Meet Monica Manley of Sweet Fleur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Manley.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Monica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After a trip to Paris, I was left mesmerized. I wanted a way to bring those side street flower shops and freshly baked pastries back with me to the US, while at the same time, help contribute to a cause that’s very important to me – conservation. I’ve worked in several different industries over the years, but they’re always seemed to be something missing. I believe that everyone craves a life that is an extension of their truest self, but they don’t always know how to make that happen. I was in the same boat.

After arriving back in the US, I sat down and made a list of the things that I love most. From that list, I created Sweet Fleur – a marriage of pastries, flowers, and good intentions. Everything is vegan, made with real flowers and herbs, delicious, and most importantly, part of profits are donated towards animal sanctuaries and conservation efforts in Colorado. It’s really a dream come true to have the ability to offer the public something that is beautiful in more ways than one.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest struggles at the beginning was developing vegan recipes that didn’t tase… well… vegan! I come from a farming family in Alabama – you know, the meat and potatoes kind of family. So, I worked on recipes, tested them on my non-vegan family and friends, and after many recipe experiments, I finally created a line that none of my friends or family could tell were vegan.

Once my menu was finalized, I moved on to the next roadblock – finding other bakers who could help me fulfill the orders. I put out an ad on Instagram looking for intern bakers. At that time, as I was just starting out, I couldn’t afford to pay anyone, so I put out this ad hoping to get a few volunteers, and I did! They were phenomenal! I even ended up hiring one of these interns later, to be my head baker and manage the other intern bakers. It’s been a fun experience.

Please tell us about Sweet Fleur.
Our slogan is “Flavor in full Bloom.” It celebrates the dynamic vibrancy of the flower. We are a floral fantasia, helping people to experience the flower in all its flavors, forms, and functions. Sweet Fleur was created for premium dessert aficionados who want a true confectionary indulgence. We are the only vegan dessert company where the flavor is always in full bloom, where each creation is made with the delicious and curative supporting power of flowers.

We offer a divine selection of pastries and baked goods that feature the beauty, flavor, and function of edible flowers. Like the treats found in the boutique Parisian pastry shops and bakeries I’ve frequented over the years, my recipes delight the senses and nourish the soul. Our desserts allow people to indulge in the magic of the edible flower — hibiscus, violet, lavender, marigold, and chamomile in bon-bons, cookies, truffles and cakes. Each dessert is truly a journey of botanical bliss.

But this isn’t the best part! What we are most proud of at Sweet Fleur is our contributions towards a better environment. Not only do we donate part of our proceeds towards animal sanctuaries and conservation efforts, but we now offer eco-friendly packaging, and we don’t use any animal products. We are also woman-owned and operated.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is riding through my grandfather’s pastures in his red mule (Kawasaki). We would ride through the fields, stopping along the way to check in on the chickens at the barn, feed the dogs, and then toss out hay for the cows. It was your typical farm life, but riding through with him made it all the more special. I’ve always had a love for animals, and so having these daily rides to check on all of the animals was heaven for me.

Pricing:

• Lavender Banana Bread – $8
• Flower-Pressed Shortbreads – $15
• Chocolate Flower Bon Truffle Box – $21

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweetfleur.org/
• Phone: 256-394-0785
• Email: sweetfleurdesserts@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_fleur_desserts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetFleurDesserts/

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