Purdue Student Honors Family Legacy Through 10.10 Bakery

When Purdue senior Ayanna Thompson opened the doors of 10.10 Bakery on October 10, 2024, she wasn’t just starting a business—she was fulfilling a dream rooted in family, tradition, and love. The bakery, located at 128 N. Main Street in Monticello, Indiana, takes its name from a date that holds deep personal meaning: her late sister’s birthday. It’s both a tribute and a tangible expression of Ayanna’s entrepreneurial spirit.

10.10 Bakery offers a rotating selection of cupcakes, cake slices, and custom cakes for celebrations of all kinds—birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and more. Local support has been overwhelming, with customers returning week after week to sample the bakery’s latest creative flavors and beautifully decorated confections.

Ayanna, a Management major pursuing Purdue’s Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, was first introduced to cake decorating through 4-H and her sister. Together, they made cake decorating a cherished family tradition. After the heartbreaking loss of both her mother and sister, Ayanna decided to pursue her true calling. Baking became not just a skill, but a source of healing and connection.

“I always knew how to decorate cakes,” Ayanna shared, “but I needed the business side to turn this into something real.” That’s when she turned to Purdue’s Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program. Through the program, Ayanna gained the knowledge and confidence to develop a viable business plan and bring her vision to life.

Family support also played a critical role. Her father helped renovate the bakery’s space, transforming it into a warm and inviting kitchen ideal for cake decorating and customer service. Together, they built not just a business but a legacy. For Ayanna, 10.10 Bakery is more than a storefront. “It’s a way to stay connected to my family and share something meaningful with others,” she said. “I want people to walk in and feel the love that goes into every cake.”

When asked what advice she would give to others, especially students interested in entrepreneurship, Ayanna doesn’t hesitate…“Spend more time with your loved ones and do what you love. Life is too short not to.”

To follow Ayanna’s journey and see her sweet creations, visit @10.10bakery on Instagram. And if you’re near Monticello, stop by and taste the story behind the sweets.