ST. MARYS, Ga. – What started as a mother’s vision to support her daughter has grown into a community gathering space in southeast Georgia.
Stephanie Chain, owner of Sweet Luncheonette in St. Marys, said her daughter’s autism diagnosis inspired her to create more than just a bakery. She wanted to build a place where her daughter would always feel supported, included and connected to the community.
Recommended Videos
“Sweet Luncheonette was inspired by creating a safe space and a space of beauty for my daughter after she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of four,” Chain said.
Over the last decade, Chain has grown the micro-bakery into a destination for custom wedding cakes, wine tastings and community events.
But she said the business was always rooted in one goal — creating a future her daughter could fall back on as she grows older.
“My hopes were just to have something that my daughter could fall back on,” Chain said. “I didn’t want her to go into adulthood not knowing or not feeling that she would have somewhere to belong.”
Now, Chain said she is beginning to see her daughter take an interest in the business by shadowing employees and learning hospitality skills.
“Now we’re seeing her starting to take an interest,” Chain said.
Chain hopes her family’s story encourages other families raising children on the autism spectrum.
“There is beauty in the imperfections,” Chain said. “You should still be able to create and love and find things that are great to you and share them with other people.”
As Sweet Luncheonette continues to grow, Chain said she plans to expand community partnerships, host more events and continue creating art through her cakes and desserts.
Her message to others is simple: “Just create and love.”