SusieCakes, a beloved bakery known nationwide for its delectable desserts, is the proud sponsor of the 51st Heritage Ball. In this exclusive Q&A, we delve into the story behind SusieCakes, the company’s commitment to the community, and what attendees can expect from their dessert offerings at the prestigious event. Join us as we discover the inspiration, challenges, and aspirations of Susan Sarich, the visionary founder and CEO of SusieCakes.

Susan, your company SusieCakes has been incredibly generous by donating 60 large lemon cakes for our 51st Heritage Ball. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind SusieCakes? 

I grew up in Chicago, where I spent a lot of time with my two grandmothers, Mildred and Madeline. Our days were filled with baking a variety of treats and having conversations around important life lessons. This special time together in the kitchen left a lasting impression on me and gave me the passion for hospitality at a young age. When I grew up and moved to the West Coast, I brought along my grandmothers’ carefully recorded recipes on handwritten 3×5 cards. The pure and simple connection those recipes fostered inspired me to form SusieCakes bakeries, where I could share that experience with others. Through SusieCakes, I honor Mildred and Madeline: both in my dedication to their baking traditions and in my commitment to providing women with progressive careers in the food and hospitality industry.  

As the founder and CEO of SusieCakes, what does it mean to you personally to support events like the Heritage Ball, and how does it align with your company’s values? 

“Supporting events like the Heritage Ball holds deep personal significance for me because it resonates with the core values, we uphold at SusieCakes, particularly our dedication to empowering the local community. It’s important for us to give back to the communities that have embraced us and played a pivotal role in our growth. We are honored to partner with the Heritage Foundation in their mission to preserve our shared history, stories, and cultural heritage. At SusieCakes, our purpose extends beyond baking; it’s about creating lasting connections with the people and places that define our community. Participating in the Heritage Ball allows us to celebrate the rich history that contributes to our identity, just as we do every day through our commitment to tradition and community. 

Coast to coast, SusieCakes has become well-known for its delicious desserts. What are some of the challenges and joys you’ve experienced in building your brand and maintaining its high standards?

Being an entrepreneur presents numerous challenges, many of which I couldn’t fully anticipate when starting out. I often say, “Make a plan, but be prepared for it to change.” Like many small businesses, we faced significant hurdles when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing us to completely revamp our business model to navigate the ongoing crises. During those tough times, I always returned to our core mission of connecting through celebration, which has been our guiding light. 

One of the greatest joys in building SusieCakes has been becoming an integral part of our guests’ lives. I’m constantly amazed by how often people share their favorite treat, recount the last time they enjoyed it, who they were with, and what they were celebrating. They’ll even show me pictures of the cake! It’s been fascinating to see all the unique and special moments people choose to celebrate with SusieCakes, far beyond just birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. These connections are what make all the challenges worthwhile. 

What about the Nashville/Middle Tennessee region appealed to you to open up a SusieCakes location here in our community? 

Opening a SusieCakes location in the Nashville/Middle Tennessee region was a natural choice for us because of the incredible hospitality and service that define this community. Every time I’ve visited the Nashville area, I’ve experienced nothing but warmth and kindness, making it feel like a perfect fit for our brand. The community’s warm welcome has been truly remarkable. 

When we explored the local offerings, we found many wonderful bakeries and baked goods shops, but we noticed a unique opportunity to bring our specialty cakes, cupcakes, and cookies to the area. We believe our focus on these treats will be a great addition to the vibrant food scene here. We’re excited to share our passion for baking with such a welcoming and inviting community, and we hope to become a cherished part of your celebrations! 

Community involvement and philanthropy seem to be important to you and your company. Can you elaborate on how SusieCakes engages with and supports local communities beyond events like the Heritage Ball? 

At SusieCakes, community involvement and philanthropy are at the heart of what we do. Since opening our first bakery, we’ve donated over $4,000,000 worth of baked goods. As part of our commitment to the community, we donate our end-of-day cupcakes to local food banks and support numerous charitable organizations through sponsorships, in-kind donations, and auction items. 

We also engage with our communities through special initiatives like our Dogs Day of Summer, where we bake dog frosted sugar cookies and donate the proceeds to local animal rescues and shelters. In October, our bakeries create special pink cupcakes to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our goal is to keep the community at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s through delicious treats, charitable contributions, or giving our time. 

In what ways do you see the future of SusieCakes evolving, and how do you plan to continue innovating while staying true to your original vision? 

The future of SusieCakes is incredibly exciting as we continue to evolve while staying true to our core values. One of the most significant ways we’re growing is through expansion—entering the Nashville market was a major milestone for us, and we’re thrilled to share our love of celebration and delicious treats with this community. By the end of this year, we’ll have opened four more bakery locations, and next year, we’re planning to add five more, including several new markets and potentially another location in Tennessee! 

While we pride ourselves on offering timeless and comforting treats, we’re always exploring new ways to delight our guests. This could mean introducing new flavors, partnering with other beloved brands, or responding to guest feedback to keep our menu fresh and exciting. Even as we grow in both locations and offerings, it’s crucial to me that our quality remains consistent and that our commitment to our values remains strong in everything we do. 

Finally, for those who may not have had the pleasure of tasting a SusieCakes dessert yet, what makes your desserts so special, and what can attendees of the Heritage Ball look forward to? 

What makes our desserts at SusieCakes truly special is our commitment to using simple, back-to-basics ingredients. We don’t rely on anything too fancy—we stick to what we know and what our guests have loved for years. That’s what I believe sets our desserts apart. For those attending the Heritage Ball, I hope you’ll not only taste the quality of our ingredients but also feel the love and care that goes into every single one of our products. We pour our hearts into everything we bake, and I’m excited for you to experience that in every bite! 

As we conclude our time with Susan Sarich, founder and CEO of SusieCakes, it’s clear that her passion for baking, community, and creating unforgettable experiences is the driving force behind the beloved bakery. With its commitment to quality ingredients, exceptional taste, and a dedication to giving back, SusieCakes continues to delight customers and make a positive impact on the communities it serves. We invite you to experience the magic of SusieCakes for yourself, whether at the Heritage Ball (GET YOUR TICKETS HERE) or your local bakery (SEE LOCATIONS).