Momtrepreneurs turn their kitchens into bakeries, and turn a profit too

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Homemade is taking on a whole new meaning these days. A Texas law is making it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their kitchens into bakeries.

The ones hopping on board the fastest are stay at home moms, now referring to themselves as momtrepreneurs.

While living in California just a few years ago, new mom Rachel Teichman wanted to get in on the cupcake craze to make some extra cash. But because of California laws, she couldn't start the business from home.

"Then, a year and a half ago, when I learned we were moving to Houston, I looked up the food cottage laws in Texas and learned I was allowed to sell from home, which just seems like a good way to start a food business," Teichman said.

The Texas Cottage Food Law allows business owners to make unperishable food goods at home and sell them either out of their homes or at festivals, farmers' markets, or municipal events.

To qualify, at-home bakers must complete a food handler's course and follow the law's baking and packaging criteria.

That was enough to convince Teichman to move to Texas and move on from cupcakes.

"I decided to start a scone business," she said.

The Scone Artist is an ode to her love of the baked delight and art. After just one year, the business is already making a profit.

"I know something about art history and was able to name the scones after different artists and make the scones look like an artist's work," Teichman said.

On the other side of town, a mom to four boys has named herself The Boymom Baker. Leigh Ann Whitty is so busy that she is turning orders down.

"Im the cake lady," Whitty said "People go to a birthday party, and someone asks, 'Who made the cake?' and that's how I get my business."

Whitty considers herself a successful momtrepreneur.

"I think it's wonderful. I think it gives moms at home who don't want to be out in the workforce the chance to be creative and do things they want to do and work their own hours and make money," Whitty said.

Although she has been successful, Teichman thinks it's time to level the playing field.

"I don't mind the word, but momtreprenuers are entrepreneurs, too. You never hear dad-trepreneur," Teichman said. "I think everyone can be an entrepreneur. But, if it helps to publicize the fact that moms are starting their own businesses, then it's a wonderful word."

Teichman needs help naming her Chocolate Cranberry Scone. Enter your submission on her Facebook page and you could win a batch of scones.

She has also shared the recipe for her Pollock scones.

Whitty is sharing her instructions on how to decorate a cake.