Baked Cravings: Six Minutes with Owner Craig Watson, MBA
Craig Watson, Owner of East Harlem bakery Baked Cravings. Photo courtesy of Mr. Watson.
NEW YORK - In 2020, UMEZ created the UMEZ Hybrid Microloan to support established small businesses and nonprofits in the Upper Manhattan communities to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This financing product was the perfect fit for Baked Cravings' financial needs. Mr. Craig Watson, MBA is the CEO of Baked Cravings. UMEZ chatted with him to learn more about this sweet gem of East Harlem. Here are UMEZ's 6 minutes with Mr. Watson:
Your newest business location is in East Harlem (Lexington Avenue and 105th Street). Why did you choose East Harlem as one of the homes for your business?
It’s simple: I loved the location and loved the neighborhood.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit New York City very hard. Especially small business owners and Black and Latino people. What has kept you operating your business during this last year under COVID-19 restrictions?
We expanded our delivery radius and began online shipping.
How did you hear about the UMEZ Hybrid Microloan and what made you think this product could be beneficial for your business?
I heard about [the] loan through the UMEZ website and was referred through the Harlem Business Alliance. I thought it would be [a] great financial assistance tool during these ever-changing times.
How will this product help you achieve what you plan to do for your business and customers in the coming months?
The loan will help us complete our initial purchase order from Amazon!
What would you like to say to other small business owners in Upper Manhattan about your experience with UMEZ and the Hybrid Microloan?
The experience was great, and the team is awesome!
Which one is your favorite cupcake during COVID-19 and why?
The Brown Sugar Bald Cupcake from Baked Cravings. Photo courtesy Mr. Watson.
My favorite cupcake right now is our Brown Sugar Bald Cupcake (pictured right). No frosting is added to the top! But with hints of cinnamon and brown sugar, it’s my go-to treat for breakfast and lunch. They’re available for shipment nationally and we are now offering messenger service for deliveries within 90 miles of East Harlem.
Learn more about the UMEZ Hybrid Microloan and other financial products by visiting, https://www.umez.org/small-business-loans.