Heather Russinko

Heather is a single mother of a 14-year-old son. She left her son’s father after he physically and emotionally abused her, and Heather baked as a way to heal. Baking is now a way for Heather to bond with her son, as well as to participate in her son’s school activities.

After bringing in baked goods to her son’s school for fundraisers and to his football team, Heather started getting many requests to sell them. As Heather does not make a lot of money at her job, she was thrilled to have the extra income. She quickly realized she could even use baking to help pay for her son’s college tuition.

But then Heather learned that selling her goods from home was illegal. As renting a commercial kitchen is not economically feasible for her, Heather just gives her baked goods away now. Now she is missing out on a lot of opportunities. For example, after Heather baked for her cousin’s wedding, the wedding venue asked for Heather to join their vending list. Heather had to refuse. Heather wants very much to be able to resume selling her delicious goods so she can use the money to support her son.