Baking with Purpose: How Dayna Altman Uses the Kitchen to Start Mental Health Conversations

Meet Dayna Altman, Founder of Bake It Till You Make It

In the heart of Boston, Dayna Altman has turned her love for baking into a powerful platform for healing and connection. As the founder of Bake It Till You Make It, LLC, Dayna is building more than a business. She’s nurturing a community that opens up authentic conversations around mental health through the universal language of food.

 

From Cupcakes to Community Impact

Dayna’s business blends storytelling with baking, creating safe spaces for people to talk openly about their mental health. Through interactive workshops, mental health cookbooks, and community events, Dayna invites others to share their personal journeys—all while stirring batter or frosting cupcakes. Her events often use ingredients as metaphors to explore complex emotions, a concept that makes these conversations both approachable and memorable.

 

The Mission Behind the Mixing Bowl

What began as a passion project turned into an official LLC in 2020. Dayna envisioned a series of mental health cookbooks, but the pandemic helped her realize how deeply people craved connection and creative outlets during difficult times. That insight sparked a broader mission: using food to support healing and recovery. From virtual presentations to hands-on baking demos, Dayna’s message is simple yet powerful—you are not alone.

 

Local Roots, National Reach

Although based in Boston, Dayna’s impact extends well beyond Massachusetts. She leads both in-person and virtual events across the country. From “Nailed It”-style baking competitions to mental health care package events, her workshops unite people of all ages in support of one another’s wellbeing. At least twice a year, she hosts in-person gatherings that bring her mission to life within the local community.

 

Dayna’s Story: A Catalyst for Change

A deeply personal connection to the topic of mental health fuels Dayna’s work. Having grown up without models for navigating mental health struggles, she uses her own story—including her experiences with OCD, depression, and eating disorder recovery—to empower others. Her presentations are more than lectures; they’re living examples of resilience and hope.

 

Giving Back and Growing Forward

Dayna is also committed to making her services accessible. She offers special rates for nonprofits and organizations that align with her mission. Around key moments like World Mental Health Day, she runs book promotions and participates in community-driven volunteer work, often collaborating with like-minded mental health advocates.

 

A Life Rooted in Community

Raised in the Boston area and a Northeastern University alumna, Dayna credits the city with shaping her journey. Over the years, she’s cultivated a supportive network that reinforces her mission. Outside of her business, she finds joy in writing, cycling, and participating in community service—activities that continue to fuel her purpose-driven work.

 

Looking Ahead

Since launching Bake It Till You Make It, Dayna has embraced the natural evolution of her business. What started with books has grown into a thriving hub for creativity, advocacy, and connection. And with a heart full of ideas and a kitchen full of flour, she shows no signs of slowing down

Website: www.bakeittillyoumakeit.co