The Story of Sugar Foot’s Sweets & Treats
The Liberty County Chamber of Commerce has close to 500 AMAZING members. From restaurateurs to retailers and everything in between. They add great value to Liberty County and the surrounding area. Every member has a unique story of how they started and what brought them to Liberty County. This week we are telling the story of Sugar Foot’s Sweets & Treats.
Who are you and what is your business?
Jamie Locklear is the owner and operator of Sugar Foot’s Sweets & Treats. She specializes in baked goods such as cookies, cupcakes, cakes, dessert bars and more!
What made you start your business?
Photo provided by Sugar Foots Sweets and Treats
Locklear spent her early life watching her great-grandmother make biscuits, cakes and pies. She was constantly amazed by her great-grandmother’s ability to make baking look easy. Those times spent watching her great-grandmother create tasty treats sparked a passion for baking within Locklear. By age 10, she began helping her mother cook the family meals, learning the family cooking secrets and developing a few of her own as she grew up. “Christmas always brought out the creative baker in me, and having children who wanted cute treats for their birthday parties and school, inspired me to learn more decorating techniques. After decades of baking for friends and family, and being told I could open a business, I started to believe I could. My husband encouraged me to take the leap and here we are,” she said.
What brought you to Liberty County?
Photo provided by Sugar Foots Sweets and Treats
“I am originally from Henry County. I moved to Midway in 2000. I had friends here, who are more like family, and they offered me an opportunity that changed my life. I loved it here and decided this was my forever home. Liberty County has grown so much in the last 24 years, but we still have that small-town feel, and I love the community support everyone has for one another. People still wave, hold the door and say good morning, and I love that,” she said.
Tell us an interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know?
After officially starting her baking business, Locklear continued to work full-time for about five years. “I worked full-time while baking at night and on the weekends. Some weeks it felt like having two full-time jobs, but now I am focused completely on Sugar Foot’s,” she said. Now completely focused on Sugar Foot’s, she can spend the nights and weekends with her family again.
Do you have any advice for new business owners?
Photo provided by Sugar Foots Sweets and Treats
“Don’t give up. It’s scary and stressful, and you will want to quit at some point, but keep going. I will be honest, there have been days when I wanted to put my apron away for good, but with the support of my friends, family and the best customers a person could have, I exceeded all expectations for my little bakery,” she advised.
Why did you join the Chamber? What value have you gotten out of your Chamber membership?
“Going full-time is what made me join the Liberty Chamber. I knew joining would bring new opportunities. The Liberty Chamber has been incredibly welcoming and has introduced Sugar Foot’s and myself to a huge part of the community that I would not have been able to reach otherwise. I am looking forward to being part of the Liberty Chamber and community events in the future,” she said.
Where can we reach you to utilize your service/shop with you?
You can see photos of Sugar Foot’s Sweets & Treats work on Facebook and Instagram. For additional information, you can them at 912.269.3971 or email them at sugarfootscakes@gmail.com.