From Lemons to Lemonade: Featuring the Sweet Shop and Owner Ms. Chiquita

Written By:Felecia Causey

Photos Provided By: Felecia Causey 

I recently stopped by The Sweet Shop, one of Chiquita Baldwin's amazing businesses in Montgomery. Before I even got to the delicious food and desserts, I had a chance to chat with Chiquita herself. What an inspiring woman! Her story is truly remarkable – from foster care to building a successful empire. It just goes to show you that it's not about where you start, but where you're headed.

Chiquita lost her mom at just 15 years old, but she went on to get her daycare certification, driven by her love for kids. Now, she owns *two* daycare centers! And get this – she still keeps in touch with her former foster kids and the little ones from her daycare. That right there tells you how much she cares. Finding the perfect daycare can be tough, right? So, I asked her what makes hers special, and she said, "I want them to feel like they're home away from home." How sweet is that?

She's also a mentor and has other businesses, too! If you’re looking for a place to host a baby shower, kids' party, conference, or even a small retirement celebration, check out her event center.

It was more than just a food review – it was an inspiring experience! Chiquita story is incredible. She started The Sweet Shop after listening to God. Hearing her talk about trusting in God's plan, even when things seem uncertain, really gave me chills. It’s a perfect example of how sometimes the best things happen when you least expect them. Seriously, I went in for a simple interview and food review and walked out feeling inspired! I'm so glad I followed my gut and reached out to her.

 

Now, for the GOOD stuff – the food! I got the 6-piece mild lemon pepper wings with loaded fries (light ranch, please!). Let me just say, the fries were PERFECTION. Seriously, I'm a fry snob, and these passed with flying colors. The wings? So juicy and flavorful, the plate was still saucy after I finished! Definitely ordering those again.

Then, I treated myself to the turtle funnel cake (weekly special – check their Facebook page for the flavor of the week!). Sadly, the ice cream melted before I could get a picture, but it was delicious! Fresh pecans – a must for me, and this one nailed it. Pro-tip: eat it fast or ask for no ice cream.

I also sampled their cupcakes – red velvet, vanilla Sunday, and vanilla birthday cake. The icing on all of them was amazing, not too sweet, and the pecans on the red velvet were perfectly fresh. I’d go back just for those!

Overall, The Sweet Shop is a fantastic place, especially if you have kids. They've got tons of affordable options – Kool-Aid pickles (yes, really!), a candy bar, pickled eggs, Fago drinks, and a huge selection of cakes and cupcakes. For all that amazing food – wings, funnel cake, and cupcakes – my total was only $34.54! Totally worth it, and definitely worth the trip downtown. You absolutely have to check it out!