Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelina Sims.
Hi Angelina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Minnesota but spent much of my childhood in Wisconsin with my grandparents. My love for baking started in my grandmother’s kitchen, some of my fondest memories are making her famous Pumpkin Bars (trust me, they’re heavenly!). I moved to Florida in 2011 and now live in historic St. Augustine with my incredibly supportive husband, my sweet-and-salty 4-year-old son, and two crazy Boston Terriers. Life is never boring in this house! Before I followed my food dream, I worked in Specialty Veterinary Medicine! Growing up, I loved two things—baking and animals—so I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology, specializing in Advanced Clinical Skills & Hospital Management. After a decade in Critical Care and Internal Medicine, I retired to pursue my true passion: FOOD! I started selling at Farmer’s Markets to get my name out there and see what my customers liked. This allowed me to perfect my recipes and menu. Now I cater private events and sponsor networking events. The high-pressure world of vet med taught me how to manage time efficiently and handle stressful situations like a pro. (Sometimes my brain still can’t tell the difference between a critically ill patient and a catering deadline!) But that just means I thrive under pressure, so your event is in great hands!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all! I started out wanting a brick and mortar but COVID made it hard to find a location and getting pregnant (the exact same month I officially launched my business) had me growing slowly instead. I pivoted to catering and farmer’s markets. Being a mom to a 4 year old and two dogs makes it tough sometimes, but I never gave up my dream. I brought my son to all the markets and deliveries. I worried customers would be upset with that but I was often met with “I think it’s amazing you get to follow your dream and your son sees it firsthand” It takes a village and I always leaned on my family, especially my mom and husband, I couldn’t have done it without them!
We’ve been impressed with Little Cup of Heaven Cafe and Bakery, 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?
Little Cup of Heaven Cafe and Bakery is an allergen friendly catering business that specializes in “Comfort Foods Made From The Heart”, introducing Midwestern staples with Southern influences. Our menu is crafted to bring people together over meals that feel like home. We offer gluten-free, vegan, and keto options because we believe everyone deserves a bit of comfort! Our catering is served family-style and brings all the warmth and nostalgia of your grandmother’s kitchen.
We specialize in allergen friendly menu items. From gluten free to vegan to keto, we can accommodate most any kind of diet. Over her life, Angelina has been on various food trials for health purposes. She is also a foodie and prefers home cooked meals/desserts. Therefore she has experimented in the kitchen to bring allergen friendly classics that taste like the original. It is also important to us to use as little processed ingredients as possible. Freshness and quality are our top priority.
I am most proud of how well my brand is recognized by my customers and peers. It achieves the “comfort of grandma’s kitchen with a modern twist”
We cater to small and large events. We offer catering packages such as brunch, lunch/dinner, dessert tables, desserts and a la carte services. We can customize to fit your theme or dietary restrictions. Our food menu consists of hotdishes (casseroles) and salads, served family style in chafing dishes to keep them at the proper temperature
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Just do it! Don’t wait for the perfect time because it will never come. Ask questions, ask for help, go to networking events, reach out to others in your industry. Never give up, it takes a lot of hard work and failure to be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littlecupofheaven.com
- Instagram: littlecupofheavencafeandbakery
- Facebook: littlecupofheavencafeandbakery
