Rising Stars: Meet Michelle Aldridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Aldridge.

Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I was the daughter who was always in the kitchen with mommy and inquisitive about everything she was doing. I loved coming home from school and going through numerous cookbooks amazed at all the recipes. And then it happened – at the age of ten, she allowed me to try a few of the recipes on my own and with little supervision, but she was always close by to answer any questions. I felt honored whenever she was cooking or baking because she allowed me to help.

Although I’d been baking for over 30 years, I never seriously considered owning my own business. It wasn’t until after mommy succumbed to Alzheimer’s in November 2019, that the thought of being an entrepreneur came to light.

A month after mommy’s funeral, my life shifted. While surprising my mom’s Pastor, Ken Jelks, with one of her most requested Coca-Cola Cakes that he never got a chance to taste, he declared that “I would carry forth my mom’s legacy.” Thirty minutes later during my church’s Bible Study, my Pastor, Vince Allen, spoke the exact same words to me that “I would carry forth my mom’s legacy.” It was at that moment my spirit was touched and I knew what needed to be done. Three months later Shelle’s Sweet Sensations, LLC was legally formed.

I carry mommy’s spirit, passion, and love for baking (and cooking) in my heart. I sense her presence every time I’m in the kitchen, but especially after placing a cake in the oven. I carry forth a tradition of hers by touching the pan and saying “cook nice.”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The road hasn’t always been smooth. My time was limited to what I could do while providing my sister assistance in caring for both parents. Certain items that I researched required additional information that I didn’t have readily available. Because my parents were my priority, I placed everything else on hold.

Fear was also a challenge because I would be turning my “hobby” into a business and that made it more realistic and serious to me. I was afraid of not being as successful down south in Georgia as I was in the DC area prior to moving back home.

When COVID hit, it slowed things down; my marketing aspect was non-existence, and I almost lost my passion for baking altogether. Although my license was approved in March 2020, it wasn’t until after losing daddy in December 2020 that my business catapulted. I felt as if God answered a prayer about my purpose and I knew I was right where He wanted me to be.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

As a proud entrepreneur of Shelle’s Sweet Sensations, LLC, I bake deliciously homemade cakes, pies, breads, bars, and even snack mix from scratch. My number one sellers (right now) are my Signature Oatmeal Bars (with four different variations) and the Five-Flavor Pound Cake. People tell me they can taste the “love” that’s in everything they eat, which is why you will find the word “Love” listed as one of the ingredients. You can also find my focal scripture – 1 Cor 16:14 (Let all that you do be done in love) on all marketing items.

I think the main thing that sets me apart from others is my menu selection. You’ll not only find the traditional southern classics that everyone enjoys, but also specialty and several unique cakes that people have never heard of. However, once tasted, they love them and order more. I’m a person of excellence, so if it doesn’t look right to me (although I know the taste is on point), it will not be sold. I also challenge myself as customers request items not found on the menu. I’m now baking scrumptious Gluten-Free cakes!

My tag line is: “Remember, It’s Always A Great Day For Something Sweet & Deliciously Homemade!

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?

I’m the middle child of five, the one who carried her heart on her sleeves (and still does). I’m truly my mother’s daughter. Those who didn’t have a chance to meet her or know her, if you’ve encountered me, then you have met her. My father was in the military, so we moved just about every 3 years. It was always fun making new friends, but difficult when it was time to leave. I think that moving around (stateside and abroad) shaped me to the person I am today. I didn’t realize it at a young age, but it was instilled in us to value diversity.

My passion for cooking stems from my childhood as well. Fast-food or pizza wasn’t a common meal in our household. With five kids, if or when we got it, it was a treat. Mommy cooked dinner every night, and Saturday was something light or leftovers to allow her time to prepare Sunday’s dinner. I rarely eat out (unless invited out) and enjoy cooking my own meals. It’s something about a good home cooked meal, with a slice of anything sweet homemade, that just makes you feel good. It did growing up, and it still does now!

Contact Info:

• Email: info@shellessweetsensations.com
• Instagram: shellessweetsensations
• Facebook: Shelle’s Sweet Sensations

Image Credits
Charissee McKee