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From Cookie Crumbs to Custom Cakes: My Journey to Sweetisserie

I’ve always enjoyed baking. My journey with it began early on—not as a career path, but as a hobby I loved. I once thought I might become a journalist, or a lawyer, or maybe a psychologist. But looking back now, I credit my mother’s influence for revealing who I was meant to be.

Izola Ward

6/18/20252 min read

While both of my parents were talented cooks, my mom was the one who made the cakes, sweets, and pastries in our home. After my parents divorced, I lived with my dad. That shift marked the beginning of my deeper dive into baking—I started to take on that role in our household, and in the process, it became part of me.

A Cookie Craving Turned Passion Project

Baking quickly became my stress reliever—my way to focus, unwind, and use my time creatively. I started with cookies. All kinds. I tested every variety I could think of, just to learn more. Once I felt like I’d really developed something special, I tried launching my first business: Gourmet Cookie Hut, an online cookie store.

But sometimes life has different plans. A cross-country move with my boyfriend meant starting from scratch. Rebuilding an online bakery with delivery in a brand-new city proved harder than expected, and I had to pause the dream.

The Return to Baking (and the Beginning of Something Bigger)

Years later, life gave me another shot at pursuing my passion—and this time, it came in the form of cakes.

To my surprise, I picked up the craft quickly. I loved developing new recipes, decorating each creation, and most of all, seeing people’s faces light up when they took a bite. What felt natural to me often amazed others. That’s when it clicked: I could do this for real.

So I sat down and made a plan. I’d build a business that didn’t shy away from decadence. I’d create cakes that were sinfully delicious, no apologies. And as I sharpened my skills, the orders started coming in.

A Fortunate Return to Cookies

One day, a neighbor suggested I add cookies to my cake orders—especially as something fun for the kids. It felt like a full-circle moment. Cookies were where I started. I hadn’t thought about them in a while, but clearly, that skill had just been waiting to make a comeback.

Sweetisserie Today (and Tomorrow)

Today, Sweetisserie offers cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.

Next month? Maybe tarts.

Next year? Who knows. The sky’s the limit.

Because this isn’t just work to me—it’s not even just a business. It’s passion. It’s purpose. It’s what stirs my soul every single day. And I hope that love and intention comes through in every single dessert I make and share with my customers.