Support suecakes! Sweet Success

Hello!!
First off, thank you so much for taking the time to hear my story. I am Suzanne Coolbeth, owner/founder/baker of suecakes! Bakery & Juice Bar located in beautiful Belfast, Maine, USA....but everyone knows me as suecakes!

I have been baking in the midcoast area for 5+ years, growing my business from baking mini cupcakes for friends to vending at farmers’ markets then selling products to shops and most recently opening a retail bakery and organic juice bar 2 1/2 years ago.

I exclusively specialize in gluten, egg, dairy-free products with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients and a fascination for exquisite flavor combinations. I am very passionate about the food I create and feel very strongly about the quality of ingredients we put in our bodies...
     * never use white sugar
     * fair-trade and environmentally sound products,
        from the to-go cups & straws to the biodegradable
        packaging to the sustainable fair-trade organic palm
         oil and cocoa.
     * plant-based coloring

Even with much support from friends and family, new and old customers, and staff (which I am utterly most grateful for), I am the sole creator of this venture - “bootstrapping” as a one-woman show - and let’s face it....running a brick n mortar (in the depths of Maine winters) is hard, folks!

From decision making
             baking
             planning/organizing
             promoting & networking
             paperwork
             ordering & processing ingredients & supplies
             cleaning
             product development
             restructuring the vision & mission
             hiring & managing staff

.....my days are full to say the least.

And on top of the standard small business entrepeneur task list, the crucial element of working with perishable products that also need to present themselves pretty adds a much more challenging dynamic.

I need your help to continue to grow and provide the community (and beyond) with more delicious GF vegan goodies.... and honestly, those descriptions don’t even matter....it’s really good food. Period.

Yes, I do provide an extremely unique niche that many seek out - through the years I have collected so many beautifully rewarding memories of customers reactions and gratitude for what I work so hard to do...

....from children with autism or/and severe allergies to numerous accounts of people traveling far far distances (I think Florida is the furthest if memory serves me...at all) to seek out my food.

I talk a lot about my baking because that is my passion, however, I was fortunate to settle into a business space that was already a juice bar and have continued offering healthy smoothies and organic juices which I feel compliment the style of baked goods I provide.

Many health professionals continue to refer customers to me with specific ailments or restrictions and I have the unique opportunity to assist them in their personal health journey. As I have mentioned, I grew my business
through attending farmers’ markets and have great relationships with many farms in the area in which I strive to support them through purchasing power whenever possible. With all things considered, I am
proud of what I provide to this community and beyond.

With your help, suecakes! may invest in a much-needed refrigerator to store all the fresh local, organic produce for smoothies & juices,  frostings & fillings, and savory items as well as other equipment upgrades. The business also desperately needs some deep spring
cleaning, to stock up on supplies and to gear up for the bustling, busy summer season through staff development while keeping the lights on.

Weddings and special events, attending farmers’ markets, the influx of visitors and higher demands....everything will be in full
throttle as much as humanly possible in a short amount of time. And yes.....I personally bake everything!

I work very hard - and have for quite some time - to get this business where it is today. I am so very proud of myself and thankful for EVERY SINGLE PERSON who has shown an interest or believed in my vision as well.

My GF, egg & dairy-free treats really sweeten up the days for all, but most importantly, for the customers living with alternative diets.

So please consider donating...every little bit counts.

And PLEASE spread the word by simply sharing this campaign on all social media formats.

Find me on Facebook (suecakes) and Instagram (@suecakes_bakery) where you can see what I'm working on.

Word of mouth is great promotion too. Deepest and most sincere thanks!!!!
-suecakes!