Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesley Boone.
Hi Lesley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My fondest memories as a child are the times that I spent baking and cooking with my grandmother in her kitchen. What I very quickly learned was that it wasn’t just about the food, it was more about the joy and the passion that she felt when cooking for her family and friends. That’s exactly how I feel when I’m in my kitchen; it’s cathartic, it’s creative, xx a and every time I throw a little dish towel over my shoulder, I know that she’s with me. Acting and singing were always my passion, and I knew that that’s what I wanted do for a living. But nothing gives me greater joy than baking, cooking and entertaining people in my home. THAT is my happy place. During the last few years, acting roles have been a bit more scarce, and I began to struggle with the thought of “what am I doing with my life!” I had always baked for family and friends, so it seemed like a natural progression to start honing in on my favorite items to start a little small batch home bakery. And because we were in the middle of the pandemic, the Turtzles, that come individually wrapped, were the perfect treat. I launched for Valentine’s Day 2022, and SugarHigh was born.
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?
Nothing comes easy! When I launched for Valentine’s Day, I was so excited to have received orders for about 750 Turtzles. I had no idea what to expect, but it was definitely more overwhelming than I had anticipated. Just figuring out costs and what to charge seemed daunting. People often gawk at prices, but when you’re one person creating these handcrafted baked goods in your own home, it ain’t cheap! It’s a lot easier when everything is being made in a factory by machines! Overall, the art and the creativity is what keep me going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I stated earlier, I have spent the last 33 years making a living being an actor. But during these slow times, I started thinking about how to bring in some other income, and so I pivoted to my other passion in life: baking. I have to say, my carrot cake is probably the best thing I make. I have been perfecting this recipe for 30 some odd years, and I can say without a doubt, it’s the best carrot cake on the planet! Ha! I also make a plum tart that is to die for – a recipe that my grandmother passed down to me decades ago. But what I think what sets me apart from everybody else are the Turtzles that I make. My girlfriend Marcia taught me how to make these in the early 90’s, and my only regret is that we didn’t try to launch them back then! I know that a lot of people make chocolate-covered pretzel rods, but mine are on another level, both visually and taste-wise. They’re so satisfying; the perfect blend of salty, sweet and texture. They tickle all your senses!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can support me by making an order! I don’t have my website ready yet, so the best way to find me and place an order is through my Instagram page. You can find me @thelesleyboone and send me a DM.
Pricing:
- Turtzles are $4 each and come individually wrapped.
- Chocolate Brownie pizzas are $40
- Cakes are $35-$65 depending on order
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thelesleyboone
- Facebook: Lesley Boone
