So what is this SHMILY thing all about?
SHMILY Tree holds a cherished history deeply rooted in love and family. It began with my grandparents, whose passion for baking was only surpassed by their love for one another. Their relationship was the kind that touched everyone around them — steady, generous, and deeply devoted. After they passed, our pastor beautifully described their love as branches of a tree reaching far beyond what we could see, impacting countless lives.
Inspired by that legacy, I pursued a culinary education with the desire to carry forward the heart behind their kitchen table. My family later settled on the Gulf Coast, where we opened SHMILY Tree Bakery, allowing me to fully step into my passion for baking alongside my incredible mothers. Eventually, I returned to the Midwest, earned my Social Work degree, and continued baking as a creative and meaningful outlet.
Over time, I felt called to fully return to baking and cake design. As I continue building SHMILY Tree, the vision has grown into something even greater: a blend of my culinary background and social work experience. At the heart of this mission is a simple belief — everyone deserves to celebrate life’s special moments, even during difficult seasons. Whether it’s a birthday cake or a dessert shared at a holiday gathering, those small joys matter.
Another exciting step in this journey is the completion of the SHMILY Trailer, which will allow me to serve communities more directly and eventually participate in disaster relief efforts.
As I move forward in this chapter, I invite you to join me in sharing joy, strengthening community, and creating meaningful moments worth celebrating.