Yashica Williams, a judge by day and baker by passion, has found a sweet way to balance her career in law with her love for desserts. As the owner of BabyCake’s Bakery in East Nashville, Williams is proving that she can deliver both justice and cupcakes with equal flair. Williams opened BabyCake’s Bakery in August 2022, and as the business approaches its third, the bakery has become a beloved local spot.
“I always loved to bake,” Williams said. “I baked with my grandmother and mother. Baking is a stress relief to me. I love it. It’s an outlet for my real work.”
BabyCake’s Bakery, located at 819 Main Street in East Nashville, has a variety of sweets, such as cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, breakfast items and more. Specialties include a mouth- watering red velvet cake and Williams’ famous caramel puff corn—a fan favorite that flies off the shelves.
Before opening her bakery, Williams was no stranger to entrepreneurship. She had her own law practice in Orlando, Fla., before relocating to Nashville in 2015. In addition to owning the bakery, she works full-time as a judge for the state of Tennessee, presiding over unemployment hearings. Her journey into the baking world began at the Nashville Farmer’s Market, where her desserts consistently sold out. After repeatedly setting up and taking down a booth, she decided it was time to put down roots and open her own bakery.
BabyCake’s offers more than just delicious desserts. One of the bakery’s most popular features is its interactive group baking classes, where adults and children alike can learn how to create gourmet treats in real time. These classes have become a hit for birthday parties, and BabyCake’s has even hosted unique bachelorette parties where attendees can bake whiskey caramel cupcakes—with the option to add a private dancer to the mix.
“Baking allows me to combine two things I love—cooking and teaching,” said Williams, who
has three children and a background in education. Parties now make up about 30% of her
business, with that number continuing to grow as more people discover the fun, hands-on
experiences BabyCake’s offers.
texture similar to soft Cheetos.
Among the bakery’s most popular items are the cupcakes and the caramel puff corn, a caramel- butter treat with a texture similar to soft Cheetos but with a sweet twist. These items were some of the bestsellers at the Farmer’s Market and continue to be customer favorites at the bakery.
Meredith Freeman, who recently attended a children’s birthday party at BabyCake’s, praised the experience.
“My daughters really loved the party and enjoyed making their own cupcakes, decorating them, and taking them home to enjoy later,” Freeman said. “Also, there were some kids at the party who had never cracked an egg before, so watching their experience learning to bake for the first time was exciting.”
As the word spreads about its unique group baking experiences, BabyCake’s continues to attract customers looking for creative and interactive events.
“I appreciate seeing a Black-owned bakery here in East Nashville, bringing a unique and fun
experience to the city,” Freeman said.
