BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- They went from roofing homes to slaving over a hot oven. Despite being in a recession, a husband and wife team took the chance and opened up a bakery.

After 20 years of owning Class A Roofing, the economy took its toll on Tom and Marilyn Balfour's business. So they decided to hang up their hammers and start baking.

A far cry from what Marilyn was used to doing for a living.

"I did the hot tar, I did the shingles, I did the tile roofing and all that. From sheeting out roofs to tearing out roofs and roofing those roofs," said Marilyn.

The duo opened up Buttercream Bakery & Cafe in the Ming Plaza shopping center in March. It was a risk Tom said was worth taking.

"The saying is no matter how bad it is, you have to eat," said Tom.

"We put faith and we have faith so you know we just decided I think this is a good time to do it and God willing it will work out," said Marilyn.

Marilyn spends most of her time in the back baking the customer's favorite, red velvet cupcakes and other pastries like their signature bee cookies.

They also make custom cakes and sandwiches for the breakfast and lunch crowd.

Tom works the front of the shop, which he said has taken some getting used to.

"Well, the apron part was kind of hard. Marilyn is from putting shingles on a roof from putting icing on a cake, and mine is from a nail pouch to a cash register," said Tom.

The store will be celebrating their grand opening Saturday, July 11, where they will be giving out free cupcakes. They are located at 3825 Ming Ave.

The store is open Tuesday- Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.