Letha and Wendy Pugh, the owners of gluten-free bakery Bake Me Happy in Columbus, Ohio, understand that when it comes to owning and operating a business, you can be both artistically expressive and continue to serve the needs of all your customers.

As main street businesses are continuing to make a comeback post-pandemic, they’re facing down the triple threat of supply chain headwinds, labor constraints and historic inflation. For some, borrowing to invest, grow, or simply stay afloat, is top of mind.

Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) met with Letha Pugh, owner of the Bake Me Happy gluten-free bakery and Preston’s: A Burger Joint in the Columbus area to learn more about the challenges she has faced due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Our country has made tremendous strides this past year thanks to the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Law. So, for this year's State of the Union Address I wanted to highlight one of the millions of hardworking Americans whose perseverance in the face of the challenges presented by the pandemic fueled our nation's historic recovery. People like my guest, Letha Pugh, are the true heroes behind America's progress over the past year, and I am proud to uplift her as my virtual guest to the State of the Union Address," said Beatty.

The popular spot for gluten-free baked goods Bake Me Happy has found a new home, and in a particuarly unique location.

According to co-owner Letha Pugh, Bake Me Happy will be moving to 500 E. Whittier Ave., a building that served as a former USPS post office until the spring of 2019. Pugh said the business plans to begin moving into the new 4,000 square foot space in late June or early July.

I know of no more aptly named business. Everything Bake Me Happy produces brings a smile to my face. From their “spongies” to their cookies to their pop tarts, all of it truly makes my day happier! The only thing that makes me unhappy is that they’re located 4 hours from Flint, in Columbus.

I heard a quote once that’s really stuck with me.

“Coffee makes it possible to get out of bed. Cupcakes make it worthwhile.” It doesn’t have an attribution, but I can only assume it was someone incredibly wise like the Dalai Lama or Oprah. Cupcakes are tiny treats that exist just to make human beings happy.

Well, Letha and Wendy Pugh, owners of Bake Me Happy in Columbus’ Merion Village neighborhood, and bringing it all back for everyone – in gluten free form!

In this video, Tan meets with gluten-free bakery owners Wendy and Letha Pugh in Columbus, Ohio.

A Black-owned bakery in Columbus, Ohio closed its doors on Sunday after management said they received racist threats. Bake Me Happy, located in Merion Village on the city’s Southside, closed for employee safety, according to a post on the business’ Facebook page.

This is oh so exciting for the city of Columbus. Our lovely friend, Bryant, invited us to a Friends & Family Day at the relaunch of Bake Me Happy in Merion Village. While all of our yummy snacks were provided for free, all thoughts and opinions are purely our own.

Wendy Miller Pugh is the head baker. Letha Pugh crunches the numbers. Together, the couple runs Bake Me Happy, one of only a handful of gluten-free bakeries in Columbus. And the GF business is booming.

The treats from Bake Me Happy are not your average cookie. Two staples put twists on classics. The Peanut Butter Burner finishes with a kick of heat and a crunch turbinado sugar. Traditional chocolate chip cookies are amped up with a sprinkle of salt for a best-of-both-worlds sweet and salty treat. Oh, and both are gluten free.

The Merion Village neighborhood now has its own bakery serving exclusively gluten-free baked goods. Bake Me Happy opened at 116 E. Moler St. on Sept. 20.

It’s owned by Wendy Miller Pugh and her partner, Letha Pugh.

Wendy Miller Pugh began baking without gluten about eight years ago, when she discovered that she was gluten-intolerant.