Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Bise.
Hi Heather, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a sweet tooth. I was the kid at school that always had a bag of candy available. I particularly enjoyed baking Christmas cookies and getting to decorate them each year with my brothers, though I would take extreme care with details while they would toss some frosting on and be done. As I got older, I loved trying out new recipes and taking the treats to work to share with my co-workers. Finally, about 2 years ago, my oldest daughter and I were putting together a summer to-do list. She mentioned that she wanted to learn how to bake, and I said, okay, but let’s make it interesting. What if we created a little business and sold our products at our local farmers’ market? She was extremely excited and jumped in, coming up with our name, Sugar & Bise (a play on our last name). We decided that we would stand out from others by offering ONLY gluten-free items. We did this because my husband was diagnosed with Celiac’s disease (an allergy to wheat) several years ago. After his diagnosis, we tried many new store products and they all lacked taste or had a dry, crumbly texture. In addition, whenever we would attend weddings, birthdays, or the like, he could never enjoy treats. I know he is an adult but hated that he was always left out. I am amazed at the response our business has received and have met so many others that share their similar stories with me. I love that through so much research and refining of recipes, I have been able to provide delicious-tasting treats for people. As someone who doesn’t struggle with food allergies, I actually prefer my recipes over a box from the store any day. I am super proud of how well-received our baked goods have been in our surrounding community!
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?
Nothing in life (at least, in my experience) is smooth. But that’s what makes it interesting! I would say some of our challenges have been learning the ins and outs of cottage law (the wording can be vague and confusing), trying out new recipes, and ways of marketing our treats so others know who we are and where to find us. I think the biggest personal challenge for me was my first market- I know most people would say I am outgoing, but I still get extremely nervous when there is so much interaction with strangers, worried if they will like my product if I have the right set up for our stand, if something will go wrong or if I forgot something that was integral to our sales. Luckily, we have had a really supportive response from the people in and around the Columbus area with so many repeat customers or those that tell me they came to our farmer’s market because they knew we would be there. That is the ultimate compliment.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Sugar & Bise specializes in gluten-free cookies and gluten/dairy-free brownies. We started out with an array of gluten-free drop cookies, such as salted chocolate chip, peanut butter, etc. before moving into the often-daunting world of Sugar Cookie decorating. I have had many referrals and compliments on our work, especially from those that are not gluten-free, and they tell me they would have never known, they were so tasty! I love creating beautiful sugar cookies, especially with unique themes or fun designs, and learning about different decorating techniques to showcase to others. I am so proud of how well-received our product has been, and I love that I get to sell these with my daughters. My oldest especially loves interacting with people, sharing information about the different baked goods, and has really become a talented cookie artist in the process! I know there are so many bakers out there and even locally, but I think one detail that sets us apart from others is our personal interactions. I want to help people, whether it’s to enjoy a GF product they thought they couldn’t have any longer or giving back time in their busy life by making cookies for an event or celebration that look good and taste even better.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’m not sure if it’s well-known, but my immediate and extended family have all supported the business in so many different ways. My husband has been incredibly supportive, whether it is giving honest feedback on taste testing (he never minds!), helping set up and tear down at all events I attend, or marketing the business with his own friends and coworkers, I am so appreciative of the support. My daughters are equally amazing. My oldest, McKenna, loves to jump in to decorate, package, and set up/sell at events. She is knowledgeable on the ingredients and pricing and never shy’s away from speaking to customers. My 6-year-old, Emerson, loves to pet all the dogs that visit our stand with their owners and lets everyone know which choices are her favorites. Even my extended family and friends support Sugar & Bise, whether through social media, recipe ideas, hiring us for events, and more. I am extremely lucky to have so many people that have contributed to our growing success!
Pricing:
- Gluten-free drop cookies start at $25/dozen
- GF Decorated Sugar Cookies start at $48/dozen
- GF & DF (dairy-free) decadent brownies are $37/batch
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mycustombakes.com/sugarbise
- Instagram: @sugar_bise
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sb.glutenfree
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-and-bise-plain-city
