Cottage industries are catching on among Northeast Mississippi residents

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – It was six years ago, and Hewitt had started a new job at a grocery store, in the bakery.  Although she had no experience,  she caught on quickly and realized it was a great fit.

‘I started work trying to do it from home, as well as from there, and I loved it, I have always wanted to create something, and make stuff anyway,” Hewitt said.

That fascination turned into a business she named ‘The Sweet Spot Bakery. ‘  The business is an example of the rise of the cottage food industry. Homemade baked goods, jams, jellies, and shelf-stable goods make up the fastest-growing segment.

Hewitt has also expanded “The Sweet Spot’ to a catering business.  And while bypassing a traditional brick and mortar location saves money,  there is also the creativity and freedom of running a cottage bakery.

‘I love being able to challenge myself with something new,  I love doing wedding cakes, birthday cakes, being able to sit down and create something, if someone says, ‘  can you do this?’  I say, maybe, and then sit down and try and do it,” she said.

And like any business, promotion and marketing is key, and also a challenge.

“There are so many people doing what I do,  trying to stay one foot ahead of all the trends and crowd, as well,” Hewitt said.

Hewitt says the upcoming Christmas season provides a big boost for her bakery and catering business and she looks forward to introducing more customers to The Sweet Spot.

Mississippi laws allow home-based entrepreneurs to sell up to a specific annual amount in gross sales before having to transition into a commercial facility.