Today we’d like to introduce you to Tricia Shanks.
Hi Tricia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After growing up in a dysfunctional home, I left at 13 years old and spent years living on the streets or moving from place to place whenever I could find somewhere to stay. At 15, I ended up in a home where drugs were a part of everyday life. During that time, I met a man who was involved in dealing drugs. We eventually had two children together.
One day, through a conversation we had about seeking God, we received Bibles, began reading them, started attending church, and made the decision to follow Jesus. From that moment, everything began to change. We eventually got married and entered into ministry together.
I became a women’s ministry leader, and we traveled to several churches to serve. Over the years, we have traveled to different states and countries, helping individuals and congregations grow in their walk with God. Many of the churches we worked with had very little financial support, and that experience inspired me to start a bakery in 2024. Since then, the business has grown and has helped provide for my family.
My story is a testimony that putting God first can transform not only a person’s life but also their legacy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. My journey has included many challenges, starting from a very young age. Growing up in a difficult home, leaving at 13, experiencing homelessness, and later being surrounded by a life of drugs were some of the hardest seasons of my life.
Even after choosing to follow Jesus, the road did not become easy overnight. We had to learn, grow, and allow God to transform our lives step by step. Ministry brought its own challenges, including traveling, serving churches with limited resources, and trusting God through seasons of uncertainty.
Through every struggle, I learned that God is faithful. The hardships that once seemed like they would define my life became the very things God used to shape my purpose and my compassion for others. Today, being able to serve people, encourage them in their walk with God, and provide for my family through my business reminds me that our past does not have to determine our future.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The journey of Break & Bee Bakery began long before I ever started the business. When I was young, I would visit my grandmother on a few holidays, and I always loved watching her bake. That passion stayed with me throughout my life.
Serving in ministry and traveling taught me to see people’s struggles and deepened my desire to give back and care for others. It helped shape my heart to want to serve people beyond the church walls and meet practical needs in everyday life.
When it was time to think about creating an income, I chose to build something connected to my passion. When my granddaughter was born with serious health challenges, we began learning more about the impact of food and lifestyle choices. That led our family toward a healthier way of living and creating food with clean ingredients. From that place, Break & Bee Bakery was born, and it has continued to grow.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like most about this city is its rich history and culture. There is a deep sense of identity here, and you can feel the layers of the past in the architecture, the traditions, and the diversity of the people. I also appreciate how the community brings together different backgrounds and stories, which creates a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
What I like least is seeing the visible needs in some areas, including homelessness, poverty, and the condition of certain streets. Having lived in different places, I’ve learned that cities reflect the priorities of their leadership, and I would love to see continued focus on addressing these challenges in a meaningful way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.breadandbeebakery.com
- Instagram: @breadandbeebakery
