Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue George.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sue. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Harvard Sweet Boutique is the culmination of a desire to pursue my passion for baking, owning my own business, and an interest in providing sweet treats for all to enjoy – including those who live a healthier lifestyle and people with dietary restrictions.
Prior to founding the bakery, I was a software engineer for 10 years, then a program manager for Digital Equipment Corporation, now Hewlett-Packard. After many years in the corporate world, I realized I wanted to pursue something different and baking has always been a passion of mine.
Despite not having any formal training, I decided to combine my love for fresh, high-quality baking, creativity and computer skills into my own business. That’s when I started Harvard Sweet Boutique as an e-commerce site in 2007.
In 2012, I expanded the business to also include a brick-and-mortar retail location in Hudson. The storefront offers the same sweet treats as the e-commerce site, as well as cakes, cupcakes, whoopie pies, French macarons, cream puffs, eclairs, dessert platters, and much more.
In addition to our classic sweet treats, we also offer a wide variety of gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan and low-carb alternatives. Changes in my own life inspired these product lines at the bakery.
I have always been an active person, and in 2013, I decided to achieve another one of my lifelong goals – complete the Boston Marathon. I was a member of the Boston Children’s Hospital charity team when I ran the marathon for the first time in 2014, and involved my bakery customers in my fundraising efforts by holding an event which included a luncheon and a silent auction. Hudson and the surrounding towns have a vibrant community of some of the most generous and supportive people I have ever met. I had never run competitively but quickly realized that running was a true passion, and that I was actually pretty good at it. Since then, I have completed eight full marathons and more than 25 half marathons!
My 19-year-old daughter, Katrina, is also an avid runner and honored me by running on the Joslin Diabetes Boston Marathon team last year. This was a lofty goal, given her status as a full-time student at Boston College, but she completed it with flying colors, and I couldn’t be prouder.
I am already registered as a qualified runner for the 2018 Boston Marathon, and will compete in the Chicago and Philadelphia Marathons this fall. My goal is to complete full marathons in all 50 states. As I’ve become more of a competitive runner, I’ve adjusted my diet to include healthier foods that will enhance my performance, and want to provide similar options at my bakery. In addition to our delicious, classic treats, we offer gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free and low-carb alternatives.
I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2001, and although it was life-changing, I was determined to not let it change my lifestyle dramatically. When I opened the bakery, I decided to develop a line of all-natural, low-carb treats that others living with diabetes could still enjoy. Since then, we’ve also developed a line of gluten-free treats that have become very popular with our customers.
Because of my life experiences, I know that many others are very conscious about what they eat. That’s why we want to provide quality, tasty baked goods for all lifestyles and diets.
Has it been a smooth road?
Owning and operating a business without a business partner can be both rewarding and challenging because you control and drive the vision, but of course, that also means you have to be very hands-on at all times and must make all business decisions on your own. I’ve been very fortunate to have a support system of family and friends who have helped my business grow over the years. They have helped me through thick and thin, including jumping in during our busiest seasons to assist with packaging and other tasks. My loved ones have played an important role in my success and I cannot thank them enough.
Also, when you start your own business, it’s hard at first to find a work/life balance because you want to ensure that your new venture is a success. Part of the reason I started my own company was to have more control of my schedule and to spend more time with my family.
Over the years, I’ve learned to delegate responsibilities, including hiring some very talented pastry chefs who have not only maintained, but also elevated our product lines to a new level. This has freed up more of my time so I can focus on the operations and growth of the company.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I molded Harvard Sweet Boutique around my passion for fine baking and the need for unique gift alternatives. We pride ourselves on baking the old-fashioned way – from scratch and with only the freshest ingredients. From our custom cakes and handmade cookies to delicious brownies and toffees, our desserts are all natural and made with exceptional ingredients, including rich European chocolate, pure double-strength vanilla extracts and more.
One of my goals in starting the company was to offer delicious treats and gift packages to customers across the country. Each made-to-order gift, for individual recipients or corporate bulk orders, includes customized packaging. We have hundreds of options to personalize each gift – from whimsical, themed boxes to ribbon colors and even personal notes. We ship our fresh treats across the country, offering the perfect, custom gift for every recipient and occasion.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
There are so many people who helped me get where I am today. First and foremost, I have the most incredibly talented team working at the bakery. They treat the business as if it were their own and I am so appreciative of their dedication.
As I mentioned, my friends care as much about the bakery as I do and we wouldn’t be as successful as we are today without their assistance and support. Harvard Sweet Boutique is definitely a family business, with my husband, Peter, and two children, Nick and Katrina, helping out whenever their schedules allow. Each has pitched in more than their fair share of hours over the years, doing everything from washing dishes to serving customers as a cashier.
Contact Info:
- Address: 25 South St. Hudson, MA 01749
- Website: www.harvardsweetboutique.com
- Phone: 978-562-5938 cake/bakery orders; 888-5SWEETS (888-579-3387) website orders
- Email: cakes@harvardsweetboutique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvardsweetboutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvardsweets
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/harvardsweets
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/harvard-sweet-boutique-hudson-2
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/harvardsweets/
Image Credit:
Harvard Sweet Boutique
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