CLIENT LOVE
What Clients Are Saying
Real stories from business owners we've had the honor of working with - partners in growth and success.
I contacted Sugar Strategist when my catering business was stuck and needed a pivot. They helped guide me on how to market and rebrand the business and helped me with aspects of that rebrand including a new logo and trailer wrap that were better suited for the higher-end clients I was trying to start targeting. I would not have been able to position the business for the pivot nearly as well without Sugar Strategist. I highly recommend!
Amro Shohoud
Owner, Tropics Shave Ice
We met Monica and Louis at a small business networking event and so glad we did! They are extremely knowledgeable about the ins and outs of small businesses- everything from pricing your products, to marketing, to time management, to laws and taxes, to the administrative side of things, to making your business work for YOU, and so much more. They just "get it!" And to sweeten up all their advice, Monica spent her career in the food industry and owned her own e-commerce and chocolate shop so has first had experience of what it takes to own a business in the food and bev industry--from CFO's to brick and mortars. They have guided and supported me through the transition from a cottage food business to a VDACS permitted and inspected business and have been there for my many questions 🙂 Their advice on each and every minute detail and need that I have has been vital in my growth! Besides consulting services, they can also help with design, promotional products (I have several high quality products from them!), and more! In addition, their classes and webinars are extremely valuable with a good mix of guidance and open discussions. I could go on!
And to top it off, they are super fun and down to earth!
Jessica & Shy
Owners, Mother Clusters
We cannot say enough great things about Monica and Louis with Sugar Strategist! They designed our website and have been helping us with our business strategy, and we are beyond happy with everything they’ve done for us. Their creativity, professionalism, and guidance have truly helped bring our vision to life. We are so excited to see what the future holds working with them and growing our business together. Thank you both so much for all of your hard work and support!
Stephanie & Josh Sinins
Owner, Treats & Sweets 4 U
.png)
Monica and Louis are a great team that helped me take the leap and become a small business owner.Louis walked me through the tricky world of LLCs and taxes, breaking everything down so it was clear and manageable. I felt so much more confident about the legal and financial side of my business after talking with him.Meanwhile, Monica worked her creative magic to design a logo that perfectly captured the heart of my business, as well as my vision. I wanted something simple and straightforward, and I’m very happy with the result. What sets Sugar Strategist apart is that they get it— they were in the “sugar” business themselves, so they truly understand the challenges and joys of running a dessert-focused business. Their advice came from experience, not just theory, and it made all the difference to me with so many consulting companies to choose from. I can’t recommend Monica and Louis enough! If you’re starting or growing a business, Sugar Strategist is the perfect place to turn for expertise, creativity, but also encouragement.
Maud L.
Owner, Say Oui to Candy
The thank-yous have been pouring in today from very, very happy Occam employees! The boxes are a huge hit, as we knew they would be. Dan [the CEO] even sent me a text last night asking where he can get more of the milk chocolate toffee covered almonds haha 😊Thank you so much for your hard work, efficiency, creative suggestions, and problem-solving advice. You truly are “strategists” to the core. Its been a pleasure working with you both. Best of luck for the remainder of 2024. I’m sure you’ll hear from us again soon!
Christina P.
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Occam Solutions
As the owner of Bella’s Berries [now Bella's Sugar Shop] in Virginia Beach, VA and have had the pleasure of working with Monica since the beginning of 2023. For the past several months, Monica and her team have assisted me with taxes, marketing, obtaining merchandise, new products, and various other tricks of the trade. I can not express how much of an immense benefit it has been to know Monica and work with her team. Any time I need anything at all related to my small business, she is a simple phone call away. I would be lost without their guidance and expertise in the fields of treat making and small businesses. I look forward to growing and achieving my personal and professional goals with the help of Monica and her team!​
Nolin F.
