The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA
"The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA" is your all-access pass to the heart of the retail baking industry. Each episode brings you inside the kitchen with leading bakers, educators, and innovators who share their stories, tips, and insights. From the secrets of achieving the perfect loaf to navigating business growth, we explore what it takes to elevate your baking craft and career. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an aspiring baker, or simply hungry for inspiration, tune in and discover how the Retail Bakers of America helps you rise to every challenge—and savor every success.
The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA
Building the Next Generation of Bakers with Cyndi Benavides
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What happens when a retail baking supply store becomes a workforce development pipeline for the future of the baking industry?
In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Cyndi Benavides, owner of Cake Craft Shoppe and founder of the Youth Baking Academy in Houston, Texas.
Together, they discuss how Cyndi transformed a teaching kitchen into a multi-year program focused on baking, cake decorating, professionalism, confidence, and career readiness for students ages 10–17.
The conversation explores workforce development, youth mentorship, industry certifications, entrepreneurship, and why investing in young bakers may be one of the most important decisions the industry can make today.
From hands-on training to real-world career pathways, this episode highlights how education can shape the future of baking.
