In a story of remarkable perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit, Sabrina Wright, the owner of Golden Sugar Bakery in Queens, New York, has transformed a modest $19.84 into a thriving six-figure business. Her journey from baking in Guyana to studying at the Culinary Institute of America and then starting her online bakery is a testament to the power of resilience and ingenuity.

Sabrina Wright designed this Winnie the Pooh-themed cake for a baby shower. Photo courtesy Sabrina Wright

Despite financial struggles and self-doubt in her early days, Wright’s Caribbean upbringing instilled in her the resilience to make the most of every opportunity. Born in the U.S. to Guyanese and Jamaican parents, she spent several years in Guyana, where she honed her skills at the Carnegie School of Home Economics. Upon returning to New York, she eventually started her business with just $19.84 and, through determination and hard work, transformed it into a six-figure enterprise within six months.

Golden Sugar Bakery began in 2019 and now serves over 5,000 clients, including corporate event planners and hotels. The bakery is renowned for its custom cakes and desserts, crafted with a focus on visual appeal and exceptional taste. Her deep commitment to equality is rooted in her Caribbean heritage, where baking from scratch was the norm and has significantly influenced her work.

Sabrina created this Hawaiian-themed, inspired first birthday cake.Photo courtesy Sabrina Wright

“Golden Sugar Bakery is all about tasting your imagination; you can come to us and say, ‘I want this house to be a cake,’ and we make it happen…we not only make our cakes look good, but we make sure they taste good too—drawing from my Caribbean background where everything is made from scratch,” she explained.

She found her breakthrough when a friend’s request for a cake led to a viral success on Instagram. This turning point, made possible by that unwavering support, propelled her business into the spotlight and solidified her reputation in the industry. “I doubted myself for a long time, but when I look back, I realize I always had everything I needed to succeed; it doesn’t matter where you are; just make sure your product is good, and people will come. God gave you everything you need to be successful,” Wright shared.

Casino-themed cake made for a nonprofit’s anniversary celebration.Photo courtesy Sabrina Wright

Looking ahead, Wright plans to expand Golden Sugar Bakery with new partnerships and possibly a storefront, all while staying true to her passion for giving back. Her story is an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that success is achievable regardless of the starting point with faith, determination, and a bit of creativity.

This Grinch-inspired cake was crafted for a corporate Christmas party.Photo courtesy Sabrina Wright

“I have a lot on the horizon since black cake season is approaching, and I’ll be partnering with restaurants in Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island to offer our cakes since we’re currently online. This winter season will be exciting, and next year, we might even open a storefront — I’m still praying about it. After five years in business, we’re continuing to grow and expand. One of my biggest passions is giving back, especially to third-world countries, and I’m working towards making that a reality,” she added.

As Wright grows her business, she remains dedicated to inspiring others to pursue their dreams and use their resources to create something extraordinary.