She Turned Her Passion for Baking into a Beloved BHAM Brand
Hayley Meeks turned her passion for baking into a booming business that serves some of the best Birmingham cookies and custom cakes. Image: Sweet Treats by Hayley
Hayley Meeks has loved baking since childhood, when she would spend hours in the kitchen. Eventually, she turned her passion for baking into a business and launched Sweet Treats by Hayley. Serving everything from custom cookies to cakes for corporate events, weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions, Hayley’s favorite hobby became a full-time venture. She recently opened a storefront in Pellham, too. We’re excited to introduce our newest FACE of Birmingham, Hayley Meeks … and some of the best Birmingham cookies out there!
How did you get into baking?
My love for baking began long before this business was ever a thought. As a little girl, I spent countless hours in the kitchen, making sweet treats for family and friends. Their smiles and encouragement made me realize something special — I was truly meant to bake. My late great-grandmother was my greatest inspiration. She passed down treasured recipes that have become the foundation of everything I create. Her legacy of baking from scratch, with love and care in every bite, is something I strive to honor in every cookie, cake, and dessert I make.
When did you know you wanted to turn baking into a business?
I was in nursing school and baked as a hobby. My family and friends were the ones who pushed me to turn that into a business. My hobby then became a business, and I was able to make it into what it is today, so I walked away from nursing and gave my baking passion my full attention. What began as simply baking cookies for fun transformed into a dream come true in 2018, when Sweet Treats By Hayley became a full-time venture.
You started your business just two years before the pandemic. What has been the key to your success and staying power?
Researching not only recipes but also my customers and what they want! Learning how to navigate social media and building my own website made a huge difference in my ability to stay in front of people. Also, the support of my family, customers, and community is a big help; this journey has never been mine alone. From the very start, my family, friends, and loyal customers have supported me in ways that words can’t fully express.
What’s your most popular sweet treat?
Honestly, there isn’t just one. My sugar cookies are popular and what got me started, but people also love my brownie bites, cinnamon rolls, strawberry cake, and chocolate peanut butter cake.
Why are sweet treats like custom cookies or wedding cakes such an important part of an event or occasion?
Cakes and cookies are always a focal point of any gathering, and I can turn a person’s vision into delicious treats. There’s something deeply special about being able to bring your visions to life, whether it’s a custom cookie for a corporate event, a wedding cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, or sweet treats for a birthday celebration. Each dessert I make is a small piece of someone’s story, and that’s something I never take for granted.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Sleep!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Do what you are passionate about and never give up.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
My pets (dogs and cats), shopping, and sleep.
Lightning Round!
What’s on your travel bucket list? I would like to visit the Great Barrier Reef.
Favorite place to shop: Gifted Boutique in Pelham
Favorite podcasts: Real Talk with Matt Matthews and Crime Junkie
Go-to birthday gift to give: Gift cards
**********
Southern women are doing remarkable things. Meet more of them in our FACES archives!
Javacia Harris Bowser
Javacia Harris Bowser is a Birmingham-based freelance writer and the founder of See Jane Write, an online community and coaching service for women who write. With over 20 years of journalism experience, Javacia has received awards from the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals, Alabama Press Association, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. When she’s not writing, she’s usually practicing Pilates, getting her 10K steps a day, or watching crime shows. Follow Javacia on Instagram @seejavaciawrite.