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By Lauren Rosenthal
Communications Manager at ACHD

Every week at the Delridge and SeaTac Farmers Markets, there is one vendor who consistently sells out. Children make a beeline to her booth, parents in tow, ready to try her banana pudding cookies, sweet potato pie, or peach cinnamon rolls. 

Queen Sugar Baking Company is a staple at these community-centered markets, and Danitra Porter, the small business’s founder and baker, built her reputation on more than just desserts: it’s her blend of Southern tradition, creativity, and commitment to community that makes her an anchor at these markets.

“For me, it’s all about feedback,” Danitra said. “Especially the kids⁠—the brownies are probably my bestsellers still. Apparently, you just can’t find a good brownie anywhere.”

Alongside her baked goods, owner Danitra also showcases her original artwork. Her pieces highlight Black and Brown women, resonating with younger customers who see themselves reflected in her creations.

Born in Germany to military parents, Danitra has traveled extensively and held a variety of jobs while trying to find her passion. She earned a degree in forensic psychology from Florida Tech. When she first moved to Washington state ten years ago, she took on what she described as ‘odd jobs,’ working as a PI, nutritionist, dog walker, and sitter. And now, based in Federal Way, she notes something unique about the Greater Seattle area—the crazy amount of transplants.

Seattleites likely know what she’s talking about. But what she likes about this is that, compared to any other place she’s lived, Seattle has an incredible food culture. 

Danitra always did baking on the side, for family and friends. Her recipes are rooted in Southern heritage, handed down from her mother and grandmother, with her sweet potato pie carrying a distinctly multigenerational influence. Danitra’s own creative twist—citrus and ginger—sets her version apart.

The pandemic was a turning point. She reflected on the idea of becoming an entrepreneur⁠, actually starting her own business, for months. 

She decided to go for it. She launched Queen Sugar Baking Company during the pandemic era, prioritizing opportunities in BIPOC markets. 

Initially buoyed by the visibility and resources that came with the Black Lives Matter Movement, she later mentioned how gentrification and anti-Black sentiment began to resurface in 2023. 

“After the Black Lives Matter Movement lost momentum, local markets started changing, and how much people were willing to even buy from Black and Brown people, especially Black people,” Danitra said. “I started to really notice that. I’ve done markets in Tacoma, Puyallup, Steilacoom, Beacon Hill, West Seattle, Seattle proper⁠—and what I’ve noticed in those neighborhoods is that the gentrification has poured over into the markets themselves.”

In response, she sought out spaces that centered cultural food traditions and community-driven missions, eventually finding a home at the Delridge Farmers Market.

At this market, run by the SeaTac-based nonprofit African Community Housing and Development, Danitra found more than just customers. The market’s produce buyback program, zero vendor fees, Kids Bucks for youth shoppers, and commitment to free culturally relevant produce and food aligned with her values. 

She also appreciated the ability to connect with local farmers to get fresh ingredients. Over the course of this market season, she bought some rhubarb from the Delridge Market’s resident farm, Aash Farms, to put in her pies. She also gathered apples from The Apple Guy, another anchor farmer at Seattle’s markets.

Not only that, but during the 2025 Grand Opening of the Delridge Farmers Market, she made the most money she had ever made in one hour. Within two hours, she was completely sold out. 

Yes—that’s how good her baking is. 

“The Delridge and SeaTac Markets are the best I’ve been a part of,” Danitra said. “I plan on staying with them as long as possible. There’s so many things on top of the community building: actually getting to know people who are buying your stuff, repeat customers. That’s a thing you don’t necessarily get at every market.”

Every week, Danitra and her business, Queen Sugar Baking Company, can be found at both the Delridge and SeaTac Farmers Markets. She says you don’t have to buy anything, just come and hang out.

Find her on Instagram at @queensugarbakingcompany and the markets at @delridgefarmersmarket and @seatacfarmersmarket.

Learn more about the SeaTac Farmers Market here.

The market is held every Wednesday from 3–7 p.m. at the Matt Griffin YMCA through Oct. 29, 2025:

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