Unlock yourself. Unlock your potential.
"Innovation sparks at the intersection of diverse communities."
When a great idea strikes, Letha Pugh doesn’t wait—she builds.
About Letha
professional bioGRAPHY
In the past 16 years, Letha has become a trailblazer for small business owners in the broader Columbus communities. Her business approach is based on the ethos of organic reciprocity—diverse collaboration produces innovative ideas that meet community needs
Entrepreneurship
Letha is the co-visionary behind Bake Me Happy, a gluten-free wholesale and retail bakery, and helped launch Preston’s: A Burger Joint, bringing gluten-free eats into the spotlight—without sacrificing flavor.
Community Leadership
Her passion for community runs deep. She helped create two mission-driven nonprofits: Service! Relief for Hospitality Workers, founded during COVID to support hospitality workers, and Black, Out and Proud, which advocates for Columbus’ Black LGBTQ+ community
Letha also serves in leadership roles across the city, as: Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Board Secretary for The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio and Ambassador for Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses.
Realizing how crucial it is to meet employees' beyond-the-job needs, Letha's business model supports individuals reentering the workforce by removing barriers like housing, childcare and transportation. Recently, she helped launch Café Overlook, a $4.5M workforce development project.
Recognition
-
Community Capital Development Corp, Economic Development Project of the Year, 2025
-
Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce, Business Advocate of the Year, 2025
-
Columbus Business First, Woman of Influence, 2024
-
City of Columbus, Empowered Women to Watch Awardee, 2022
-
Columbus Urban League, Honda Award of Excellence, 2020
-
Human Rights Campaign, Equality Award, 2020
-
City of Columbus, Pride Illumination & Shellabarger Illuminator Award, 2019
-
Ohio Restaurant Association, Rising Star Award, 2019
-
Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Women WELDing the Way Honoree, 2019
-
Reese Nader Memorial Award, 2017
-
The Ohio State University, Diversity Business Award, 2016
Up Next!
Letha is actively expanding her investment and community development portfolio. If you are interested in a collaborative partnership, please reach out.
$5M+
IN Investment partnerships
700+
People employed
2,000+
LIVES CHANGED
40
FAMILIES HOUSED
Trailblazing Timeline
"Do not desire to fit in. Desire to oblige yourselves to lead." – Gwendolyn Brooks
Big Heart. Sharp Mind.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1972, Letha didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur—it just happened.
From Scrubs to Solutions
Letha earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Nebraska. As nurse, she learned how to build a rapport by coming from a place of respect.
Building The Change
When Letha founded a home health care agency, she began to understand that creating jobs wasn't enough. She realized that employees also needed stability and access.
Doing Good pays
Letha turned her attention to building employee-first business models. Investing in her employees' access to housing and transportation paid off – her workforce thrived when people felt safe and cared for.
Transformative Founder
Letha's business ethos is applicable across industries and sectors... because it works – what's good for one must be good for all.
Current Boards & Non-Profits
Secretary, Board of Directors
Member, Board of Directors
Member, Small Business Development Council
Co-Founder & Treasurer, Board of Directors
Member, Board of Directors
Co-Founder, Advisory Board Member
Member, Board of Commissioners