The Nolte Fam: The Sweet Treat Boutique!

I think one of my favorite things about "growing up" ---or just 'getting older'--- is seeing what everyone is up to now. It's pretty cool to see where people I grew up with are now and what they're doing with their lives. I still think it's so strange that my friends & I are all at the age where people are getting married, having kids, etc., I mean, I graduated college five days ago and that still seems so surreal!

My sister and I have known one of our friends, Lacey, basically our entire lives! Our parents knew each other in high school, so we've been around each other a lot--birthday parties, dinner nights, being babysat together (we have several funny stories from those days! :) ) I remember when Lacey got married a few years ago, she was the first of my childhood friends to get married and it was very exciting!! Since then, she has done so many awesome things in her life, one of them being, The Sweet Treat Boutique! Lacey carefully handcrafts these adorable keychains, charms, & pendants to look like, well, SWEET TREATS! It amazes me how much her creations look like the actual food item!

I had seen on her Facebook page that she created a little cupcake charm with her dog, Penelope's face on it. I thought it was the cutest thing, and I quickly contacted her about getting one made with my old dog, Chestnut's, face on it. After many emails, pictures, [and some unexpected postal issues], I received this tiny little package in my school mailbox! I was so excited that I opened it right in the post office! The packaging was carefully done, too, and I didn't want to mess it up, even though part of me wanted to rip it open and see my keychain!! haha.

She also sent me this tiny little cupcake charm!

I used my ring in this picture, because I really wanted you to be able to compare the sizes!! [and my ring is pretty small too--size 4.5]

Enjoy a quick Q&A with Lacey, as well as some pictures of her other products she has made!! :)

First off, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm a 23 year old home maker and Army wife. I've been married to my husband for almost 3 years now and we've been partners in crime for 6 years. Together we have a 2 1/2 year old black pug, furbaby, named Penelope :). I've always really enjoyed arts and crafts, it's a great way to relieve stress and relax. I love being able to dream something up, and then bring it to life. Besides my love for crafting, I like to go to thrift stores, flea markets, and antique stores. There are always wonderfully unique things to find. I also collect tea cups, vintage pieces, and most things bird. If I'm not crafting, or spending time with my family, I'm usually curled up with a cup of tea and a good book :)

Sushi charm

How did you come up with the idea for The Sweet Treat Boutique?

Ever since I was really young I've enjoyed working with clay. One day this past year, I found a few scrap pieces in my craft supplies and started to play with them. One thing lead to another, and before I knew it, I had an adorable little slice of cake with a rose on top. I showed my hubby when he got home, and the first thing out of his mouth was, "Wow, Lace, that's amazing. I can't believe you made that! You should try selling those, I think people would really like them!" So here I am today, doing just that!

New York style Strawberry Cheesecake earrings

What makes The Sweet Treat Boutique so unique?

I think the fact that all of my pieces are made by hand is unique, as well as the fact that they're all realistic miniatures of real food. I feel like you don't see a lot of tiny, realistic food on jewelry often, haha.

Chocolate covered strawberry stud earrings

What is your favorite item you have made so far, and why?

This is such a hard question! I have quite a few favorites. However, if I had to pick just one, I think it would be my "Penelope Pug Cupcake" charm. It combines my love of Penelope and cupcakes, and always puts a smile on my face :)

Who or what is your biggest motivation or encouragement to never give up on your business?

My family is by far my biggest motivation. They are always my biggest fans, supporting me and cheering me on. My husband has been so encouraging and supportive, making it impossible to even think of giving up :)

Fortune cookie stud earrings

If you could specially make one of your products for any celebrity, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Hmmmmm, this is a hard one too! I would have loved to make something for Audrey Hepburn. I love her movies, and I feel like she was such a special person. She was so sweet and delicate, and I think she would have been tickled by my jewelry.

French macaroon charms

What is YOUR favorite Sweet Treat to indulge in?

I have a huge sweet tooth, so I like just about everything, lol. But I really love cupcakes. I love strawberry flavored cupcakes with chocolate frosting the best.