Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Mize
Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started Sun Cookery with one mission–to bring intentional hosting back to the table. I am originally from Concord, NC and spent my summers along the Carolina coastlines and my younger years from N.C. to New Orleans to Tampa, FL.
It wasn’t until later in life when I found myself transplanted to the Midwest (Chicago and Milwaukee, WI) for personal reasons that I realized how important hosting at home is for building and creating community.
I spent the last several years researching and developing a concept that would revive the lost art of hosting at home and Sun Cookery was born. I’m now in a position to launch the company and the brand introducing 4 curated hosting collections that make get togethers easy and colorful.
My background in hospitality, business development, and marketing has really come full circle. I’ve owned a special event company, launched 2 specialty food businesses, and mid-career worked in the loyalty marketing space building relationship management programs for F500 companies. I’m an expert creating experiences that drive intentional connections and decided to bring this into the home with Sun Cookery. It is my passion to help us all connect to disconnect and cultivate community in real life!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Lord no! It has not been smooth . . . every day there is a new challenge or obstacle. As I was creating the first hosting collections–I had no idea how to source products. I didn’t know how to create a custom box. Thankfully, I had a lot of “angels” along the way that jumped in to teach me and fill the operational gaps. In fact, looking back over the last 18 months–operations seems to be almost easier my personal strengths–sales and marketing.
Marketing and sales has turned out to be the biggest challenge for me. I’ve learned that when it’s “your business” . . . it’s very hard to see the obvious AND to be open to a new outlook or direction. Which is why I’m currently working with various marketing professionals to revise and reframe how to position Sun Cookery in a way that feels accessible and reaches our audience.
And another challenge is finding the right team! Whether they are part-time employees, project based team members or vendors–you have to find the team that pushes you and invests in your vision along the way.
We’ve been impressed with Sun Cookery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sun Cookery is a company with one mission–to bring intentional hosting back to the table with curated hosting boxes. Through our colorful, culture infused hosting collections, filled with tablescape elements, decor, recipes, playlists, and more, anyone can host with ease and truly connect with guests.
What I am most proud of, and, what will always set Sun Cookery apart is the thoughtfulness and creativity behind every single hosting box. I take great care and time selecting artisanal elements and curating one of a kind items to build hosting boxes that are brimming with thoughtfulness and intention. Every single box tells a different story and helps any host add their own special touch to their gatherings.
My upbringing in the South, observing and participating with my Grandma and how she hosted with genuine love and openness, combined with the amazing places I’ve traveled to and my culinary arts experience, I have a deep expertise in hospitality from beginning to end bringing together all of the little details that truly makes guests feel at home the moment they walk in the front door. Sun Cookery’s job is to do all the thinking for any type of host–so, hosting is fun, memorable, and deepens relationships with guests.
What were you like growing up?
I was obsessed with Martha Stewart–no surprise there. However, before Martha Stewart Living published in 1990–I was learning from the ultimate host–my grandma Betty. While she didn’t care so much about tabletop perfection–I did! Grandma Betty taught me that hospitality was about making something delicious from scratch in case anyone stopped by the house. She cared about sharing vegetables from her garden with friends, family, colleagues and church members. However, in the background–I was obsessed with the finishing touches, setting the dining room table, or cutting a fancy slice of lemon for her glass of homemade sweet tea. I’m pretty sure I annoyed most of my family and friends along the way with my obsession for perfection and the little touches. However, I enjoyed the thrill of having company stop by and I loved making someone smile with the simple gesture of hosting even if all that meant was a slice of SunDrop cake and a glass of iced tea.
So, growing up, I tended to be in the background at family gatherings, working on the perfect bow for the present, messing around with different recipes in the kitchen, twirling and twisting a stack of paper napkins to be “fancy” AND making sure there was music playing somewhere. I loved watching the original Emeril Lagasse shows–when it was simply him in his small kitchen yelling BAM every 10 seconds. I loved planning a party for absolutely everything–and I wasn’t the life of the party–I simply enjoyed watching everyone else have a great time and making adjustments behind the scenes to make sure the experience was talked about for weeks afterwards.
Pricing:
- Our current hosting collections range from $229 to $329.
- They make great wedding gifts, VRBO & Airbnb owners use them for their rental properties and real estate agents use them as closing gifts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://suncookery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suncookery/
