Local business looking for help after difficult winter season

WINCHESTER, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) –  Owners of a small business are asking for community support after a difficult winter season that significantly impacted operations.

For the team behind Thee Cake Carpenter, the business is about more than desserts. Owners Sydney and George Carpenter say their work is rooted in faith, family and perseverance — values that have guided them since turning a childhood passion into a growing business focused on creating treats that bring people together.

But recent winter weather created unexpected challenges. The difficult snow and ice storms in the Commonwealth forced closures and kept customers at home for extended periods, causing the business to take a hit.

“There were days that we couldn’t open, and then there were days that we did open and nobody showed up,” George Carpenter said. “It was extremely rough because even coming in and still showing up, still baking, still cooking, still prepping things, still running the electric, the gas, the water — it got extremely pricey extremely quick.”

Now, the Carpenters are turning to the community for help as they work to recover financially and continue operating.

They say supporting their business has a ripple effect, allowing them to give back to others in need.

“You’re supporting a family. You’re supporting even the schools, the churches — everything that is in need,” said Sydney Carpenter. “A lot of those places come to us for donations. They come to us for support. And so when you support us, we’re able to support you.”

Although business has begun to pick up with warmer weather, the financial strain from the winter months remains.

“The support is definitely needed. It’s to the point now where I would consider an emergency,” said George. “The sooner we can get it done, the sooner we can continue to create and be that place here.”

The Carpenters say they are grateful for the prayers and encouragement they have already received from the community.

Those who wish to help can contribute through the business’s GoFundMe.