Meet Emily Sweet | Pastry Chef & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Sweet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Hello! Thank you for taking time out of your day today, to talk with me!
I actually am from a small city in Michigan, called Muskegon. Growing
up, I was taught how to take care of myself, my household, and
others. I took home economics off and on throughout my school years.
I also was in a young girl’s group, called Keepers (similar to boy
scouts, but for young women.) Between home economics and
Keepers, I was taught how to cook, bake, clean, sew, knit, etc. I
believe these classes and groups helped build my character, and
make me into the person I am today. Without learning these helpful
skills, I don’t believe I would be as independent as I am. These skill
groups helped play a large role in my life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I sure can! I operate a small, make-to-order, bakery out of my house,
called Sweet Miracles Bakery. I run my business’ social media
accounts, communicate with customers, advertise, clean, make, bake,
decorate, package orders, and take product photos. I specialize in
baked goods, chocolate covered treats, and small pastries.

I would say what sets me apart from other businesses/bakeries is that
I don’t make an entire day’s worth of baked goods and other foods
ahead of time, and have to stress about wasting anything. Since I am
a smaller business, I offer more flexibility with my services than other
bakeries, as I can navigate around more things, as well as fit in some
last minute requests.

I am proud to be at a point in my small business, where I have weekly
orders. When I first started out, I didn’t have that, it was just a goal I
was working towards. I can happily say that I have reached that goal. I
also am excited to be jumping into the world of edible printing. I now
own a piece of equipment that allows me to make cool, custom
designs, and print them onto treats with edible ink that uses food
coloring.

I got to where I am today business-wise, through hard work,
determination, practice, and sharpening my skill sets. I am thankful to
be where I am today, by being welcomed and supported by a lovely,
local community.

The road here hasn’t been easy. I couldn’t be where I am today
without trial and error. I attended a culinary school for 2 years which
offered a lot of different challenges. But it was through those
challenges, that taught me how to better myself, as well as improve
my work pace in the food industry. I had to go through some pretty
tough classes at that school, but I believe that I have turned out for the
better because of the struggles I had to go through there. People like
to say “practice makes perfect,” but I’ve learned along the way that it
really doesn’t, because no one can be perfect. But we most certainly
can become more confident in ourselves, and more experienced with
our skills and work.

I’d like for people to know that I enjoy what I do. My passion is to
make and create food, not just for myself, but for others as well. I
believe that working hard and having a positive mindset pays off.
While running my small business, I understand that optimism and
generosity are some of the most important qualities a business can
have. Never underestimate the power of positivity, and what it can do
for someone. It makes my day, if I can make someone’s else’s day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

No matter the time of year, Michigan always offers beautiful views of
the water.

If I had a friend visiting the area, I’d take them to the Muskegon Pier in
the morning. We’d take some photos together, then some of the view
(to take home with them.) Next we’d take a stroll around downtown.
We’d stop at Sweet Spot inside of the Culinary Institute of Michigan
Building (CIM) for some coffee and chocolate. Afterwards we’d go to
some local shops like Harris and Willow, Vintage Redefined, and The
Lemon blossom, to support some local stores. After walking around,
I’d take them to the Early Owl, in downtown Muskegon. We’d get hot
cocoa and a hot brunch for the afternoon. After brunch it’s time to go
up the road to the Muskegon Museum of History and Science. It offers
interactive activities there, and is adult and kid friendly. Once we were
done there, I’d take them to one of the local library’s to check out the
area’s resources, and offer a chance to wind down after a full day of
activities.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I’d like to shout out my mom (Jeanine), and two other ladies, Marla
Holmes and Theresa Shedenhelm, for helping teach me, and many
other young women in the Keepers girl’s group. As I mentioned
previously, this group taught me a lot of things, and played a major
role in my upbringing. As did my parents Dennis and Jeanine Sweet.
They have taken a lot of time throughout their lives to teach me life
skills, trust in the Lord, and to be thankful for everything I’ve been blessed with. A couple more people I’d like to shout out are, Lee and
Crystal Miracle. They are family friends who are always kind, patient,
and have serving hearts. This couple taught me how to respect the
kitchen, while still having fun in it, cooking and baking. They taught me
how to handle myself in the kitchen. How to keep a tidy space, hold a
timely manner, and be respectful of others when sharing the kitchen. I
am thankful for my faith, along with all of these people. I would not be
where I am today, much less who I am today, without them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet.miracles.bakery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetMircs

Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Esweetphotography, Sweet Miracles Bakery.