Meet Erin Thompson | Owner/Head Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Great question! Honestly, my thought process was just that I loved to bake, thought I did decent work and would be happy baking a couple “sweet memories” for families a month.

At the time of starting, I had a 1 year old son and my husband was in the Navy, so working long hours, and was away alot. I was ready to do something for me that also gave me a way to connect with my neighbors while sharing my passion and being creative.

Before starting my own business, I worked in the hospitality industry for a decade. Long hours. And working pretty much every weekend. When I got pregnant with my son, I told my husband I was ready to start a new chapter as a stay at home mom. Then after being home for a year, I started feeling like something was missing. My creative side had not been in use in awhile and that’s when the idea of baking for people in my communitycane to mind. I had always wanted my own business. To make my own hours. This was a win-win idea!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart is that I pride my business on being a one-stop-shop for all your baking needs. I couldn’t have a business just selling cakes or just selling cookies. I love it all!! The pies, breads, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, pastries!! I get gitty just talking about dessert!
I enjoy the challenge of learning new baking skills. I am a self-taught baker. I have watched hours of You Tube videos on the right way to make royal icing and buttercream. Lol. And many hours of just doing it! I’m a visual person and one who learns by doing.
Baking has always been in my blood since I was a young girl rolling out sugar cookie dough with my Aunt for Christmas cookies. To making homemade chocolate chip cookies with my mom and baking 100 Good Cookies ( yes, that is the name of the recipe) with my late grandmother.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow. So I have lived in the San Diego area for over 20 years and I have had a lot of family and friends visit.

I would say my favorite spot to take visitors when they first arrive is Coronado Island. I have a cousin who lives there and when I was in college I actually lived there too…in a shoe box of an apartment by the Ferry Landing. It was awesome! Just driving over the Coronado Bay bridge, it looks so magical. The views are amazing. The shops and dining are fabulous and spending time at the historic Hotel Del Coronado is always special.

I also enjoy taking visitors to Encinitas. I love walking near the coast line. Then grabbing breakfast at Swami’s. Then some shopping in Solana Beach on Cedros Ave.

And if visitors are up for a little country drive, especially in the fall, Julian is my favorite place! The leaves start to change colors, it’s cooler. The cute, charming shops and restaurants are fun to browse in while drinking a warm apple cider from The Cider Mill, followed by a slice of Mom’s famous apple pie! Okay, now I am drooling! Lol!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Most definitely the families of San Elijo Hills!!!
Oh my goodness, my little business wouldn’t be where it is without their continuous support over the last 8.5 years!
This community is all about supporting small businesses, especially women owned businesses.

I will also give some credit to my immediate family, my mom, dad, and husband, who have been so awesome at supporting my dreams. Oh, and my kids! They are 9 and 7. They think my business is cool! So maybe that also makes me a cool mom. Lol! I just hope they see that mom followed her passion. Worked hard to get where she is and that they can do that too.

Website: https://sweet-memories-bake-shop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_memories_bake_shop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetmemoriesbakeshop