Hidden Gems: Meet Becky Hawkes of FLOUR Bake Shop & FLOUR Box Gift Shop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Hawkes. 

Hi Becky, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
We landed in downtown Xenia and opened a bakery on the corner of E. Main & Detroit Streets approximately 5 years ago. Almost two- and one-half years ago, the building owners were gracious enough to let us crack through the wall so we could open an adjoining gift shop. 

FLOUR Bake Shop features a different case of treats every week. We have everything from scones to cookies and brownies to blondies. Cupcakes to fruit crisps and specialty items, too. We also feature the magical treats of a local, gluten-free baker. We accept custom orders and love to support our community. We offer classes for families, birthday parties, women’s groups, girl scout & brownie troops… basically, anyone who wants to have a great time and “create” treats and goodies of their own. 

FLOUR Box Gift Shop is adjacent to the bakery and sells locally made artisan-made items. We opened the gift shop shortly after COVID reared its head – we gave these Artisans (or vendors as we call them) a place to sell their items when all of the craft shows, festivals & farmer’s markets, and holiday bazaars were shut down. We have just under 50 vendors that choose to sell their items in our shop and keep growing. We are always looking for great things! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, my goodness, no. 

Being the new kid in town is always hard. I was transplanted in Beavercreek / Xenia in 1989 and have always loved the feel and look, and hospitality of downtown Xenia. 

COVID was very hard for us. 

If it weren’t for our loyal “regulars,” I don’t think we would have made it. I still worry about how things will go, but I need to learn to live in the now. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about FLOUR Shops….FLOUR Bake Shop & FLOUR Box Gift Shop?
FLOUR Bake Shop we have been open 5 years and make awesome and tasty treats every week. We offer different treats every week. We will always have scones and brownies and cookies and cakes – but the flavors are different every week. One week you might find an OREO brownie or a buttercream frosted brownie. We have 5 different flavors of scones every week – you never know what you will find, so you need to come in every week and check things out. We are also starting to dabble in bread making so we can offer it on a more regular basis. 

FLOUR Box Gift Shop 

has just been open under 2 1/2 years. We feature the work of local crafters and artisans. We have candle and soap makers, wood workers, sign makers, personalized baby onesies, wall murals and hangings, and quilts/afghans. There is no way I can list all of our items; there are too many. Each of our Artisans (or vendors) have a story. We love small business, we love family-owned, we want everyone to succeed, so it is my job to promote them and sell their items! It’s a win-win for everyone. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was very shy as a kid and quiet in elementary school, but then as I got older, I am not sure what happened. I was an artsy-fartsy kid in school. Graduated and then went on to be a graphic designer. Didn’t really do that for very long, then ended up in the medical field when my father became ill. Never in 100 years would I have guessed I would be a baker in the bake shop and/or the voice for my vendors – – – – I love people, I love to talk and engage. I don’t know a stranger! 

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xeniaflour & https://www.facebook.com/flourgiftshop/photos

Image Credits
Logan Hawkes