Charlene Peachie Tufts, founder of O Taste & C.
📷: Julia O’Laughlin
Fairfax Market is proud to support and celebrate local and women-owned businesses in Cleveland, Ohio. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight O Taste & C, a bakery quickly becoming a market-goer staple. Founded by Charlene Peachie Tufts, O Taste & C offers a delightful array of baked goods that not only embody the spirit of Cleveland’s rich culinary diversity and entrepreneurial zeal but also honor the legacy and contributions of black entrepreneurs to our community.
Baking Dreams Into Reality
When Tufts made the leap from her job at Cuyahoga County to the kitchen, it wasn’t just a career change—it was the realization of a dream fueled by her passion for baking and the strong support of her family and community.
Reflecting on the beginnings of O Taste & C, Tufts shares, “I’m not sure if at first I was setting out to start a business; I just enjoyed what I was doing.” Her treats, once simple gestures of love for friends, family, coworkers, and church members, laid the groundwork for a business that embodies the warmth and spirit of her kitchen.
The bakery’s name extends a heartfelt invitation from Tufts to experience the joy of her baking. Inspired by one of Tufts’ favorite scriptures, Psalm 34:8, and her simple, friendly way of sharing her desserts with friends by saying, “Hey, taste this and see if you like it.” The name O Taste & C perfectly captures the bakery’s goal: to spread joy and create lasting memories with each bite.
📷: Julia O’Laughlin
Signature Creations
Each dessert by Tufts carries a piece of her story and a burst of unforgettable flavor, perfectly aligning with the bakery’s motto, “Taste the memories.” For Tufts, baking is not just about crafting a delicious dessert; it’s about evoking the sweet nostalgia of cherished moments.
Among the array of O Taste & C’s delightful desserts, the Ooh-Wee Butter Drop Cookies stand out as a fan favorite, holding a cherished spot on the menu and in Tufts’ heart. While her baking journey began alongside her mother, it was her brother who introduced her to the art of cookie making. After years of perfecting her craft and adding her own personal touches, the Ooh-Wee Butter Drop Cookies were born, named after a friend’s joyful exclamation at their irresistible taste.
O Taste & C also offers a selection of other goodies, including its heavenly cheesecake, MCN pound cake, GrabNGo Deluxe Trays, and more. As the bakery continues to charm Fairfax Market visitors, Tufts is excitedly experimenting in the kitchen, hinting at the introduction of new baked goods in the future.
📷: Julia O’Laughlin
Community Ties and Local Impact
Charlene Peachie Tufts has always understood the value of community and was raised not far from the Fairfax neighborhood. From her early days baking for coworkers and members of her church to the opening of her own small business, community has always been near and dear to Tufts’ heart. She’s been a familiar face at local bake sales and church fundraisers, using her culinary skills to connect with those around her.
Tuft’s advice to budding entrepreneurs, particularly within the black community, is rooted in her own experiences of building O Taste & C from the ground up. “Make sure you start something you enjoy and are passionate about,” she advises, “so on days when you’re tired, or sales are low, you still want to get up the next day and keep going because you love it.” This philosophy of combining passion with perseverance and a heart full of gratitude is what Tufts believes leads to not just a successful business, but a fulfilling life.
📷: Julia O’Laughlin
Support Local at O Taste & C
As O Taste & C continues to delight and inspire within Fairfax Market, Tufts’ vision for her bakery is clear: to share her passion for baking while supporting the community that has embraced her. Whether it’s from the shared joy of an Ooh-Wee Butter Drop cookie or the comfort of a slice of heavenly cheesecake, each dessert from O Taste & C carries the promise of quality, care, and fond memories. Find O Taste & C’s Oooh-Wee Butter Drop cookies in the bakery department of Fairfax Market today!