Local high schooler wows with her first retail bakery
Ala Moana Center is proud to be supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Do you need a reason to get excited about local businesses? Then you are going to love this story from Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ala Moana Center welcomed 17-year-old high school junior and entrepreneur Beri Maeda this summer, who opened her first brick-and-mortar bakery, Baked by Beri, at our shopping center. The year-old business has been her passion since receiving her first cookbook at age seven.
How she got started
Beri contacted 25 realtors on her search to find her first location and finally landed a spot at Ala Moana Center. Brookfield Properties was excited to host this young entrepreneur because we believe when there is an idea worth doing, we will do our best to make it come to life.
It was also fun to watch Beri pay it forward when she invited other high school creators and young baker to make retail goods and sell them inside of her space, pop-up style, as well as turning to her friends to help staff the business. One side of the store highlighted items made only by entrepreneurs eight-years-old and younger, including coasters, artwork, coffee mugs, and pencil holders. Talk about getting the next generation of retailers excited!
The Ala Moana Center team was sad to see Baked by Beri’s doors close, but so it goes when you have to get back to high school for your senior year.
When asked about Beri's decision to leave the center to finish high school, Jake Wilson, the Vice President & Senior General Manager at Ala Moana Center, responded with the following:
"We can’t wait to see you and your team of talented friends and entrepreneurs next summer, Beri - your future as a
business owner is bright!"
Even though the retail store is closed for the season, delicious cupcakes from Baked by Beri are available in Hawaii all year long — their 12 classic flavors never go out of style!
If you’re local to Honolulu, visit Baked by Beri online today to place an order (or two).
Maybe try one of her favorites like vanilla and strawberry.
Want to see more? Watch Beri Madea tell her story during a local Hawaii news segment.