Today we’d like to introduce you to Tianna Stazzone.
Tianna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every bump has shaped the heart of Sugar Hex Bakery. Balancing life as an active duty service member while building a business from scratch has been overwhelming at times. I’ve dealt with burnout, long hours, and the constant challenge of switching between structured military life and the messy, beautiful chaos of creativity.
On a personal level, I’ve struggled with ADHD and anxiety—especially panic attacks that made me feel like I was drowning in my own mind. There were days I questioned if I was capable, if I was moving too slow, or if anyone would even care about what I was creating. Living far from family, facing grief after losing multiple family members and friends while navigating adult life with all its weight has tested me in every way.
But those struggles are also what pushed me forward. Baking became my therapy. It gave me a sense of peace and purpose, and Sugar Hex became my way of turning pain into something soft, sweet, and meaningful. I don’t think the road was meant to be easy—but I’ve learned that every step, even the hard ones, are worth it when you’re walking toward your dream.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s a side to entrepreneurship people don’t always see—the part where you’re up at 2 a.m., exhausted from a full-time job, still trying to perfect a recipe or fulfill an order because quitting isn’t an option. For me, building Sugar Hex Bakery wasn’t just about learning how to run a business—it was about surviving everything life threw at me along the way.
Being active duty meant structure, discipline, and constant pressure. But building a bakery demanded chaos, creativity, and vulnerability. Switching between those two worlds daily created a mental tug-of-war that left me mentally drained and emotionally raw. I didn’t have the luxury of a safety net—no nearby family, no time off to grieve, and no pause button when panic attacks hit out of nowhere. Some days, I couldn’t tell if I was overwhelmed because of the workload or because I was just… barely holding it together.
ADHD made it hard to stay focused. Anxiety made it hard to believe in myself. And loss—losing people I loved—made everything feel heavier. There were moments when I questioned everything: Was I enough? Was this worth it? Would anyone care?
But I kept going.
Not because it was easy. Not because I had it all figured out. But because turning pain into something beautiful—something soft, sweet, and healing—became my reason. Every obstacle became part of the recipe. Sugar Hex wasn’t built in spite of the hard times. It was built because of them.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Sugar Hex Bakery, I specialize in small-batch, handcrafted baked goods with a magical, nostalgic twist. I focus on comforting flavors, dreamy aesthetics, and a vibe that makes each treat feel like its own little spell. Everything is made from scratch in my home kitchen—often inspired by my nonna’s old recipes, my love of fall flavors, and the whimsical energy of shows and movies like Practical Magic and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
I’m known for my soft, witchy aesthetic, seasonal bakes, and the emotional comfort that people say they feel when they try my treats. Whether it’s a slice of pumpkin bread, a tray of cinnamon rolls, or a dozen stuffed cookies, I put intention, love, and a bit of storytelling into every bite.
What I’m most proud of is starting Sugar Hex from the ground up while serving full-time in the military and managing my mental health. It’s more than just a bakery—it’s a piece of my healing journey. I’ve created a space where people feel seen, cozy, and connected, even if it’s just through a cookie.
What sets me apart is the soul behind the sweets. This isn’t a factory—it’s personal. My work is deeply rooted in memory, emotion, and magic. I don’t just bake to sell—I bake to soothe, to celebrate, and to spark joy.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Start messy, start scared—but just start. Don’t wait until everything is perfect, because it never will be. Progress comes from movement, not perfection.
When I started Sugar Hex Bakery, I had no clue how it would all work out. I was managing the pressure of life and still trying to make room for this dream. I wish I had known then that it’s okay to grow slowly. It’s okay to take breaks. And it’s okay to learn as you go.
Protect your “why.” There will be tough days—days where sales are slow, or you doubt your voice, or you compare yourself to others. Come back to why you started. For me, it was love. Love for baking, love for my family, love for magic, and the hope of creating something that made people feel good.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to be doing something incredible. Just keep pouring heart into your work, stay true to your vibe, and trust that your people will find you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarhexbakery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087580024287
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tiannastazzone
