Elizabeth Richardson, owner of Cakes by Liz – Sweets and Treats, has been
acknowledged by many as one the original vendors at the farmers market events
in Gadsden County. She has been a favorite with residents due to her innovative treats and bakery skills. She has much to say during a recent interview at the Havana Farmer’s Market.
Q. How long have you been a resident of Gadsden County?
A. I have lived in Gadsden County my entire life. I was born here and have
lived here. I went to school at Havana Elementary, Havana Middle, and Havana
Northside High School. I used to live in Midway. back when it was still known as a
part of Havana, a long time ago. But now I live in Quincy. It has been my home for
the longest and I love living here, and seeing the places around.
Q. Do you have a favorite place in Gadsden?
A. Yes, Oscar’s here in Havana before the recent and sad closing. A few of my
other favorite places include the park here in Havana, with the gazebo and a few of
the exercise landmarks which used to be where one of the old schools was located
before it was torn down to build the Havana Public Library and the adjacent field. I
enjoy walking around and taking in the sunshine, as well as relaxing under the
beautiful trees.
Q. How did you begin your business?
A. Well, I have been baking for many, many years. I am a self-taught baker, and
I dabble in a variety of forms. I used to bake exclusively for family and friends,
and they would pay me for my services. Legally, I started my business in 2020
during the climax of the COVID-19 Pandemic. That spurred the creation of it as
everyone afterwards needed to stay home for school and work, and I thought “Why
not, if they needed to stay home?” I wanted to market my skills to a wider market.
Q. Are there any things you are looking forward to about the market?
A. I love the growth that recent areas have been experiencing, and especially in
the market. In the Summer months, where it has dreadfully warm, we only have a
few vendors available – maybe, say, eight or nine. But as soon as things cool down,
that number explodes ‘til about over forty. We are surely hoping that number is
even larger this because it has been continuously getting larger ever since the
Farmer’s Market was established, and it has been better since we have moved from
near the Firehouse and Police Station to the Shade Tobacco Museum. We love the
growth and opportunity and the support for vendors, even if they are just beginning
their entrepreneurial journey.
Ruben Uribe – Gadsden County News Service
