If you’re looking for a sweet and charming spot in Brownsburg, look no further than Sweet Minis bakery, owned by Chef Casey Ward. This cozy little bakery is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. The star of the show is the miniature desserts. From tiny cupcakes to bite-sized cheesecake, every treat is perfectly portioned for a satisfying snack or a guilt-free indulgence.
Before starting her own business, Chef Casey Ward worked as a human resource consultant for over two decades. During that time, she taught small businesses about best practices, infrastructure, and employee retention. However, when the pandemic hit, Casey had to work from home and missed the social interaction that came with working in an office. She started baking to cope with the stress and later enrolled in culinary school at Ivy Tech.
“I’ve always been creative, and I think my corporate background has helped me to put it into action,” Owner Chef Casey said.
In the meantime, Casey was working on losing weight. She lost 75 pounds and cut sugar entirely out of her diet. When she began adding sugar to her diet, she realized the mini-sized desserts were the perfect and fun way to enjoy cake without the guilt.
“My favorite thing about mini desserts is that everything can be personalized,” Casey said. “That’s not something you can find every day.
Sweet Minis started in 2020 in Casey’s Brownsburg home and grew quickly.
“It got to a point where my husband was like, ‘No More!’ Casey shared. “There was baking stuff in our coat closet, pantry, spare bedroom closet, and garage.”
Sweet Minis then partnered with another local business to co-share a space at 824 E. Main St. Both businesses outgrew the space within the year and made expansion plans, with Sweet Minis taking over the storefront. Casey then spent a few months renovating the larger space before reopening in September 2023 with four staff members.
“I really wanted to create a fun and exciting environment unlike anything else in Brownsburg,” Casey said. “I had a vision for my space, and when my contractor first started renovations, he wasn’t so sure it could happen. But as we began to see everything come together, he said, ‘Wow, this shop is really you!’”
The larger shop displays various mini desserts including mini brownies, cookies, cheesecakes, macaroons, cupcakes, gluten-free and dairy-free products, and her most popular item, ‘minitinis.’
“We typically carry about 10-12 flavors of our mintinis, or mini cakes baked directly in cute little tins”, she explained. “You can have your own flavor of cake, whether you like lemon, German chocolate, red velvet, carrot, cookie butter, or even strawberry. Whatever you have a taste for, you can get a small cake for yourself and not have to share it with anyone.”
Despite the incredible business success, Casey says the sweetest victory has been watching her son follow in her entrepreneurial footsteps.
“I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so my parents started that path for me,” Casey explained. “They taught me that you need to have something you’re more passionate about in your life, so I always knew I would own my own business at some point. I’m instilling that same foundation and principle in my son, who started his fresh drink beverage company, Fun Drinks, in 2020.”
As Sweet Minis settles into its new location, the business plans on hosting additional DIY opportunities in 2024. Casey says there are so many different ventures that Sweet Minis could follow, and she’s excited to see what comes next for her business.
“I know there’s a bride that’s out there that’s looking for cascading mini cakes for her wedding.” So, if you’re reading this, then find me because I would love to do that for you!”
Shelby Abner
Shelby Abner is the Community Relations Manager for the Town of Brownsburg. Raised in Hendricks County, Shelby and her husband have called Brownsburg home since 2016. With her camera in hand, you’ll often find her exploring the town, supporting local small businesses, and spending quality time with her family at the parks. Shelby takes pride in the growth that Brownsburg has experienced over the years and appreciates the wonderful amenities and assets that the community has to offer, including special events, diverse dining options, and unique shopping experiences.
