07/15/2026
Friends...do you have a minute?
I've had 6 months to prepare mentally for this moment, to plan the words for the farewell post... 6 months to wrap my head around closing this chapter of my life.
Retirement was NEVER on my 2026 bingo card before January 2nd. "Slowing down" has never been in my vocabulary! I have always been a "work hard-play hard" kind of girl.
The good news is it's only structural...the fact is that 17 years of squeezing piping bags to make sugar do crazy, amazing, and delicious things has taken it's toll on the tendons in my wrists and elbows.
The better news is...with time and change, the damage will heal.
The great news is...we had a LOT of fun and shared in a LOT of special occasions over the years.
The bad news is...Sweet Stuff Bake Shop is officially closed, effective July 15, 2026.
For those of you who saw my final cake post yesterday and have sent comments and messages, THANK YOU 😊 ❤️ from the bottom of my overwhelmed heart for the love and kindness!! It has been a balm that has helped to soothe the sting of this tender moment.
I have been blessed to live in, raise my children in, and grow my business in the little town of Norton, MA! 💜 Sweet Stuff Bake Shop evolved from a "what if" idea in my home kitchen to its own little space in the heart of our town.
I am grateful to everyone who had a hand in my journey from the early taste testers who consumed more calories than they would have preferred in the name of experimentation, to the logo designers who worked tirelessly to help my vision come to life, to the architect and contractor who took all of my wants and wishes and made them into the coolest "she shed" that ever did exist, to the employees who hopped onto and off of my crazy train!!
I appreciate my friends who have been here all along as well as those I've made along the way. Your support has meant more than you'll ever know! (P.S. If Facebook doesn't know we are friends yet, send me a request!)
Mostly, I am indebted to my family. Their tolerance of this "whim" has been everything! I am most looking forward to sharing a real Christmas Eve with them for the first time in over 17 years!!
🧁 🩷
Melanie