Check Out Amy Dailey’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Dailey. 

Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! Thank you for having me! I appreciate this opportunity to chat with you! I am a native Michigander, growing up in the Kalamazoo area. I moved out of state for several years but moved back home to Michigan with my husband in 2018. I have always loved the culinary world! There is something about creating delicious food that makes others happy that brings me so much joy! Over the years, I have taken several cooking and baking classes and have learned under professional chefs and bakers. I don’t claim to be “The Best,” but I am always learning and working towards getting better at everything I do. 

Starting my small business, The Sweet Spot – St. Joe was not something I intentionally set out to do. In February of 2020, I made decorated sugar cookies, for the first time, for a friend’s baby shower. I really enjoyed it and received positive feedback. While scrolling through Facebook and Pinterest, I would see ideas for other decorated sugar cookies and would think how cool it would be to get the opportunity to do them! Then one day in February of 2021, I came across Valentine’s Day themed sugar cookies and thought I’d give it a go to see if anyone would be interested in purchasing a set. So, I offered 12 sets of mini Valentine conversation heart sugar cookies. I sold out in an hour and was amazed! I ended up taking additional orders due to the demand. I received enough interest in cookies and desserts that, a month later, I started The Sweet Spot – St. Joe, MI LLC. It’s been an amazing journey ever since! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey starting a cottage foods baking business has definitely been a learning experience. I have never owned a small business before, so there is a lot that I am learning as I go. The 3 biggest challenges have been learning all that Michigan Cottage Food Law requires, how large do I want to grow my small business and last but certainly not least is overcoming my own sense of “imposter syndrome”. Which I feel like is a struggle most small business owners in this field may identify with.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Because I am a Michigan cottage foods baker, I am limited on what I am allowed by law to sell which limits what I am able to offer in terms of baked goods. My menu is always developing. However, I currently offer custom sugar cookies (in many flavors – not just vanilla!), cakes, cupcakes, gourmet brownies, gourmet drop cookies, cake pops, and dessert bars. I feel like what sets me apart is that I try to use the highest quality ingredients when available and I use produce from local farms in my baked goods when I can. I do not have product “ready to go” ; I bake to order. This ensures that your baked goods are as fresh as possible and it also helps to eliminate any waste. 

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I have found a great group of ladies who are also Michigan Cottage Food bakers in my area. We get together to support one another and help each other grow to be as successful as we want to be. Each of us has something different and unique to bring to the table. There is no competition! We truly believe there is enough business for everyone. It’s very typical of us to refer a customer to another baker in our group with an order we are not able to take as well as share tips and tricks to help in areas where we may struggle. I would suggest looking within your local community groups on Facebook to see if there are any groups in your area where you could get support and encouragement for your small business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/thesweetspotst.joe
• Facebook: facebook.com/thesweetspotstjoe