WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Following a recent health scare, a Lehigh County bake shop owner plans to end business operations, a move that she labels “bittersweet.”
Wicked Sweet, offering a wide array of freshly made treats — from cupcakes and cinnamon rolls to danishes and doughnuts, will hold its final day of business on Aug. 31 at 3010 S. Second St. in Whitehall Township, owner Jessica Pelletier announced Friday on the business’ Facebook page.
Pelletier, who suffered two heart attacks in the spring, invites the public to join her in “closing this chapter of life as a bake shop owner.”
For the shop’s last day of business, from 9 a.m. until “sell out,” she plans to fill the cases with several customer favorites, including crumb cakes, cookie cups, doodles, cupcakes, doughnuts, turnovers, danishes, muffins and more.
“I hope you’ll take some time to pop by, one last time!” Pelletier wrote in the post.
“Even if it’s just to say bye. I would love to see you! If you can’t make it, it’s okay! Thank you for always being a part of this amazing adventure, as I fulfilled my dreams.”
Wicked Sweet, which opened in 2017, has been temporarily closed since early June, when Pelletier announced that she had experienced two ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI),
An ST-elevation myocardial infarction is a type of heart attack with complete blockage of a coronary artery, according to the American Heart Association.
In June’s announcement, Pelletier noted that she was going to be OK and needed follow-up appointments to figure out what happened, “although the general assessment is too much stress for a prolonged period of time.”
In the business’ most recent post, Pelletier stated that her recent heart issues “changed my mentality, and the things I truly value and prioritize in life.”
The bake shop consumed a lot of her energy, even when she was at home “just trying to be the best Mom & Wife,” the message continued.
“As a small business owner the wheels never stop spinning,” she added.
“It can become overwhelming, especially as a one lady show. The past 2 months have left me a lot of time to reflect, and allow all those thoughts and pressures to release fully. I feel free again. I feel like I’m ready to live my life, instead of being consumed by my business. Honestly it’s refreshing & exciting!”
“It’s a bitter sweet feeling too. I will miss my regulars. I will miss watching your kiddos grow through the seasons. I will miss watching couples get engaged, celebrate showers, celebrate weddings, and the babies that follow too! I’ll miss having a safe space to provide you. A place you always knew you were welcome, and loved – even on your worst days. I’ll miss having a little place to call my own.”
Pelletier, who has a degree in culinary arts from Northampton Community College and started running her business from home in 2014, opened the Wicked Sweet bake shop in Whitehall five years ago in a roughly 350-square-foot space that previously housed a barber shop.
She can’t wait for another small business owner to create “magic and smiles” in the space.
“Eternally grateful, And looking forward to seeing you from behind the counter – one last time!” the announcement concludes.