We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheree Hollis Gilles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheree, how has your pespective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Recently, we have been talking a lot about work life balance; however, I’ve been reframing the idea and thinking more about work life harmony. Balance implies that at some point each facet of our lives will be evenly distributed, but that’s essentially unrealistic. Depending on the season we’re in, work or life may require more of our attention, so we need to strive for harmony. It’s more about finding routines and rhythms that allow work to fit within my life and vice versa. It also means establishing boundaries that allow me to be fully present during work and fully present at home. Over time, I’ve learned that seasons in life come, go, and change and the harmony achieved in each season might look different but ultimately allows the interconnectedness of the two.

What should our readers know about your business?
My Sweet Amour specializes in custom cookies and cakes, using high-quality ingredients. I have learned a lot from the expertise of others who have graciously posted videos and tutorials online. I’ve learned through a lot of trial and error and many late nights. I started my business from the love of baking, decorating, and dessert! Family and friends encouraged me to start my business, but that was the easy part. I had a lot to learn when it came to decorating techniques, cooking temperatures, baking methods, website design, time management and pricing. What I have learned is that it is okay to make mistakes and you will. I have learned it is okay to make revisions along the way when you discover something is not working, you have over-extended your time, or under priced your product. My business allows me to be a very special part of my customer’s big moments. For some, that’s once for a bridal shower, and for others that means I have the privilege to make their child’s birthday cake year after year. I do not take that honor lightly and strive to make their confectionery wishes a reality, by prioritizing my customers wishes, accepting custom requests, and ensuring their needs are met.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My itinerary would include Phoenix City Grille, Gertrude’s at the Botanical Gardens, The Vig, Charleston’s, and Village Tavern for dinner. I would take her to Snooze, Hula’s Modern Tiki, The Herb Box, and Talking Stick for brunch. I would make sure we go to First Fridays if she was visiting at the right time and order in Spinato’s pizza one evening for a movie night. I would want her to see the night life in Old Town Scottsdale, but would definitely take her to Kazimierz, a cool speakeasy with a live band. Lastly, I would take her to the Yard to play games or do a 90s-themed bar crawl.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my husband and my parents. They are unwaveringly in my corner. They encouraged me to start my business, helped me create the name, taste test my recipes, and help me balance the demands of working full time and baking. They deserve all the credit and recognition.

Website: mysweetamour.com
Instagram: @mysweetamour
Facebook: Facebook.com/mysweetamour

Image Credits
80s Cake-Liz Winkelman
Chocolate Cake- Solo Visions