Welcome to The Sweet Journey: Stories of Business, Healing, and Heart
Hello, Sweet Friends!
A few years ago, I found myself standing in the middle of what would become Sweet Desires
Espresso Bar—overwhelmed, exhausted, and questioning how I got here. The smell of fresh
coffee hadn’t yet settled into the walls, the décor wasn’t quite right, and the vision for what this
space could be was still blurry. I never set out to own a café, but life had other plans.
Fast forward to today, and I see this journey was never just about running a business. It’s about
community. It’s about the conversations that happen over a cup of coffee, the music that fills the
Dessert Lounge at night, and the moments when people walk in looking for something sweet
and leave with a connection they didn’t expect.
That’s why I’m starting The Sweet Journey Blog; a space where I can share the
behind-the-scenes of running Sweet Desires and the lessons, the laughter, the late nights, and
the moments that make this more than just a business.
Why The Sweet Journey?
In 2022, I was on a long drive to Tallahassee when my husband asked me a simple yet
profound question:
“What do you want to do that would bring you joy, something you could wake up daily and be
passionate about?”
At the time, I wasn’t sure how to answer. My heart was heavy. I had publicly gone through an
ordeal that left me emotionally drained, questioning everything I had once believed about people
and the community. I knew I didn’t want to continue living in that dark place. I needed something
that would give me hope again.
I started playing with different ideas, talking with my sister-in-law and one of my best friends,
and searching for that spark of inspiration. That’s when Sweet Desires was born. The idea of
creating a space where people could come together, feel warmth, and share in something
special lit a fire in me that I hadn’t felt in a long time.
But the road wasn’t smooth. Opening the Dessert Lounge came with many obstacles, and
before I knew it, one space led to another, unexpectedly leading me to open a coffee shop. It
wasn’t part of the original plan, but somehow, life kept steering me in that direction. And yet,
even as I navigated the twists and turns, the journey always led me back to finish what I started:
Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge.
Looking back, I realize now that the coffee shop, the lounge, and everything in between weren’t
just business ventures. They were stepping stones toward healing, rebuilding trust, and
rediscovering my passion. And through it all, I found what I had been searching for—community,
connection, and a purpose greater than myself.
Two Spaces, One Vision
One of the most beautiful parts of this journey has been the people I’ve met along the way.
Running the café has allowed me to experience two very different sides of people—the ones
rushing in, grabbing a quick coffee as they navigate their busy lives, and the ones who sit for
hours, engaging not just with me but with my team, becoming like family.
I’ll never forget one customer who stopped by the espresso bar one morning, just passing
through. We chatted, and she grabbed her coffee and went about her day. Hours later, I ran into
her again—this time shopping at VNA Hidden Treasures. By 8 PM, she called me to see if a
table was still available at the Dessert Lounge. That same day, we had formed a connection
from coffee to shopping to dessert. She had just met me, but Sweet Desires had already
become a part of her experience.
Since then, every time she visits from New York, Sweet Desires is a must on her list. I’ve since
celebrated her birthday, her friend’s birthday, and countless little moments in between. Stories
like this remind me why I can’t give up—why I have to keep showing up.
This was the very purpose behind Sweet Desires operating as two distinct locations, each
offering a unique experience. Sweet Desires Espresso Bar shines during the day as a spot for
fresh coffee, homemade pastries, and quiet moments. Meanwhile, across town, Sweet Desires
Dessert Lounge comes alive at night with vibrant events, live music, and a menu of decadent
desserts.
Some days stretch far beyond the usual work hours—often turning into 18-hour marathons. I
start my morning chit-chatting with the team at the espresso bar as we prepare pastries for VNA
Hidden Treasures, a pop-up café that I host on Saturday mornings from 10 AM to 2 PM. After
that, I help close the bakery by 3 PM and then head over to Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge.
As the evening unfolds, my focus shifts. The lights dim, the music starts, and Sweet Desires
Dessert Lounge transforms into an entirely new experience. I go from café owner to event host,
making sure every guest walks into a space that feels warm, lively, and inviting.
But my night doesn’t end there. After wrapping up at the lounge, I head to Crab Stop on the
River in Sebastian, where the energy is still high, even as it creeps toward midnight. As
exhausted as I may be, I find myself refueled by the life and energy surrounding me—by people
who still believe in the dreams my husband and I have built together.
By the time I finally lay my head down, it could be 2 AM. My feet ache. I can’t remember if I ate
dinner. But I can say today was a good day.
Honoring My Sister’s Legacy
Watching my sister, Jannette, navigate her Talking to Inspire People Multiple Sclerosis support
group from her wheelchair and even from her hospital bed was enough motivation for anyone.
Despite her condition, she led with unwavering strength and purpose. She never let her illness
define her or stop her from pouring into others. Seeing her resilience firsthand inspired me in
ways I can’t even fully put into words.
After her passing, my family and I weren’t immediately ready to continue the support group. We
weren’t sure how to honor her through it or what form it should take. But then, something
unexpected happened.
As I spent my days in the coffee shop and nights in the lounge, I talked to people, and I really
realized that people were carrying so much pain. They were losing loved ones and didn’t know
where to put their grief. They felt isolated, unable to share their emotions freely.
They needed this. And I needed it, too. That’s when I knew that Talking to Inspire People had to
live on; not just as a memory, but as a space for healing.
The feedback has been overwhelming. Every conversation, every shared story, every tear shed
in a safe space has affirmed that this was the right path. But there’s one moment that will always
stay with me.
One evening at the lounge, a close friend of an attendee approached me. She hugged me so
tightly, as if words weren’t enough, and then whispered, Thank you for this support group. It
saved her life.
Her friend had been buried in grief, feeling like there was nowhere to turn. But now, she has a
place where she can be open, seen, and understood.
This makes everything worth it—every late night, exhausting day, event, and conversation
always comes back to my sister Jannette. She was the heart of Talking to Inspire People, and in
many ways, she still is. We are building community and connection which “Sweet Desires” was
built and created from a place of healing.
A Sweet Glimpse into the Future
I’ve always been a giver never seeking acknowledgment, never needing a spotlight. If I see a
need or even just a simple wish that someone has, my first instinct is to find a way to make it
happen.
That’s why I’m working on something special—a nonprofit through Sweet Desires, dedicated to
fulfilling wishes in ways big and small. It’s still in the early stages, but the vision is clear. Thank you for reading my first blog! This is a different journey I’m about to embark on, but I look forward to sharing more with you. There are so much ahead stories, lessons, and moments that make this path worth walking. Stay tuned for my next post, and thank you for being a part of The Sweet Journey!
Love, Brandy