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COLUMBUS—A Polk County High School senior has turned her passion for baking into a summer business by recently opening a booth at the Columbus Farmers Market. 

Brianna Gray opened a new baked goods booth at the market, with help from her sister, Sarah, and offers a variety of breads and desserts for shoppers.

An avid baker, Brianna was inspired by her mother’s love for baking. Brianna and Sarah both enjoy baking, as well as playing basketball and cheerleading at PCHS, and Brianna decided to turn it into a business, thanks to a little push from her father, local realtor Patrick Gray.

Her well-laid-out booth is filled with freshly baked loaves of banana bread and zucchini bread, as well as cookies like oatmeal raisin, sugar and chocolate chip. She says she is also available for custom baking if the opportunity presents itself. 

“Working at the farmer’s market is a fun place to spend a Saturday,” Brianna says. 

She said she appreciates her dad encouraging her to get a booth at the market. “My Dad helped get me into this because he knew I was looking for something fun to do this summer. He made sure to leave the decision up to me.”

She says she’ll probably take some time off from baking while at college, but it’s something she never plans to give up. 

The Columbus Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon on Courthouse St., from May to October.