Influential Woman · Bakery
Courtney S Riley
LLC, EIN
Owner, Blessed Sugar by Courtney
Columbia, SC 29203
Her Story
About Courtney
Courtney Riley owns and operates Blessed Sugar by Courtney, a bakery in Columbia, South Carolina. She has worked in the field professionally since at least 2018 and established her business formally with an LLC and EIN in 2023. Riley earned an associate's degree in baking and pastry from Augustus Esscofier School of Culinary Arts in April 2023 and a diploma from the same institution in October 2023. She is food safe certified and holds a braider's license. Specializing in items made from scratch, Riley creates breads, sweets, custom cakes, and wedding cakes. She attributes her success to her mother, who inspired her to become her own boss, and to her five daughters, for whom she aims to provide using her talents. Riley values respect, kindness, and seeing the potential in every person. She advises patience, listening, and self-belief, encouraging young women never to give up on their dreams. Her current focus includes seeking funding to realize her vision of a mobile bakery.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Courtney
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my mom and my kids. My mom inspired me to start my own business and be my own boss. She could have had her own business but stayed working for others. I named a cake after her called My Mom's Pound Cake. I want to use my gifts to provide for my family and help others instead of letting them go to waste.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be patient, kind, and understanding. Listen before speaking. You can learn a lot if you just be quiet and listen to people.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never give up no matter what things look like. Pursue your dreams. Be the best at it. And believe in yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is getting the funding to bring my whole vision into light and getting enough people to understand my vision when I advertise. It's hard work to get people to back you or help you.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Always be respectful. Treat people with kindness and the love of God. You can't judge a book by what you see because there's always something special inside of each and every person.
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