How do you solve a problem like Maria?

Elmhurst resident, Kai Sison Macnicol, started her successful bakery RoughEdges Confectionery with GRIT and DETERMINATION. Raising three children as a single/coparent in Elmhurst, during COVID 2020, she began her business with a cottage license, posted and sold out every time, transforming her back porch as a busy pickup location. As she outgrew her home kitchen, the next step was to move to a larger commercial kitchen and retail space. The Elmhurst community rallied around her, buying her decadent pastries and investing financially in her business. Today she is proud to share a space with Two Brothers from Italy, an Elmhurst staple since 1976. As a woman owned business with roots in the FIL-AM community her beliefs value individuality and diversity.
Kai supports the local communities with fundraising causes that she is passionate about, provides a safe space for everyone and is a proud supporter of equality, women’s rights and a proud ally of the LGBTQ community.
Kai’s unique bakery has received many awards including Best Bakery and Best Catering. Her creativity as a visual artist brings forth incredible artistic cakes, artisan pastries and grazing tables.
Please stop by inside and enjoy daily breakfast, with a touch of Filipino flavor, daily NOOK menu of incredible pastries and teas, and weekend brunch (roughedgesconfectionery.com). Meet Kai and her team and learn about her new adventures with Creativity, Cycling, Preparing for the Ironman and adventures in the wild. - Roz Long, RGL Marketing for the Arts, Inc
​When doors keep closing on you, you get your rolling pin and break them down! When the normal route of securing funding for a brick and mortar told me I was not good enough, I set out a new route to prove that I am. We are. And the wave of support was tremendous!

I love food!
What once was a hobby has turned into something more and I am happy that I get to do this while being at home taking care of my kids. I grew up in the Philippine Island of Cebu, a culture that is so rich in flavor, I associate a lot of my fond memories growing up surrounded with delicious food! A big part of the Filipino culture is our hospitality, and our love for food. Food was always the bond that gets families and friends together and make lasting memories. I've always loved the whole process of making a meal, combining flavors and learning from all my friends from different countries. And now I get to share it!
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I have lived quite a colorful life thus far, each stage and memory a testament to who I am and what I know and share today. 
As my crew and I navigate our new normal, I try to include them in the process, try to teach them the value of hard work and mostly, to give back and offer their talents to the world. I believe in a force within to do good, to be better each day, to share a gift and to always be an example of strength, kindness and resilience to my kids.
Love and peace,
-Kai