experience and a baby—it was terrifying. Then COVID hit, and the world changed overnight. People told me I would fail, but I believed there was a solution to every problem. I adapted, learned, and pivoted, and despite everything, my first year in business was a success. That experience reinforced what I had always known—resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about being flexible, finding solutions, and having the courage to keep going when others doubt you.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the owner and baker behind The Wildflower Baking Co., a home bakery specializing in cakes, cupcakes, and custom commissioned cakes for weddings and events. What started as a childhood passion has grown into a business where I get to create edible art for life’s most special moments. Each cake tells a story, and I love the challenge of transforming ideas into something both visually stunning and delicious.
Right now, my biggest focus is growing The Wildflower Baking Co. in the Midlothian/Waxahachie area after recently relocating from Anna, TX. Moving to a new community comes with challenges, but I’m excited to build relationships, connect with local vendors, and expand my visibility in this new market. Beyond growth, I’m also passionate about pushing the creative boundaries of cake design. This year, I’m focused on expanding my artistic outlets by participating in more professional photo shoots that showcase the full creative potential of our wedding and event cakes. I also want to collaborate with local professionals on styled shoots, allowing us to bring bold, innovative designs to life and inspire future clients.
At The Wildflower Baking Co., my goal is to craft desserts that feel as meaningful as the moments they celebrate. Whether it’s an elegant wedding cake, a custom-designed birthday cake, or a playful and unique creation, I want each piece to leave a lasting impression. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to connect with more people in the community! You can follow my journey and see my latest work on @thewildflowerbakingco or visit thewildflowerbakingco.com to learn more.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities that have been the most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Resilience has been a constant theme in my life. Building a business—especially in a creative field—comes with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. There were plenty of times when things didn’t go as planned, but pushing forward despite obstacles has been the key to my growth. For anyone starting out, my advice is to embrace challenges as part of the process. Instead of seeing failure as a sign to stop, view it as a lesson that’s moving you forward.
Adaptability has been crucial, especially in an industry that’s always evolving. When I started The Wildflower Baking Co., I had no roadmap—I had to learn, experiment, and adjust quickly. The world changed dramatically in 2020, and I had to pivot my approach to keep my business thriving. No matter what industry you’re in, being open to change, trying new things, and staying flexible in your plans will help you grow. Success doesn’t always follow a straight path, so the ability to pivot is invaluable.
Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning has helped me refine my skills and stay ahead in my field. I believe that no matter how experienced you are, there’s always more to learn. I’m constantly researching techniques, studying trends, and pushing myself to improve. For those just starting, I’d encourage you to never stop investing in your craft. Take courses, seek mentorship, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. The more knowledge and experience you gain, the more confidence you’ll have in your abilities.
At the end of the day, success is built on a willingness to keep going, a mindset that embraces change, and a dedication to growth. If you focus on these, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always open to collaborating with other local entrepreneurs, especially those in photography, event planning, and the special events and wedding industry. I believe that the best art comes from a mix of creative minds, and by working with others, we can create truly unique and memorable experiences. I’m excited to partner with talented photographers, planners, florists and vendors to produce styled shoots that showcase the creative possibilities for weddings and events. These collaborations not only allow me to push the boundaries of my craft but also help all of us gain exposure and build a stronger presence in the local community.
Additionally, I’m eager to connect with small business owners in the alcohol industry for events and pop-up collaborations. I love the idea of combining great desserts with local drinks to offer a complete experience for special occasions. One of my long-term goals is to open a brick-and-mortar location, and I’m always looking for opportunities to partner with like-minded small business owners to help bring that vision to life.
And if there are any creatives out there who would love to partner up for a styled shoot, I’ve been dying to do a tea party shoot in the woods or surrounded by wildflowers with models, florals, and desserts—it would be a dream come true! Let’s make something magical together!
If you’re interested in collaborating or just want to chat about potential opportunities, feel free to reach out to me on @thewildflowerbakingco or via text (469) 625-6737. Let’s create something amazing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thewildflowerbakingco.com
- Instagram: @thewildflowerbakingco
Image Credits
Barbara Hoover for photos 1-4 and 7
@Baby Shu Photo for photo 5
@elydianbloom for photo 6
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
