Fresno Boy Starts Baking Business To Buy Mom House

FRESNO - There's a new baker in Fresno, but most local bakeries might not mind having new competition for customers.

While some kids are doing things like playing sports or hanging out with friends, Jalen Bailey is working on a recipe for success. He makes cookies by the dozens and banana nut by the loaf, and this baker is making the dough at just 8 years old.

"My mom is the one who inspired me to do the business," said Bailey.

Jalen's Bakery is a full-service confectionary. His mother, Sharhonda Mahan, says her son's getting a lot of requests and did his first event. She's his assistant, but she's also his best friend.

"Like the closest best friend that I have," said Bailey.

Bailey's drive isn't a complete surprise to her. It runs in the family.

"I've had side businesses since I was 18, so I felt that it was something he needed to learn. If he wanted to be an entrepreneur when he grows up or it's something he wanted to do on the side," said Mahan.

He runs the bakery out of their tiny rental home. The small home is part of the reason he's baking in the first place.

"I wanted to save up a lot of money to get a house. I just want one that me and my mom can be happy in," said Bailey.

Jalen went to his first business mixer and networked with local professionals. One man even offered to donate a used oven so he can pump out more cookies.

"I said I wanted to be a millionaire. I thought that wasn't possible but now I think it is," he said.