Mae’s Sweets With Soul is finally whisking up a new chapter on Johns Island, breaking ground after years of anticipation.
Owner Lillie Smalls bought the land in 2019, but the global pandemic and other unforeseen challenges delayed the opening of her bakery.
“It’s a blessing. We’re just so thankful. I’m just glad that we never gave up, and now it’s finally coming to light. It’s happening. It’s been seven years. We could have just said, ‘Forget it.’ We’ve been through a lot of struggles. We persevered, and now we’re here,” Smalls told What Now Charleston.
Smalls, a U.S. Army veteran and Culinary Institute of Charleston–Trident Technical College graduate, has always dreamed of becoming a business owner. Now, the dream feels closer than ever.
Mae’s Sweets With Soul honors the women in her family, whose resilience and courage inspired her and fueled her passion.
“I was named after my grandmother, Lillie Mae. My mom is Ruby Mae, and then my great-grandmother was Ida Mae. Most of the women in our family’s middle name are Mae,” Smalls said.
The bakery will be designed to make guests feel right at home, as Smalls aims to recreate the sense of community she cherished at the neighborhood bakery where she grew up.
“We’re setting up like a home. When you come to the bakery, you’re actually coming to our home. You’ll come in and have the choice of sitting down, dining in. There will be a fireplace,” she said.
The bakery will also feature a conference room available for guest rentals, as well as a drive-thru for those on the go.
For those with a sweet tooth, Mae’s Sweets With Soul is the place to be. The bakery will offer a variety of homemade cakes, including layered cakes, cake rolls, cheesecakes, and pound cakes, along with an assortment of cookies, cupcakes, muffins, breads, and pies like sweet potato, pecan, and apple.
Smalls said the bakery will also offer savory sandwiches served on a baguette.
To complement the offerings, the menu will also include a coffee and tea program, along with fresh juice options.
Since the shop has just broken ground, an opening date has not yet been set.
“We’re still up in the air because nothing has ever been built on this property. There are a few minor issues; we’ve got to dig out dirt and add dirt. But we’re hopeful,” Smalls said.
Visit the Mae’s Sweets With Soul website for updates. Stay tuned!
