10 Questions for Saratoga's Terri From Scratch Owner Terri Masterson

Saratoga-based online bakery Terri From Scratch was started this past January by Terri Masterson. She's been a stay at home mom of three daughters for 21 years and has been married to husband Tony for 23 years. As the children got older, she found herself in a new place in life. Her love of baking and charity work led her to this new venture. Customers can order her cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies and bars by visiting her website. Details: 408-206-2598.

Saratoga Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?

Terri Masterson: As a child I grew up in West San Jose. I graduated from Lynbrook High School in 1983. My love was ballet, baking and books. The three Bs. Ha! My dream was to one day own my own little bakery/book shop, a sort of "on the corner" style place. 

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Masterson: I enjoy creating things. Just because it isn't on my menu, doesn't mean I won't/can't create it! I have had people request a cake with a theme of a wolf or an angel in particular. It was a challenge, but they turned out wonderful and my clients were very happy. 

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

Masterson: I am involved in two charities, Cookies 4 Kids Cancer and Cake 4 Kids. Cookies 4 Kids Cancer allows the volunteer to hold bake sales and then donate all the proceeds directly to Cookies 4 Kids Cancer. The money goes directly to raising funds for Pediatric Cancer research. When I was holding a bake sale, several people asked me how they could buy more of my baked goods when I am not holding bake sales. Right then, Terri From Scratch was born!

Patch: What inspired you?

Masterson: My family is from the Midwest. We still own farms in North Dakota. My aunts are some of the best bakers I've ever met. When I was little, I would go over to my aunt Margie's house and she would teach me how to make pie from scratch. Cutting in the butter, rolling the dough. She was so patient. She still makes the best pie's ever. Spending summers in North Dakota and Minnesota, I spent a lot of time in the kitchens of my aunts. Their homes were always warm, welcoming and filled with incredible scents.  

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the Saratoga?

Masterson: I work out of my home. I don't have a shop for someone to walk into. Getting the word out that I exist is my biggest challenge at the moment.

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in Saratoga?

Masterson: People have a love of excellence, high quality food.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Masterson: Customer service. I really enjoy meeting my customers and creating the dessert they really want. Recently I had a delivery in Morgan Hill. It was a surprise gift from one of my regular clients. They joy on the faces of the recipients when I walked in with my box of goodies they weren't expecting was such fun.

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

Masterson: Everything, EVERYTHING is made from scratch. All made from the freshest and best ingredients. All in small quantities, all made to order.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Masterson: The Basin. Andrew Welsh, the owner, has created a restaurant that is just exceptional.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Masterson: I'm all about giving back. I am fully engaged in charity work. I spend a large portion of my time, energy and money on Cookies 4 Kids Cancer and Cake 4 Kids. Cake 4 Kids is an organization that provides birthday cakes for children that are in foster care/high risk situations. These children would not ordinarily receive a birthday celebration if it were not for the volunteer bakers at Cake 4 Kids.