Rising Stars: Meet Brittany Morris of Pittsburg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Morris.

Hi Brittany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was young, like many children, I loved to bake! I would make cookies and little cakes here and there for my family and use my Easy-Bake Oven nonstop. When I got to high school, I only wanted to attend culinary school to be a pastry chef. I applied for and was accepted to my first choice, but circumstances were out of my control, and I could not attend. Fast forward a few years to having my children. I love throwing birthday parties so I would make fun desserts and cakes for my kids every birthday. During all this time, I spent over a decade wishing and wondering what could have been. When I was 30, I decided, “Why not?”. Thus began 309 Baking Company. I started it as a fun hobby and a way to be able to make things I usually wouldn’t. I’m always up for a challenge, so I tried my hand at French macarons. Being a notoriously difficult cookie, I was set on getting it right. And I did! After 2 or 3 tries, I was swimming in macarons. I initially started with weekly menus filled with different macaron flavors, scones, cookies, and all things sweet. I loved it. More recently, I have been overwhelmed with taking custom orders for events, individuals, and businesses, but it’s a great overwhelm. Luckily and thankfully, I have been showered with support from the beginning—friends, family, and strangers alike. I have made some of the best friendships through this endeavor and could not be more grateful. I am officially 2 and a half years in, and I can’t wait to see where the next few years take me!

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Even with the amount of support I have gotten, I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t been a roller coaster of a ride. The biggest struggles I’ve had are honestly mostly with myself. Of course, there have been many ups and downs and bumps in the road, but nothing I can’t figure out or accomplish eventually. I have sacrificed a lot of family time and many, many, many sleepless nights to keep this dream going. One obstacle I faced that’s always fresh in my mind was the day I made 6 batches of flopped macarons. Back to back to back, that’s around 200 shells! Even when you think you’ve got it, the macarons return to gut-punch you.

Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
I make life sweeter. I bake everything from cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and cakes to macarons, eclairs, scones, and tarts. Most of what I make currently has shifted into personalized macarons and custom cakes, but I’ll soon be back to offering a variety of treats! Macarons have always been my #1, which is what 309 is most known for. I am very proud of this little business I have built and how far I’ve come. What sets me apart from others, I would like to say something groundbreaking and amazing, but it’s probably the macarons. I’ve spent countless hours trying to perfect them and have developed a list of about 150 different flavor options.

Who else deserves credit for your story?
My biggest cheerleaders have always been my family. They have supported me from day one and have listened to endless hours of baking talk, taste testing, and brainstorming with me. Some of my customers over the years have even turned into family and friends; their support means the world to me! I have also gotten a lot of support from downtown businesses, which still blows me away! There are too many to name, but they have given me great opportunities, lent a helping hand, answered too many questions, and turned into some great friends. I am not lacking in places to turn when I need it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @309bakingco
• Facebook: @309bakingco