From Recipes to Reality: How Jennifer Vickerman is Bringing Baking Memories to Life

From Recipes to Reality: How Jennifer Vickerman is Bringing Baking Memories to Life

Minneapolis, MN – September 14, 2025 – As the crisp autumn air returns to the Twin Cities, so does the warmth of home baking. Jennifer Vickerman, a Minneapolis native and lifelong baker, is channeling that comforting spirit into her new venture, For Goodness Bakes! 

Officially launched Sunday September 14, 2025, her business specializes in upcycled cookbooks, aprons, glass bowls, pie plates, and unique baking utensils, creating curated gift sets that blend nostalgia, sustainability, and culinary delight.

Baking with Heart and History

Jennifer’s passion for baking began in the kitchens of her grandmothers and mother, where cookies, cakes, and pies were more than just desserts—they were a way to bond and create lasting memories. “I have so many wonderful memories of baking with my family,” she said. “Those experiences shaped the way I view cooking: it’s about connection, creativity, and tradition.”

In the fall of 2024, Jennifer began thrifting cookbooks across the Twin Cities, gradually building a personal collection. “One day this past summer, I realized I could turn this passion into a business,” she explained. “By upcycling cookbooks and baking tools, I could give them new life, share my love of baking, and inspire younger generations to enjoy hands-on time in the kitchen.”

Creating Meaningful Baking Experiences

For Goodness Bakes offers thoughtfully curated gift sets that include a vintage cookbook, an upcycled apron, a glass bowl or pie plate, and two of Jennifer’s favorite baking utensils—a Danish dough whisk and a wooden spoon. Each set comes with a special recipe card featuring one of Jennifer’s favorite personal recipes, along with the story behind it. A QR code on the card allows customers to share their own baking memories and recipes, which are then posted on the company blog.

“There’s something magical about holding a well-worn cookbook,” Jennifer said. “It connects us to the women who submitted recipes to Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, or their local church and community clubs. These books are full of hidden gems, and they deserve a second life.”

Events and Community Engagement

Jennifer has an exciting lineup of market appearances for the remainder of the year:

• Blaine High School – October 18
• Minneapolis, Mount Olivet – November 1
• Minneapolis, Mount Olivet West – November 8
• Shakopee, Badger Hill Brewing – December 6

Her website, forgoodnessbakesshop.com , provides an up-to-date schedule and additional information. Customers can also follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @forgoodnessbakesshop.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Jennifer also offers guidance for budding business owners, especially those in Hennepin County. “If you’re inspired to start a new venture, I highly recommend checking out Elevate Hennepin,” she said. “They provide up to 25 hours of free business coaching through nonprofit partners. I’m currently working with a coach from WomenVenture, and it’s been an invaluable experience.”

Looking Forward

Through For Goodness Bakes!, Jennifer hopes to rekindle the joy of baking in a new generation. “I want kids and adults alike to step away from screens, get their hands into batter, and make memories in the kitchen,” she said. “Those are the moments you carry with you—the smell of cookies baking, a splatter of batter on a cherished page, and the laughter that comes from creating something together. That’s what baking is really about.”

For Jennifer, the launch of For Goodness Bakes isn’t just the start of a business—it’s a way to celebrate family, community, and the timeless joy of baking.

MinneapoliMedia