Daily Inspiration: Meet Liz Maffey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Maffey.

Hi Liz, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my baking adventure over twenty years ago, driven by the desire to create custom cakes and desserts for my children that I couldn’t afford from local shops. At that time, Michaels Craft Store offered a multi-week cake decorating course, so I convinced a friend to join me, and I instantly fell in love with the craft. I honed my skills throughout my corporate career, and in 2023, after being laid off, my family and I decided to fully commit to Sugar Thorn Sweet.

Since our launch in May 2023, Sugar Thorn Sweet has blossomed into a beloved local brand, gaining recognition throughout the community. We cherish our involvement and strive to forge meaningful partnerships. One organization we frequently collaborate with is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County, where we enjoy providing free classes for children to explore the art of sugar by decorating cookies and cakes.

In 2025, we celebrated our first major retail partnership with Jungle Jim’s International Market. This collaboration has allowed us to grow from participating in shows and markets to opening a kiosk at the Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe, Ohio. We are constantly looking to expand our brand and offer a diverse array of sweets and treats. My passion lies in embracing the quirky and unique, but ultimately, my goal is to bring joy to others through sugar, no matter the project.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
During my journey so far, the biggest struggles are finding new avenues for our products. As markets shift and trends change, we have to pivot quickly, luckily for me I thrive on the chaos.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
To me, my work is truly remarkable! There are countless ways for me to express my creativity while helping others realize their visions. I often describe my craft as sugar art, where I take individual ingredients and transform them into stunning cakes, macarons, or candies, each flavored according to my imagination. Throughout this journey, I’ve encountered incredible opportunities to grow and tackle various projects, including the trending TikTok crystal candy. We are rapidly expanding in this area, and the excitement of creating this unique candy aligns perfectly with my quirky style.

I am known for my attention to detail and boundless creativity. I embrace the spooky and macabre in my desserts and treats without hesitation. I accept custom orders and have very few restrictions. I take pride in expressing myself and inspiring others to do the same. Whether it’s blood and guts or flowers and unicorns, I adore it all!

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The first acknowledgement is my mom and pops, who believed in me so much that they gifted me my very first KitchenAid Mixer, back when owning one seemed like a wild idea! That little mixer still holds a place in my kitchen, where I use it for smaller tasks, sitting proudly alongside the larger, newer models as a reminder of that pivotal moment when someone invested in my baking journey. My mother and father-in-law are always great cheerleaders and offering me the support when needed as well.

Throughout my corporate career in hospital staffing, I encountered numerous individuals who shaped me into a more resilient businesswoman, imparting valuable skills along the way. My kids also play a crucial role in my journey, always lending a hand with tasks like packaging and transporting my market tables and tents; their support means the world to me!

Pricing:

• Cake Pucks Starting at $3
• Custom Cakes Starting at $55
• Macarons Starting at $3
• Japanese Crystal Candy Starting at $6

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/sugarthornsweet
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarthornsweet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563397460770
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/91425073/admin/dashboard/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-thorn-sweet-fairfield-2
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sugarthornsweet