Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Hart.
Hi Brooke, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I have always had a passion for baking.
I can remember being a little girl helping my grandparents and my great aunt Mildred in the kitchen. I just always thought of baking as a hobby until last year. I found an amazing online culinary program for baking and pastry and I thought why not make my dream come true of becoming a baker/pastry chef. So I am currently enrolled in the baking and pastry program at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
While halfway through the program, I had several friends and family ask if I would be interested in selling some of my baked goods. That’s how Sweet Hart’s Bakeshop started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, I actually started school pursuing a Bachelor’s in Education. At the end of my sophomore year, my husband and I relocated to Sevier Co. He started a new job and I found myself taking a break from school. Shortly after our move, we found out we were having a baby girl.
The following year we had our sweet boy. I was determined to finish my Bachelor’s degree so I enrolled online. After a year, I once again had to step away from pursuing my degree. My sweet boy was diagnosed with a developmental delay and sensory processing disorder and we started several weekly therapies. It was a very hard couple of years completing therapies and transitioning to school. Then we were surprised by our last baby girl, Clara Kate and we knew our family was complete!
So now with a newborn, a 3-year-old, and a 4-year old, I knew my degree would be put off until the kids were all in school. When my oldest daughter, Anna was in 1st grade my son, Jackson started Kindergarten. It was then he was diagnosed with Autism. I had some very challenging moments as a mom but I was determined to gain a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Now all 3 of my littles are in school. I knew it was time to dive into something I’ve always wanted to do. I came across an ad about Escoffier and it’s literally been a dream come true. It’s hard work for sure to maintain a household, be a wife, mother, and student but I wouldn’t change anything!
We’ve been impressed with Sweet Hart’s Bakeshop, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a home-based bakery. I offer a seasonal menu. I bake with fresh and organic ingredients. I love creating a sweet and delicious experience for any/everyone! My specialties are pies, muffins, cookies, and bread. But if you’re wanting a specific item that’s not listed I also do requests! I have an order link on my Instagram and Facebook pages!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, per-Covid a baker’s success rate was only 70% it’s even lower now due to Covid-19. It’s so important for communities to support local businesses more than ever now! I’ve dreamed of having a brick-and-mortar bakery but due to Covid and the low success rates of bakeries, it’s just not possible right now.
Contact Info:
- Email: sweethartsbakeshop@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sweethartsbakeshop
- Facebook: @sweethartsbakeshop
