How Alaynna Pruitt Turned Her Vegan Baking Hobby into a Business

By Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson The Birmingham Times Have you ever heard of or tasted vegan cookies? Or how about a vegan cake or vegan cinnamon roll? Birmingham native Alaynna Pruitt, 27, creator and founder of Healthy Foodie Bakery, based in Birmingham, sells a variety of treats and many of her customers say there is little to no difference in the taste of vegan desserts from traditional ones. Veganism involves abstaining from the consumption and use of animal products, hence the mainly “plant-based” style of eating which includes mainly vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. Pruitt, a 2014 Ramsay High grad who grew up in the Roebuck area, started her business in 2022, to kick off the summer season with pop up events. She baked desserts such as cakes, cupcakes and other sweet treats for friends and family before, so this wasn’t quite a new venture. What began as a hobby – she says she would bake desserts for co-workers, friends and family – has flourished growing business. She learned to make treats after being inspired by watching one too many shows on Food Network and following some of their recipes. Not only did Pruitt enjoy baking, she developed a love for it...