In 2020, Sophie Rennie started a baking business out of her kitchen.
Now, she is expanding her marketing efforts to include a monthly pop-up shop outside her home.
“I have just taken the next step in my business. A family friend has helped me build a bakery cart that I can fill and leave outside for people to stop by and grab some treats,” says Rennie, owner of the Sweet and Sassie Bake Shop.
Rennie told BarrieToday that the first pop-up sale was held over the Thanksgiving weekend, and that was quite a thrill.
“It was outside from 3 to 6 p.m. and included ginger cookies, cinnamon sugar scones, carrot and pumpkin cakes. It was a huge success," says the Barrie woman.
Rennie noted that the most popular cookie is her signature Nutella-stuffed cookie.
“These cookies are made with browned butter, sprinkled with sea salt and filled with Nutella," she adds.
Another popular treat is the butterscotch pretzel chocolate chip cookies, says Rennie.
“I also love to create custom cakes and cupcakes for all my customers' events," she says. “Especially for a themed party, when I get to create a dessert to match the theme.”
Rennie was inspired to become an entrepreneur during the endless days of COVID pandemic and quarantine.
“I wanted to start this business not just because my love for baking, but because everyone needed a little more happiness in their lives during this pandemic," she says.
Some of Rennie’s recipes were drawn from her family. She says her mother loves to bake and since she was little she can always remember being with her mother in the kitchen baking together.
“I have taken some of our old recipes and customized them to what I like and think tastes delicious," she says.
Rennie believes that she’s gotten better as a baker over the past three years largely because of the supportive community around her.
“There are so many customers who placed orders when I first started my business who are still placing orders today.”
Additionally, some offerings have been perfected through partnerships, for example, working the baking brand Sweetapolita for sprinkle mixtures.
“We designed three different sprinkle mixtures that can be used for so many different things such as ice cream topping and baking decorations. They also make a great gift for any baker," she says.
Rennie says her sprinkles are sold at Nicholyn Farms and she’s hoping to get them in more stores.
For more information about Sweet and Sassie Bake Shop and the next pop-up sales, visit sweetandsassiebakeshop.com or follow it on Instagram at @sweetandsassiebakeshop.
