We had the good fortune of connecting with Widdi Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Widdi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, I wasn’t thinking about starting a business. I stumbled into making whoopie pies when I had to make something for my baton twirling troupe’s bake sale. (No, this wasn’t high school – I was 49 at the time!) I resisted turning it into a business for a long time – I joke that I was dragged kicking & screaming into it. I enjoyed baking and for some reason I felt if I made money doing it, I’d be selling my soul. Finally someone had to remind me that we are always asking the universe to help us find a way to make money doing something we love! And I think that you also get to the point where you’ll never forgive yourself for not trying, regardless of whether it works out or not.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the owner of No Big Whoop! Bakery, “the bakery that loves to make whoopie.” Whoopie pies are small cake sandwiches that originated in Amish country or Maine, depending on who you ask! Mine are a bit smaller than the original, ergo “no big whoop.” We’re an online bakery, but you can find my whoopie pies at Casseroles in Morningside, MetroFresh in Midtown Promenade, and through Zifty (limited delivery area). I think I’m most proud of the personal attention I give to each customer. Baking for others is an expression of affection, and I want folks to feel that love when they enjoy my treats.

Starting a business like this has its challenges, but I’ve pretty much freelanced or been self-employed most of my life, so risk taking feels like the norm to me. It’s not easy, but nothing worth doing ever is!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d spend at least one day working our way up Buford Hwy! Plaza Fiesta, Lee’s Bakery, Food Terminal, Mamak, Sweet Hut, BH Farmers Market, Karaoke Melody 2 are some of my favorite spots. Walking the Eastside Beltline would be a perfect day, too, so we can hit Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market. And how about a day split between East Atlanta and Little 5 Points, ending with a concert at Variety Playhouse or a play at Horizon Theatre or Seven Stages followed by drinks at the Euclid Ave Yacht Club? Then the morning we decide we’re tired of eating out & walking, we go to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market (Municipal Market) to shop for fresh ingredients, and spend a day cooking at home!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to one of my dearest friends, Betsy McKay, owner of Casseroles in Morningside. She carried my whoopies from the first day she opened 9 years ago, and I’ve learned so much about starting a business just from watching her. She’s amazing!

Website: www.nobigwhoopbakery.com
Instagram: @nobigwhoopbakery
Twitter: @nobigwhoopbakry
Facebook: facebook.com/nobigwhoopbakery

Image Credits
Erin Schopf, Cindy Powell, Widdi Turner