| When I first met many of you — customers, supporters, and friends — it was June of 2020. I had just been featured on NPR’s Marketplace with Kai Ryssdal during a moment when many people across the country were intentionally seeking out and supporting small, independent businesses like mine.
That summer felt like a turning point. People were energized to support their neighbors, shop small, and back local makers who put their hearts into what they do.
Five years later, some of that energy has shifted. We’re all navigating higher costs and tighter margins, the challenge of getting attention in a noisy online world, and the reality that running a small business — especially one built from scratch — takes more than passion. It takes grit, community, and unwavering belief.
And right now, community support matters more than ever.
Juneteenth Is a Reminder of Resilience
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It marks the delayed but undeniable arrival of freedom.
To me, Juneteenth is a celebration of resilience — of what’s possible when people push through challenge after challenge and still rise with hope and determination.
That’s the spirit I try to bring to Sheer Ambrosia every single day.
Behind the Layers
In late 2023, I secured a $70,000 SBA loan — just enough to complete the build-out of my new shop. It was exactly what I needed to bring the space to life, but there wasn’t anything left over for marketing, hiring, or scaling the business.
Since then, I’ve been the one behind the social media, the newsletter, new business development, new product development — everything. Not because I want to wear every hat, but because that’s what it takes when you're trying to build something meaningful without a big budget or a big team.
Right now, I’m working hard to expand into the wedding and corporate gifting markets. I believe our baklava — with its 45 hand-brushed layers of phyllo and rich, gourmet flavors — deserves to be a go-to gift for companies and celebrations alike. But as many of you know, breaking into new markets takes time, consistency, and a lot of heart.
A Call to Support Local Makers
This Juneteenth, I’m not here to make a political statement. I’m here to make a personal one:
Small businesses — especially ones built on craftsmanship and care — need your support to survive and thrive.
Choose businesses that show up with quality and passion. The ones creating something with their own hands. The ones who make your community unique.
When you support a small business like mine, you’re not just buying a product — you’re investing in a dream, a family, and a future.
Sweet Legacy, One Box at a Time
At Sheer Ambrosia, every box of baklava is a labor of love. It’s a reflection of my Southern roots, my affinity for Greek culture, my love of tradition, and my belief that food should connect people.
So if you’ve supported us in the past — THANK YOU! Truly. And if you believe in the power of small, handcrafted, homegrown businesses, I hope you’ll continue to shop with us and share our story.
Let’s celebrate freedom, resilience, and the beauty of building something real — together.
With gratitude and hope,
Rita |
