Spartanburg, SC
Sissy's Sweets provides inclusive employment and legendary treats
Miranda Gilbert turned a love of baking she discovered during Covid quarantine in 2020 into a business - and a passion project - dedicated to the memory of her late sister. Sissy's Sweets has grown into a business encompassing two locations, including one in Boiling Springs and another in the former Spartan Bakery location on Spartanburg's west side.
There, Gilbert has practiced, perfected, and resurrected the recipe for the longstanding bakery's legendary cake squares.
"My favorite items vary every day, but if I'm making a box for somebody, I'm definitely going to throw some of those in," she said. "Those are just a staple in Spartanburg."
What else is Gilbert putting in a package for a first-timer to highlight Sissy's Sweet's offerings?
"I actually really love my white cake, too," she said. "Some people don't know that we have two white cake recipes. We have the Spartan Bakery and then we have the original recipe that I started at home. It's like an almond flavor, kind of like a wedding cake. All of our cookies are really popular, and the ooey-gooey bars. That would probably be what I'd pick for people. You can't go wrong with that."
Sissy's Sweets is more than just a business for Gilbert, though. Her sister Erika passed away due to health complications related to Down Syndrome. Gilbert makes it a point to share her sister's story, and to offer employment to those with different abilities and special needs. She said seeing their faces is what makes her days worthwhile.
"I'm so lucky that this is not just a bakery," she said. "I get to employ people in the Upstate with different abilities, and just seeing them succeed and seeing them get out of their comfort zone is so rewarding to me."
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