Owner, Bella's Sugar Shop
I started working with Sugar Strategist in October 2023 and I've been blown away by the value, effectiveness, and uniqueness of their services & felt compelled to share some of the ways in which they’ve helped me improve my bakery: Sugar Strategists’ guidance has helped me develop a customer-follow up email campaign which resulted in a 77% increase in my Google customer reviews in just a couple of weeks! As any bakery owner knows, each positive review is invaluable as it brings heightened credibility, visibility, trust, and recognition in the community. Through participating in their webinars, they’ve helped me look closely at the way my business functions including making my ordering process and website more streamlined, user friendly, and organized. They have a very direct and straightforward approach which has personally helped me have someone to talk to who “gets it.” I really appreciate having someone who understands my vision and can help bring my ideas to life. Sugar Strategist has also helped me boost my confidence with pricing and since working with them, I feel assured in pricing my products competitively while still maintaining profitability. Overall, I absolutely feel more professional and prepared. But what truly sets Sugar Strategist apart is their personalized approach. Monica and Louis are genuinely invested in your success. Their unique expertise and ability to understand your vision and provide effective solutions for those of us in the dessert industry is unparalleled and becoming a member has been one of the most valuable investments in my business.
Diana S.
Owner, Sweet Without Wheat
Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know – and boy, what I didn’t know!! I first saw Monica and Louis during an Icing Images Live where they shared the story of how Sugar Strategist came about and what they offer their clients. The one thing that stuck with me was when Monica said that often, we get in our own way by spending time on things that may not be in our wheelhouse. At the end of the day, with regards to business, it makes sense to spend our time doing what we’re good at and enlist others to do the rest. And being the sensible person that I am, I chose Sugar Strategist to do the rest. I can’t express enough how happy I am with the logo and website that was created for me. Monica is very easy to work with and is a wealth of knowledge in the industry. She not only created a great product but left me with answers to questions I didn’t know I had. Louis did a great job on the other end, helping me to understand how to use the data from my website to my advantage. Once my business gets some traction, that data will be invaluable. I look forward to continuing my relationship with Monica and Louis in the future. I cannot recommend Sugar Strategist enough!
Julie G.
Owner, Belly Chuckle Bakes
I had the pleasure of meeting Monica & Louis back in October of 2023. We were gearing up to make the drive from Jersey down to Virginia since we were vendors for the DMV Chocolate Coffee event. What started on a video chat with various vendors blossomed into a great start to an amazing friendship. I abruptly decided to rebrand in the middle of chaos 😂 and with their help the transition was honestly the smoothest ever. (Truthfully it would’ve been a disaster if I didn’t have them LOL) I was able to get a brand new banner, from there we worked on new business cards and then slowly working little by little on the website! I’m someone who’s very very ocd detail oriented and that’s something me and Monica share together 😆
All in all, this was hands down the best possible decision I could’ve made by choosing Monica and Louis to help me on this business journey. They’re knowledgeable, honest, validating and truthfully the biggest fans you’ll ever have. I cannot wait to see where the next project takes us! Truly, truly thankful for you both & very honored to call you both friends 😊
Rosie C.
Owner, Carmela's Sweet Shoppe
What sets Sugar Strategist apart in the industry is the combined backgrounds of Monica and Louis. Monica's extensive expertise in the dessert industry and Louis's proficiency in the core aspects of business operations create a distinctive service for those seeking success and exponential business growth. You can read more about their extensive backgrounds on their website. What stuck out to me, in addition to their extensive background, is their ability to work on whatever level their customers want. They can simply advise a business, they can team up with a business and help them facilitate a successful plan, or they can handle everything. Sugar Strategists helps you find the resources to help you with the things that are not your strong suit. This frees you up to do the things that you want to be doing.
​
If your dream is to own a Blue Food Printer and you do not know how to get your business to the point of benefiting from what the Blue has to offer, Sugar Strategist is your answer. Icing Images designed the Blue to help businesses grow and make businesses run efficiently. In working with prospective Blue owners, we find it important to make sure that they will reap the full benefits of the Blue. Often, we turn customers away because their business is not at the point where it will properly benefit them. So many people have purchased products out of excitement only to have to have them collect dust because they did not have the time, knowledge, or even the need for that product. Icing Images offers products not just to be sold, but to be used so that the full benefits of owning our products are achieved. Icing Images wants to help you make your business better, your quality of life to improve, and provide the best products and services for your customers so that you can reach optimal growth. So, I invite you to check out the Sugar Strategist and see how they can come alongside you and help you realize your dreams and find the happiness you deserve.
