Meet Elizabeth Torgerson | Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Torgerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business, Elizabeth’s Sweet Treats, was a heartfelt journey that combined my love for baking and my commitment to my family. You see, I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for 19 years, and that’s been my most cherished role. My passion for baking is a legacy passed down from my grandmother to my mom, and then to me. Growing up, baking was more than just mixing flour and sugar; it was about creating memories and bonding. The Christmas cookie box tradition with my mom and sister is something I’ve carried with me throughout my life. These moments weren’t just about baking; they were about love, joy, and togetherness.

When my husband was in the Marines, I continued this tradition, baking treats for his squadrons, sending boxes overseas, and welcoming new neighbors with homemade goodies. Baking has always been my way of spreading joy and love. The decision to start Elizabeth’s Sweet Treats was a natural extension of this passion. It was my family’s loving encouragement that finally pushed me to take the leap. I wanted to be there for my daughters, so starting a home bakery seemed like the perfect solution. It allowed me to balance my role as a mother with my passion for baking. And with the nature of military life, I knew this business could travel with us wherever we went. So, in early 2019, in 29 Palms, CA, with a prayer and a deep breath, Elizabeth’s Sweet Treats came to life. It’s not just a bakery; it’s a culmination of all the love, joy, and traditions that have shaped me over the years.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

The most important lesson my business journey has taught me is the incredible power of having the courage to trust your gut, experiment with new ideas, and, most importantly, believe in yourself. When I started Elizabeth’s Sweet Treats, it was a leap into the unknown, a step outside my comfort zone. I had to rely heavily on my intuition – that little voice inside telling me that this was not just a dream but something I could actually turn into reality.

In the world of baking and business, trying new things is essential. Whether it’s experimenting with a new recipe or introducing a unique flavor, innovation keeps things exciting and fresh, not just for me but for my customers as well. It’s about embracing the unknown and finding joy in the process of creation.

But above all, believing in myself has been the cornerstone of my journey. There were times of doubt, sure, but deep down, I knew I had the skills, passion, and drive to make my bakery a success. This self-belief has been my guiding light, pushing me to take risks, face challenges head-on, and celebrate every small victory.

In essence, my business has been more than just about baking; it’s been a journey of self-discovery, teaching me to trust my instincts, embrace new experiences, and never underestimate the power of believing in oneself.

– Inspiration
My inspiration in baking, and in life really, is deeply rooted in family traditions and the legacy of love passed down through generations. Watching my grandmother and then my mom play with flavors and recipes, turning simple ingredients into something magical, has always fascinated me. It’s like they were conducting a symphony of sweetness, each note a different ingredient, coming together in perfect harmony. This is where my love for baking began, and it’s what continues to inspire me every day.

Baking, for me, is more than just a hobby or a profession – it’s my love language. It’s the way I express care, celebrate joy, and spread happiness. The act of baking something with love and then sharing it is like a domino effect of joy. I bake a treat with love, you pass it on to someone you care about, and that love and happiness ripple out, touching lives in ways we can’t even imagine.

There’s something magical about this cycle of giving and sharing. It’s not just about the cakes, cookies, or bread. It’s about the smiles, the warmth, the connections that are strengthened with every bite. That’s the true essence of baking for me. It’s a continuous cycle of love and joy, moving from one person to another, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and cherished moments.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado has a special place in my heart, not just as my home but as a source of cherished memories and inspiration. The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is one of those magical places for me. As a kid, I was mesmerized by the dazzling Christmas lights there, a tradition that has only grown more special over the years. It’s where my husband proposed, making it a place of love and commitment for us. Now, we take our girls there to experience the same enchantment of the Christmas lights, creating a beautiful family tradition that I hope they’ll cherish as much as I do.

Then there’s the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. I have fond childhood memories of visiting there with my grandparents. After having the opportunity to visit many zoos around the world, I can confidently say it’s the best, hands down. The zoo is not just a place of animal encounters; it’s a reminder of the simple joys of childhood and the wonder of nature.

Lastly, a nostalgic nod to Michelles, a bakery that’s no longer here but lives on in my sweetest memories. Their treats were something out of this world. Getting their chocolate Easter eggs each year, and going there for ice cream with my grandparents after getting to watch the magical Nutcracker ballet at the Pikes Peak Center, are moments I’ll always treasure. Michelles was a staple of my childhood, and now, in my own way, I get to extend that legacy of joy and sweetness to others through Elizabeth’s Sweet Treats. It’s like passing on a piece of my childhood, one baked good at a time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, a massive, sweet thank you to the incredibly talented Karrie Pittman from Karriebelle Designs. Karrie, you’ve been a baking angel in my business journey. From the moment we started working together, you’ve helped Elizabeth’s Sweet Treats discover its true flavor. Your creativity and skill in crafting my logo, flyers, and all the marketing materials have been nothing short of amazing. You’ve helped me fine-tune my messaging, making my brand not just strong, but uniquely ‘me’. Thank you for being a part of this delicious adventure!

And to my wonderful family, especially my mom – you are the original recipe of my success. Mom, your encouragement to step into the kitchen, experiment with new recipes, and embrace my love for baking has been the foundation of everything I do. I’m grateful for every moment we’ve spent together in the kitchen, and for every life lesson learned along the way.
My husband and three amazing daughters-you have been my biggest supporters, teaching me to mix a dash of courage with a spoonful of love in everything I bake. Your encouragement and love have been the secret ingredients in my journey.

And lastly a heartfelt shout-out to the wonderful communities of Colorado Springs and Monument for welcoming Elizabeth’s Sweet Treats with such open arms! From the very first day I introduced my bakery in this beautiful area, the support and love I’ve received have been nothing short of incredible. The way these communities have embraced my sweet creations, along with the story and passion behind them, is truly heartwarming.

The enthusiasm and encouragement from everyone here have been key ingredients in my journey. Each smile, each piece of feedback, and every shared moment over a slice of cake or a cookie have made me feel deeply connected to this place I call home. I’m so grateful to be a part of such vibrant, supportive, and caring communities. I look forward to many more years of baking, sharing, and creating delightful memories together in Colorado Springs and Monument. Thank you for making me feel so welcomed and cherished.

Website: https://www.elizabethssweettreats.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeths_sweet_treats/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethsSweetTreat