B'More Made with Pride Commercial Kitchen

The Story Behind Natasha’s Just Brittle

Natasha Wainwright is a Baltimore-based entrepreneur who previously founded and ran an eco-friendly daycare, Progress Place Learning Center. Natasha’s Just Brittle was conceived in the summer of 2009 as part of a business fundamentals learning project for the children at her daycare. PPLC Sweet Treats, the daycare’s made-to-order sweet shop, sold cakes, cookies, brownies, smoothies and brittle.  The brittle was the most popular item and was in high demand from the daycare parents long after, sparking the creation of Natasha’s Just Brittle.

Since 2009, I have opened a website and  Natasha's Just Brittle is mainstay in Baltimore and local business pop-up shops. In August 2016, I decided to close my daycare center after 21 years to focus full-time on my brittle company. Three days after closing the doors on my life’s work up until then, I received a call inquiring if I would sell my brittle on QVC. In February 2017, I  appeared on Centric TV's Queen Boss. In March 2017, I moved to a full-size production facility, increasing capacity to produce seven times more brittle than before. On April 19, 2017, Natasha's Just Brittle aired on QVC and sold out. With the facility not being fully furnished with the necessary equipment and staff, we were not able to full-fill  the huge order.

Not in a position to take out a business loan and not willing to keep borrowing from family and friends, I decided to go on a mission and Pitch my business in Pitch Competitions to secure capital to operate my business. In  April 2018, i was the winner of a $10,000 “Pitch Room” grant hosted by Samuel Adams Brewery. In August 2018, I was the winner of a $20,000 contest hosted by The New Voices Fund.  In June 2018, I was chosen to audition on the Shark Tank.

It has always been my hope to share my space to help other entrepreneurs. On March 20th 2018, I  submitted the proper paperwork to make my facility into a dual commercial kitchen so that other food entrepreneurs can create, grow and thrive.  Inside Natasha's Just Brittle Production facility reside B'More Made with Pride Commercial Kitchen. It is my mission is to create a hub where 40 businesses can cook and sell their wares.  It is my mission to create job opportunities for the youth of Baltimore City.  It is my mission to create a space where the community can enjoy some unique food and yummy sweets. It is my mission to teach children to cook.  It is my mission to create a legacy for my children. Our Commercial Kitchen is 80% finished and we need your help in bringing all the pieces together.  Check out the sweet treats that you will receive for your support.  I along with the artisans of B'More Made with Pride Commercial Kitchen thank you.