Bess Charles

Board Member

Bess has called Cape Coral, FL “home” since 2005 – this is where both of her children were born- Tyler, 17 and Katelyne, 13. Bess has been married for almost 18 years to husband Jeff. She was raised in Upstate NY, where she learned all about the ups and downs that life can deliver. Through struggle Bess gained strength and decided that she was going to be a success, rathar than let those same hardships define her. Currently, Bess owns (along with her husband) LadyCakes Bakery in Cape Coral, FL. They have been very blessed with a successful business, allowing Bess to give back to the community and truly teach her own children the value of hardwork and philanthropy. In 2020, Bess added Children’s Author to her job title – her first childrens book was published – The Adventures of LadyCakes: Kindness is Sweet. Writing was never specifically a passion of hers, growing up, however teaching and motivating the next generation of young women has always been at the forefront of her personal mission. Most recently, she started a new journey, Illuminate Consulting Solutions. As a business coach, Bess focuses her business knowledge toward helping other business women/business owners get past their own struggles to build successful businesses. Illuminate was developed to Encourage, Enhance and Empower business owners – similar to what Bess does in her own daily life. Aside from business, Bess truly enjoys helping non-profit organizations such as Pace Center for Girls, Blue Line Bears and March of Dimes – to name a few. Bess also sits on the Community Advisory board of Better Together and now Our Mother’s Home – where she will continue to Encourage, Empower and Enhance those lives around her.