From Hot Pink Beams to Sweet Sherry Pie Bakery: A Dream Come True

Transforming a Blank Space Into Sweet Sherry Pie Bakery

Starting Sweet Sherry Pie Bakery at the Berwyn Shops was a dream I had nurtured for years. When I first walked into my shop, it was completely empty. The blank walls and open space held so much potential, but one thing immediately stood out: the hot pink wood beams.

Those beams were my first challenge. They had to go. For three exhausting days, I stood on a ladder, sanding and stripping away that bright pink paint. It was messy, tiring, and more physically demanding than I expected. My arms ached, and I had to stretch just to reach the highest spots. But once I finished, I stained the beams in a dark, rich color. The transformation was incredible. Suddenly, Sweet Sherry Pie Bakery started to feel warm, inviting, and exactly how I had imagined.

Adding Charm and Character to Sweet Sherry Pie Bakery

After the beams, I focused on the walls. I decided to install wainscot molding, even though I had never done anything like that before. I went to Home Depot, picked out the trim, and spent hours measuring, cutting, and attaching the pieces. It took a lot of patience, but when I stepped back and painted it white, I couldn’t stop smiling. The molding added so much charm and character to Sweet Sherry Pie Bakery.

The menu board was one of my favorite projects. I wanted something unique, handmade, and personal. Using wood pieces from Home Depot, I built the frame myself. Cutting the slits for the letters with a router was tricky, but I figured it out. I stained the frame to match the beams and spray-painted wood letters white. When I hung it up, it felt perfect. That menu board became the heart of Sweet Sherry Pie Bakery.

Smart Solutions for Storage and Equipment

Storage was another hurdle. I needed something practical but beautiful, so I turned to IKEA. I bought three Billy bookcases and gave them a custom look using the “IKEA built-in hack.” I added extenders to take the shelves all the way to the ceiling and finished them with molding and trim. They looked custom-made, and I couldn’t have been happier.

Finding equipment for Sweet Sherry Pie Bakery was an adventure. My father’s job donated a frame fridge, which was such a blessing. For the display case, I searched Facebook Marketplace until I found the perfect one. The only catch? It was two hours away. I made the drive, loaded it up, and brought it back. That case now holds so many of the treats I bake each week.

One of the finishing touches was the wallpaper. A local company generously sponsored it, and I’ll always be grateful for their support. The wallpaper added personality and tied the whole shop together.

The Berwyn Shops: Helping Sweet Sherry Pie Bakery Grow

My wouldn’t exist without the Berwyn Shops program. This incredible initiative gave me and 11 other small business owners the chance to bring our dreams to life. Over 50 entrepreneurs applied, but only 12 were selected. I’m still in awe that I was one of them.

The Berwyn Shops are a pop-up incubator designed to help small businesses grow. For six months, we operate out of a physical space, connect with our community, and refine our businesses. The program has been life-changing. Each shop is unique, and together, we’ve built a vibrant hub of creativity, passion, and hard work.

Sweet Sherry Pie Bakery: A Space Filled With Heart

Looking back, transforming that empty space into a functional store felt like building my dream from scratch. Every beam I sanded, every nail I hammered, and every coat of paint I applied was fueled by love and determination. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed. I wondered if it would all come together. But as I open my doors each weekend, I’m reminded it was all worth it.

Now, when customers walk in, they see a cozy, welcoming shop filled with pies, cookies, and pastries. For me, it’s more than just a bakery, it is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

This journey has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next. Thank you for being part of it.