TAKE A BITE OF SOMETHING WICKED - Indigenous Owned Horror Bakery, Cemetery Sweets

CEMETERY SWEETS

Founded in 2023, Cemetery Sweets is a Horror Pop-Up bakery in Aurora, Illinois. Originally started vending at Native farmers markets on her family’s reservation, she rebranded to center her love of horror and honor her mother’s memory through baking.

"I've always been a spooky girl who loved all things horror, but didn't get to show that because at the time, I was more focused in presenting my culture through my baking. It wasn't until I moved to Chicago did I finally decide I wanted to change my bakery all together

and use its new re-branding to connect with other spooky and likeminded individuals. Cemetery Sweets really became what it was in 2024."

Though Cemetery Sweets in a one person ran business, it's truly built on the love and support of the community that's been built around it. "My husband, my friends, my family, and the folks who cheer me on and share in my excitement are what keep it alive. The sweetest moments are when someone tells me they’ve followed me from Instagram or they stop by just to show support, it means the world. Those are the real key players of Cemetery Sweets, because without them, it simply wouldn’t be what it is today."

Developing the vision behind Cemetery Sweets not only came from the love of horror, but turning to best friend, Genny, of BeyondTheGrave.us. Being well seasoned within the horror event space, they shared ideas for rebranding the bakery. "She helped me come up with my new name and from there, l followed other amazing spooky / horror bakers and shared different ideas with them; making it what it is today!"

Has Horror Played A Role In Your Life?

"Growing up, my mom raised me as a single parent. She showed me horror movies from a super early age ( which may be controversial to some, ) but actually made core memories between me and her. She was always into true crime, horror movies, Rob Zombie, etc. My first horror movie I could think of that I watched with her was the 1993 Leprechaun horror movie. Since then, horror had always played a huge role in my life. After my mom passed, I continued both our love of horror through this bakery and even make some of my bakery pieces in memory of her to pass on her love for horror as well."

As the success of Cemetery Sweets grows, I always feel it's important to look back at how far you've come. If you could go back and give yourself some words of wisdom, what would you say?

"To keep going. The past will always be the past, no matter the kind of cards you're dealt with in life. In the moment, things can seem not worth fighting for but passion for things truly inspires the hard work it takes to get through things so to always follow yourself and your passion through those moments to help guide you through the way."

UPCOMING EVENT