Success Story: Sundbakes

Sundbakes

MINOT – Elizabeth Sund, owner of Sundbakes in Minot, North Dakota, has seamlessly blended her love for art and baking into a thriving business. Specializing in luxury hand-painted cakes, cookies, and macarons, Elizabeth’s creations are more than just desserts—they’re edible works of art. Her unique designs, often featuring intricate flowers and impressionist landscapes, set her apart as an artist in the world of custom, high-end baked goods.

After eight years working at a local university, Elizabeth realized she was ready for a change. She longed for a more serene environment and the freedom to pursue her creativity. This led her to cake artistry, a field where she could work independently and channel her artistic talents into baking. The combination of these two passions sparked the creation of Sundbakes.

Although Elizabeth had no formal training in either baking or business, she was determined to succeed. She immersed herself in learning—devouring books on cake design and business management. In late 2021, Sundbakes launched as a part-time venture, and by July 2022, it had grown into a full-time business. Convincing others of her vision was initially challenging, but the support and faith of her friends and family fueled her motivation.

To navigate the complexities of starting and growing her business, Elizabeth turned to the North Dakota Small Business Development Center (ND SBDC). Recalling that her father once ran an SBDC office in Pierre, South Dakota, during the 1990s, she knew the value of SBDC support. She connected with Mary Beth Votava, Minot Center Director, whose belief in Elizabeth’s vision provided a critical confidence boost. “Mary Beth treated my ideas seriously from the start. It was a brainstorming session that left me with countless possibilities to explore,” Elizabeth says.

In addition to personalized guidance, the ND SBDC connected Elizabeth to resources that aligned with her specific business needs. One such resource was a low-cost course with Start Up Minot, where she built valuable relationships with fellow entrepreneurs. “The connections I made in that class were incredibly helpful,” Elizabeth reflects.

Sundbakes has since grown into a well-known name in Minot, with a reputation for creativity and quality. But for Elizabeth, success isn’t about rapid expansion. She’s replaced her previous income and is focused on maintaining balance, creating a calm and fulfilling work life. By catering to a luxury market, she’s able to work at a relaxed pace and focus on intricate, detailed projects—critical for her creative process.

Today, Sundbakes is celebrated in the Minot community for its one-of-a-kind, personalized confections. With the ongoing support of local customers and the ND SBDC, Elizabeth has built a business that reflects both her artistic vision and personal goals, proving that passion, when guided by the right resources, can indeed become a profitable art form