BENSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — A Tucson bakery is bringing Benson home with a new Wake and Bake bakery. Earlier this month, Skye Maddux launched a business that sells pastries, sandwiches and coffee.

“Once I got into culinary school, I realized I had a knack for baking bread and a feel for dough, and that seemed like the path I wanted to take,” Maddux said.

He says owning his own business gives him freedom and creativity with his recipes.

“I love perfecting my craft, so I'm always looking into new recipes and new techniques to improve my skills,” Maddux said.

Maddux started her first business before the pandemic, selling baked goods at a local farmers market in Tucson. When the pandemic started, he said, he started focusing on opening a brick-and-mortar store because he couldn't sell at farmers markets. His passion for cooking is due to the influence of his mother, who showed him her way in the kitchen from an early age.

“She gave me a lot of freedom in the kitchen and taught me home cooking when I was growing up,” Maddux said. It really motivated me. ”

Ashley Fraser, the bakery's head barista, is already noticing repeat customers. She credits her taste and Maddux's attention to detail with bringing the business and community together.

“You can see it becoming someone's favorite place. You know what I mean, it's their go-to coffee spot. They're starting to bring their friends and sit down.” said Fraser.

Maddux said since opening, they've had to make more food than expected because of the support from the community.

“I hear we’re the talk of the town, and I’m really excited,” he said.