Donate to SweetImpressions' New Bakery Location

Dearest family, friends, customers, students, and support system near and far,

Since its establishment in May 2019, SweetImpressions has operated solely out of my home-based bakery in the confines of a miniscule kitchen. Many of you wonder, “How I do what I do?” given the lack of size of the workspace, small residential appliances, and limited equipment capacity, however, I have ALWAYS given my all to bake the best of what the Lord has provided, no matter the situation. I love my home and all the work I have personally invested in it over the past 12 years since moving to Newark NY, the reality is I live where I work and work where I live, there is no escape nor opportunity to grow the bakery to its full untapped potential. While this may seem like a heavenly arrangement to some, it severely limits the ability to expand my offerings, host more than two students per class, and provide a retail establishment to display the cookies and cookie molds.

Along the bakery’s 5-year journey, I have never once asked for help in any facet; perhaps it is the only child in me, the Capricorn in me, my “can do/will do/bake it happen” attitude paired with my fierce commitment to excellence and quality. There is never a good time to ask for donations, especially in today’s economic upheaval. However, the time has come for me to relocate to a brick and mortar, so, I am swallowing my sweet pride and saying, “I have a dream. I need your help, and I need it now.” As a one-woman operation, it is time to move forward to bigger things and set up a permanent home for SweetImpressions, which is owed to serve the amazing community that has built itself around SweetImpressions. The outpouring of support thus far has been surreal, and anticipation for a storefront is as high as ever. I owe it to all of you to make the continuation and relocation of the bakery a dream come to life. It is overwhelming and scary, it is a LOT to take on, and I never thought I would be trying to open a bakery at 55 – but here we are! I have selected a location and will be investing the greater part of my life’s savings and sweat equity to make this dream a reality. However, I NEED YOUR HELP to facilitate the procurement of the building.

The space I am cultivating will not only be a new home for SweetImpressions, but it will also offer a space for other small business entrepreneurs to flourish. In the future, the option to lease space in a state inspected commercial kitchen for other bakers who presently operate under a New York State Home Processors permit, to expand their currently restricted line of offerings to the public.

Rest assured, SweetImpressions Bakery LLC will still have a presence at local festivals, including the German Festival, the Ukrainian Festival, The Purple Painted Lady Festival, the Canandaigua Christkindl Market and the Genesee Country Village Museum, there is nothing like connecting with the community and seeing all your faces in person! But each and every time I make an appearance, the question is asked, “Where is your bakery?” and now I will be able to say, “It’s HERE!” (address to be revealed at a later date).

I know I am asking for a lot. Starting a business is expensive, and just securing this brick-and-mortar location costs much more than the GoFundMe goal itself. Grants will be pursued on county and state levels once the building is procured to purchase additional equipment and make necessary repairs, renovations, and upgrades, but first, I must take possession of the building! SweetImpressions will succeed and thrive in this new location and every pledge of your support will get me there even faster! I cannot wait to see you all in the new space!