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Haley Bishop, a BW sophomore studying neuroscience and entrepreneurship, combined her two areas of study to found Baking for the Brain, a mental wellness-focused bakery.
Baking for the Brain is a bakery that focuses on the health of the brain, utilizing science-backed ingredients to create sweet treats that are both delicious and can help the brain release chemicals that promote comfort, calm or focus.
Bishop was inspired to create Baking for the Brain by her own experiences and her desire to help others who are facing mental health challenges. "I struggle with trauma … and it does impact my daily life. I wondered why we couldn't enjoy delicious treats and calm our brain down at the same time," she thought.
Bishop hit the ground running with her venture and has big plans for its future. "I want to reach all types of people and impact each and every one of them," emphasized the BW Honors Program and STEM Scholars student.
Beyond selling baked goods, Bishop hopes to create scholarships, grants, internships and baking classes aimed at educating people about trauma and coping skills through baking.
Some of Baking for the Brain's signature ingredients include lavender and chamomile (both of which can help calm anxiety) and cinnamon, which can promote cognitive functioning and memory.
Baking for the Brain incorporates specific herbs into its baked goods, based on Bishop's research on the potential impact these unique ingredients can have on the brain. With names as appealing as the cookies themselves — Chill-y Petal, Calm Consensus and Clarity Crumble, among others — the homemade treats offer a comforting, happy indulgence.
One of the biggest challenges that the Mount Vernon, Ohio, neuroscience student has faced in starting her venture has been comparing herself, her product and her progress to others. But she also has experienced the reward of realizing that her venture is truly a good idea and that people are excited to see what will come of it.
A 2025 Burton D. Morgan Foundation Morgan StartUp Grant recipient, Bishop's grant funds were crucial to purchasing ingredients, baking supplies and printing services for marketing her new venture. "LaunchNET is the entire reason my dream is becoming a reality. No matter how challenging this journey has been, LaunchNET has had my back," Bishop emphasized.
Adding to Bishop's success, she was recently the recipient of an Honorable Mention in the Revenue-Generating Category of an IdeaLabs competition, an annual pitch contest where student entrepreneurs from throughout Ohio compete for up to $10,000 in one of two tracks, Ideation or Revenue-Generating.
Bishop also participated in the BW LaunchNET Entrepreneurship Showcase at BW's Ovation 2026 that featured a dozen student- and alumni-owned ventures, offering everything from products to networking opportunities.
From ideation and planning to launch and growth, LaunchNET supports entrepreneurs at every stage with free and confidential venture coaching. Members of the BW community are invited to contact LaunchNET to learn how to propel their entrepreneurial dreams forward.