Debbie Coughlin
Owner, Icing Images
The world really is endless in the sugar and confectionery space, and I’m so grateful to have had such knowledgeable experts to work with in Monica and Louis. No matter what “problem” I brought to the table, there were always multiple thoughtful solutions to consider — which made the entire process feel collaborative and empowering rather than overwhelming. The time, care, and intention they put into their work truly shows in the final product. My website is not only exactly what I envisioned design-wise, but it has also elevated my business to a whole new level of professionalism and efficiency. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and highly recommend them.
Rachel Weihe
Owner, Weirdough Cookie Co.
Monica and Louis are extremely knowledgeable in all things sugar, but also pastry, breads, branding and marketing. They have given me the confidence and knowledge to charge our worth, making changes to our website and teaching us to reach out to corporate clients. They are readily available for questions, problem solving, and adding new techniques to your craft.
They have always exceeded my expectations. Their teaching methods are thorough, helping you achieve your goals, whether that be branding, marketing, packaging, upgrading equipment or wherever your craft may take you. With their hands on approach to teaching, you will be sure to have a fun, successful experience with Sugar Strategists! I can warmly recommend Monica and Louis as a teacher, and friend to support your endeavor.
Rachel Henderson
Co-Owner, Hazelnut Hill, Thistledown Farm & Sweet Signatures
I was looking for the company that would assist in taking Tysons Creamery to the next level. I had developed a premium product and needed the expertise of a team that could provide marketing, understanding of a start-up and finance. I found it with Monica and Louis of Sugar Strategist. I highly recommend them!!
Catherine A.
Owner, Tysons Creamery
Sugar Strategist is very knowledgeable about how to make your business grow EFFICIENTLY so you can focus on the baking! They also will push and challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone in matters that will only improve your business
Jamie B.
Owner, Sweet Gratitude Bakehouse
As I started my cookie company last August I quickly realized I needed a website to get my business out in the public eye. As someone who had no idea where to begin Monica and Louis were able to guide me. Not only did they build a great website they helped me create a brand logo. Super thankful for their wisdom and guidance along the way.
Melissa P. Stehman
Owner, Heavenscent Cookies
I’ve worked with The Sugar Strategist in two capacities;1:1 business consulting and printing, and both experiences exceeded my expectations. The consulting alone made an immediate impact. They helped me evaluate my processes, refine my website, and rethink my pricing strategy. I saw increased interest in my classes right away, and I walked away with clear, actionable direction instead of vague ideas. If you’re at that point in your business where you know something needs to change in order to grow, they will absolutely help you identify what that is and how to fix it.I also used their printing services for branded stickers after struggling to get my brand color matched correctly through VistaPrint. I sent a physical sample that I had printed on my own inkjet printer, and they matched it more accurately than any vendor I’ve tried so far, and at a better price point. If you’re serious about elevating your business, whether through strategy or branding materials, I highly recommend The Sugar Strategist.
Kristin K.
Owner, Biker Chic Cupcakes
What started as a simple request for help designing my booth for the upcoming CookieCon show quickly turned into an exciting and unexpected rebrand. Monica from Sugar Strategist was one of the first people to respond to my Facebook post looking for assistance, and after our initial conversation, I knew her team was exactly what I needed. As a stubborn “I’ll do it all myself” business owner, this was the first time I truly felt comfortable and confident hiring a team to help guide me through the business side of things. Monica’s background in the dessert industry and product manufacturing has been invaluable throughout this process, and her support came at a time when I truly needed it. Louis’s experience in business development, web technology, and contract management has also been incredibly valuable in bringing my new brand, Sili Solutions, to life. Over the last six weeks, Sugar Strategist has helped me navigate a complete rebrand, including logo development, website creation, packaging direction, and overall business strategy leading up to CookieCon. Their knowledge, support, and genuine investment in my success have made this process feel exciting instead of overwhelming. I’m incredibly grateful for the partnership and support I’ve received from Monica and Louis and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside them.
Christy Horner,
Owner, Sili Solutions &
Rock Sugar Custom Cakes
