Laura Peters

lpeters@newsleader.com

STAUNTON - Shannon Tinsley has a wide open space to bake to her heart's desire.

The former Mrs. Rowe's catering facility boasts 4,000 square feet and it's the perfect spot for Tinsley to expand her baking business, SweetNanaCakes.

Although the space is still reminiscent of Mrs. Rowe's with its deep blue floors and white walls, Tinsley has a new design recipe for the space.

The floors will be chocolate brown, with accents of buttercream and mint.

She specifically chose the large warehouse off Richmond Avenue in Staunton because she saw hope in it. The place just needs a little bit of elbow grease and some love.

"It's an old building and we're giving it new life," Tinsley said.

Tinsley, who will be partnering with her husband Chris for the venture, is keen on repurposing things. The industrial baking equipment that now sits in the space was found upstairs. She said the building owner is letting her make payments on the equipment, clean it up and she will be renting the space.

After Mrs. Rowe's catering closed down, the spot sat vacant for a number of years. Prior to Tinsley, the space also housed the store John's Deals and Steals.

"It's awesome to be able to expand," Tinsley said. "I'm like a kid in a candy store. I can't wait to be up in my elbows in buttercream. When I have sugar all over me, I'm the happiest."

Tinsley quit her job in sales and will be financing her endeavor. Her husband will be working part-time with her, while keeping another full-time job.

Tinsley has been baking since she was a little girl. It's something she did while growing up in Highland County.

"I baked for fun," she said. "Some people are classically trained in baking, but I bake from the heart."

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Her business started about four years ago in her kitchen. She does weddings, parties and even sells her cupcakes at LTD 7 in Staunton.

"I have a loyal following and those repeat customers have kept me in business," she said.

She plans on having a retail shop in the front of the space, which will lead into a bridal suite where she can do consultations with brides or other customers for upcoming events. There is a large kitchen area and another room Tinsley plans on using for party rentals or classes.

"I want to have like girls night out and mommy and daughter cupcake decorating classes," she said.

With the expanded space, she hopes to do more outreach in the community. Tinsley said she wants to serve as a connection to other businesses that go hand-in-hand with her company.

"I just want to bake and do what I love," she said. "People have done for me, I just want to give back."

She's expecting to open in late July. For more information visit SweetNanaCakes Facebook page.

Follow Laura Peters@peterslaura and@peterpants. You can reach her at lpeters@newsleader.com or 213-9125.