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Passionate and Driven SBDC Client Sweetens the Carlyle Community with New Bakery & Café

Cheri Mansfield, a dreamer and client of the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has opened her dream café in Carlyle. Oh So Sweet Bakery and Café has created a place for a community to come together and enjoy the sweeter things in life with high-quality baked goods and beverages.

Mansfield began working with the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE in 2021 after hearing about the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the SBDC, through her daughter, Miranda, a current student at SIUE. From there, the SBDC was able to provide valuable information such as business planning and having the correct information and tasks complete before moving onto the next steps in expanding her active business; her biggest goal coming to the SBDC was to be able to open a storefront.

Oh So Sweet began on Aug. 16, 2014 as a candy, balloon art and dessert bar catering business that specialized in creating unforgettable events for birthdays and weddings. Their business began booming around 2019, and the idea to expand their services became a real possibility. As a Carlyle resident, Mansfield saw the need for a bakery and café for people to gather and enjoy in her small community, but at first, she was hesitant.

“I was afraid of failing,” said Mansfield. “I was afraid of not being able to meet people’s expectations.”

In 2021, Mansfield was ready to take the chance, and as a smart business owner, she knew she couldn’t do it alone. This is when she began reaching out to external resources, such as the SBDC, for assistance. SBDC director, Jo Ann Di Maggio May, was able to provide insightful information and support throughout the next steps of Mansfield’s business journey.

“I wanted to do this right,” Mansfield explained. “Looking back, going through the SBA and SBDC was the best decision, ever. Jo Ann was able to help me get my business plan together and ready to approach the bank.”

Mansfield was able to expedite the long process of getting a loan and approaching the bank by having such a complete and detailed business plan.

“I am so proud of Cheri’s drive and passion,” said Di Maggio May. “She loves her community and it shows through her delicious treats. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Mansfield’s and the SBDC is always here to help along the way.”

“Having the storefront was always a dream of mine. At first, I didn’t think it was attainable. But I knew that I needed to remain positive. JoAnn and the SBDC were a main part of this because they provided me with the tools I needed to pursue it, and follow through with it,” Mansfield said.

Oh So Sweet opened their doors on Dec. 15, 2022. Mansfield’s three daughters and husband have been by her side throughout this entire process.

The business has now expanded to include 19 employees. Throughout the building process, she only used local businesses to help her build her own.

Oh So Sweet became an instant hit with the local community. The shop offers baked goods such as cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and on the weekend, their famous donuts. They also proudly serve Goshen Coffee, as well as their “Dirty Sodas.” Dirty Soda is a mix of soda, an infusion of flavor such as coconut or vanilla, and topped off with heavy cream.

Mikayla Wilhelm, a Graduate Assistant at the Illinois SBDC, was able to go out an experience the shop for herself. Upon arrival, the entire shop was filled and their drive-thru had a long line of people excited to start their morning with delicious food and drinks. Wilhelm spoke with some customers inside the shop. One family drives in from out of town every Saturday and has made Oh So Sweet’s  donuts a new weekend tradition. Their 3-year-old son now calls Saturday “Donut Day.”  Another woman explained that she comes in multiple times a week because they love the Dirty Soda that you can’t get anywhere else in town. Overall, the main takeaway from this experience was that local customers were excited and happy for now having a shop in their small town that provides fun food and an inviting atmosphere.

Mansfield originally came from the Bronx in New York.  From there she moved to St. Louis, and eventually settled in Carlyle. She considers Carlyle to be her home and knew that this town is where she wanted to settle down and build her business.  She is so proud of how far she has come and is incredibly grateful for the support of her family, the Carlyle community, the SBDC, and the people and organizations that have helped her along the way.

“I have fought so hard to get to where I am today,” Mansfield proudly said.  Mansfield looks forward to seeing how much more the business will expand, especially coming into the warmer seasons.

Oh So Sweet Bakery & Café is located at 625 12th Street in Carlyle. They can be contacted at (618) 594-6048, or email them at ohsosweetbakeryandcafe@gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE assists new businesses like Oh So Sweet Bakery & Café, as well as existing businesses headquartered in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe, and Randolph. It is a no-cost service to the community, supported by a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

Original source can be found here