Davine and Brian Calkins officially launched their business, The 490 Bakery, in 2018. For years Davine dreamed of owning a bakery and coffee shop that welcomed everyone. In fact, her dream was to offer a safe place where healing could happen, a bridge for the racial divide in the community and a place where those struggling with addiction and barriers to employment because of past incarceration could work to gain skills that would help them find jobs. Davine shared some 2017 statistics: 39,000 in the State of Michigan are incarcerated, that is about the size of the city of Muskegon. “So think of it that way, all citizens in the city of Muskegon equal the number of people in Michigan that are in prison.” She added “everyone, including businesses, must do their part in the community to make sure we are not shying away from making sure everyone has a second chance.” Well that dream is one step closer with the launch of The 490 Bakery.
They spent 2018 figuring out what most food entrepreneurs do, obtaining their licensing, figuring out their process, packaging, labeling, how they will go to market, sourcing ingredients, and branding and now they are ready to jump in with both feet. When asked about the challenges, Davine immediately offered: “fear, fear of failure.” Then someone asked her what is the worst that could happen and that put the wheels in motion with much support from family and friends.
Each cookie at The 490 Bakery has a personality. They are named after a beautiful neighborhood within the city of Muskegon. They currently have six flavors and soon to be seven and the eighth will be a gluten free option. Cookies come 7 or 13 to a package with a message that the 7th or 13th cookie will be that one more chance that they hope that everyone will grant to the people that need it. They source local ingredients and orders can be placed through their website or Facebook page. They have been providing cookies for private events as well.
Besides finding them online, their goal is to be at the Muskegon Farmers Market starting in May 2019 and some retail locations. For now, you can place orders online or message The 490 Bakery on their Facebook page to place and order for delivery. https://www.facebook.com/490bakery/