Meet Martha Petit of Simply Southern Sweet in Plano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Petit.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Martha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I guess you could say it all began as a little girl, hanging out in the kitchens of my grandmothers. Both women were unbelievable cooks, one has a true southern background and the other had a spicy Spanish flair. These wonderful ladies are who I’m named after, both named Martha. I very much believe this was for a reason! I have many wonderful memories with them of which I’m reminded of every time I’m in the kitchen. My dad’s mom is a true from scratch baker that can throw in a pinch of this and a glug of that resulting in a completely delicious dessert. I feel truly special for any recipes I’ve been passed down from her, to which I use all the time!

I also remember as a little girl, recording episodes of Martha Stewart on VHS tapes, I mean what little girl would rather watch Martha Stewart than cartoons…me! I really have learned so much from all the Martha’s in my life, thank you, Martha!

Since then I was always baking at home for family and close friends, testing out so many different recipes every weekend, my poor family were such troopers! I never thought I was good enough to share it beyond that in my mind until I started to receive compliment after compliment. I began to think maybe I can do this for real, and it was something I loved!

After high school, I went to culinary school in Austin hoping to enhance my skills. I honestly thought afterward Martha Stewart could of taught me most of this and I didn’t feel prepared for the real world. I did my externship with Cookies by Design then received a job with Cookies by Design corporate, excitement jumping inside with my job entry designing and teaching the art of cookie decorating. After a couple of years, I felt the constant drive to be doing more, learning more. I got a job at a local bakery in Allen, HMDC, specializing in cakes and cookies. I absolutely loved working there and the woman I worked for! I really learned so much just by doing different things everyday.

I also married my sweet husband at this time, he is just my person and biggest cheerleader. When we were ready to start a family, I, unfortunately, suffered a miscarriage; it was crushing. I decided then to leave the bakery and focus on healing emotionally and thinking about the future. This is when I began to do cakes and cookies for friends from home. Word of mouth and repeat customers is what really kept me busy and my business booming, Simply Southern Sweet was born! In 2017 we were surprised with a beautiful baby girl, Magnolia. I have been so lucky to be home with her while doing what I love. Time is a constant struggle as there are many late nights working to not miss out on time with her but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. She is my drive to do more!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No. You constantly question if you’re making the right choice all the time! It’s also hard to always work for another company who gets the credit of everything you do individually until you decide to take control of your independence.

Please tell us about Simply Southern Sweet.
Simply Southern Sweet is as it sounds, sweet treats made with simple from scratch Southern recipes that you know are going to taste just like grandma’s house.

I make the most delicious cakes, cookies, decorated cookies, cake pops, and cupcakes! Everyone has their own favorites but I believe I’m most known for my delicious cakes and cookies.

I am very proud of how many repeat clients I get time after time. This is what guarantees to me that my product is good and worthy. I also love the fact that my clients can tell me to do whatever because they know and completely trust what I will create. Love my customers!

What sets me apart I believe is my creativity to combine all kinds of decorating, simple or extravagant with a dessert that tastes really good! Many desserts can look amazing but do they taste just as good? Mine really do!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I truly believe everything happens for a reason but if I could go back and change anything I would’ve told myself to have the courage and just go for it! My other exception would have been to skip culinary school and get your booty a business degree to use in the future girl!

Contact Info:

• Email: SweetlySouthernMartha@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysouthernsweet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Simplysouthernsweet/

Image Credit:
Addie Hope

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