Today we’d like to introduce you to Pete Tidwell
Hi Pete, 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?
Baking has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My journey started in an unexpected place—the sandwich business. As a teenager, I worked at my brother’s Gandolfo’s shop, where I got my first taste of entrepreneurship. But it was cake decorating that truly sparked something in me.
What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into an obsession, and before I knew it, I was running my own bakery, The Mighty Baker. Over the years, I opened two storefronts, created countless custom cakes, and even competed on national TV—winning Cake Wars twice and making it to the finals of Halloween Baking Championship and Is It Cake, Too? on Netflix. I love pushing the boundaries of cake artistry, especially with hyper-realistic sculpted designs that leave people in awe.
But like any journey, mine hasn’t been without challenges. Owning a business, navigating creative burnout, and managing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship took a toll on me. That’s when I discovered breathwork. It became a game-changer—helping me quiet the noise, reconnect with myself, and find clarity in moments of chaos. Now, alongside baking, I’m also passionate about sharing the power of breathwork with others, helping fellow business owners and creatives manage stress and tap into their full potential.
For me, baking isn’t just about desserts—it’s about storytelling, creativity, and connection. Whether it’s through cake or breathwork, my mission is to create experiences that inspire, uplift, and bring people together.
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?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Building The Mighty Baker and my career in cake artistry has been an incredible journey, but like any business, it’s come with its fair share of challenges.
Running a bakery meant long hours, high-pressure deadlines, and the constant balance between creativity and business operations. I opened and closed two storefronts, and while I loved creating cakes that wowed people, the realities of running a brick-and-mortar business were tough. The financial pressures, staffing challenges, and burnout all took a toll. It was heartbreaking to close my second shop, but it also led me to reevaluate what success really meant to me.
On top of that, competing on national TV was both exhilarating and intense. The pressure to perform at my best, on the spot, in front of millions of viewers, pushed me beyond my comfort zone. But those experiences also gave me confidence, proving to myself that I could handle anything thrown my way.
Through it all, I struggled with stress, self-doubt, and burnout. That’s where breathwork came in—it became a tool that helped me process challenges, regain focus, and find a healthier balance in my life. It’s one of the reasons I now incorporate mindfulness and self-care into my work, not just for myself but for other business owners who are navigating the same struggles.
Despite the bumps in the road, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Every challenge has shaped me into the entrepreneur, artist, and mentor I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about THE MIGHTY BAKER LLC?
The Mighty Baker has always been about more than just cake—it’s about creativity, craftsmanship, and making life’s moments unforgettable. I specialize in ultra-realistic, sculpted cakes that push the boundaries of cake artistry. Whether it’s a hyper-detailed object replica or a towering showpiece, my goal is always to create something that not only looks incredible but tastes just as amazing.
Right now, I’m in the process of reinventing The Mighty Baker and expanding what my brand represents. While I still offer custom cakes, I’ve also stepped into a new role as a mentor and coach for other bakery business owners. With over 25 years of experience in the food industry and multiple wins on national baking competitions, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to build a successful bakery business—and I want to help others do the same. Through my coaching, I help bakery owners streamline their operations, boost their confidence, and actually enjoy the business they’ve built.
Beyond baking, I also run Rise Up Mighty Breathwork, where I offer breathwork sessions and life coaching. After experiencing the stress and burnout that can come with entrepreneurship, I found breathwork to be a powerful tool for managing overwhelm, staying grounded, and reconnecting with myself. Now, I use that knowledge to help others—whether they’re business owners, creatives, or anyone looking for more clarity and balance in their lives.
What sets The Mighty Baker apart is the passion behind everything I do. I’m not just making cakes—I’m creating edible works of art. I’m not just coaching—I’m helping people take their businesses and their lives to the next level. No matter where this journey takes me, one thing remains the same: I believe in putting my whole heart into my craft and helping others rise up and do the same.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is knowing that, no matter what life throws my way, I have the ability to pause, take a deep breath, and remind myself that I am okay. Even in the toughest storms, I’ve learned that peace and joy aren’t just things that happen—they’re things we cultivate daily.
The past few years have been a journey of self-discovery and resilience. After being diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, CPTSD, anxiety, and depression, I’ve had to redefine what happiness means for me. Some days, it feels easy to find; other days, it feels impossible. But what keeps me going is knowing that if I can find even a small spark of light in the darkest moments, I can help others do the same.
Through baking, coaching, and breathwork, I’m not just creating cakes or running businesses—I’m creating spaces for joy, connection, and healing. And that, more than anything, makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-mighty-baker-shop.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themightybaker
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyBaker/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMightyBaker
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@themightybaker
