Meet Ilse Mckee

We recently connected with Ilse Mckee and have shared our conversation below.

Ilse , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose as a baker has been a heartfelt journey filled with passion, experimentation, and the joy of creating something delicious. It all began in 2010 when I became a mom and we settled into our first home as a family of three. I knew my way around the kitchen thanks to my upbringing, but baking was still a mystery to me. I mostly relied on store-bought premixes.

In that cozy kitchen, I decided to make chocolate chip cookies from scratch for the very first time. I can still remember the disappointment of pulling out a burnt batch. That feeling stuck with me; I realized I needed to figure this out. I dove headfirst into research, learning about the importance of quality ingredients, careful measurements, and how every oven has its crazy quirks.

Growing up in a Latino household, I was always helping my mom in the kitchen, watching her whip up homemade meals from scratch. She had this little recipe box filled with handwritten cards, each one with cut outs from magazines or recipes from her home economics class. I remember her banana bread, pineapple upside-down cake, and carrot cake everything made from scratch, with no shortcuts. Every so often, she’d let me try a cake mix, and my favorite was always Funfetti.

I think that’s where my love for baking truly began. Even though desserts were typically off-limits, I couldn’t resist sneaking a cookie or a piece of cake when I could. Those moments ignited a passion that has only grown since then. Once I found my rhythm in baking, I was eager to learn more and challenge myself.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I officially launched Sweet Escape Homemade Treats in 2022 after years of practicing my baking skills and feeling ready to start a home business. Our locally owned business specializes in gourmet cupcakes, cookies, and brownies. One of our core values is baking from scratch, which guarantees a homemade taste and better experience for our customers. We also focus on using Non-GMO & Organic ingredients. What sets Sweet Escape Homemade Treats apart from what’s available in grocery stores is the personal touch and commitment to quality that infuse every item we create. Unlike mass produced products, our gourmet desserts are made with love and attention to detail.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my baking journey, three qualities that have had a significant impact on my growth are perseverance, facing my fear of failure, and baking with a purpose. Perseverance has been crucial for me. Baking isn’t always easy, and there were times when recipes didn’t go as planned. However, I learned to see these challenges as opportunities for growth. For those just starting out, I encourage you to embrace your mistakes. Each setback can teach you something valuable and make you a better baker.
Facing my fear of failure was another critical step in my journey. Initially, I was afraid to put myself out there and the negative “what if’s” would rush through my head. Over time, I learned that every mistake is an opportunity to improve. We must face our fears no matter how small or how big they are. For beginners, I suggest stepping out of your comfort zone. Experiment with different recipes and styles; you’ll not only build confidence but also discover your unique baking style and find your niche.
Baking with a purpose has also guided my journey. Whether it’s creating something special for a celebration or sharing treats with friends and family, having a reason behind my baking makes it more meaningful. I encourage new bakers to find their “why.” Whether it’s to bring joy to others or to express creativity, a purpose can fuel your passion and motivate you to keep improving.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My husband has been an incredible source of support throughout my baking journey. He has always been very supportive since the very beginning when I initially started taking cake decorating classes. He truly embodies the spirit of word of mouth promotion for my baking business. He never hesitates to share my creations with everyone he knows. He’s not just supportive in words, he’s there with me staying up late to keep me company during those long baking hours; even if it’s just by him watching tv or helping with dirty dishes. He encourages me to take risks. He has seen me shed tears when it’s gotten too stressful, but he is there, he knows just how to lift me up when I’m feeling unsure. I can’t express how much it means to have someone who believes in my dreams so wholeheartedly. I truly hope and aim to build a successful business so I can give back to him for all the love and support he’s shown me. He’s been an essential part of my journey and I couldn’t have come this far without him by my side.

My parents have also played a huge role. My dad is always telling me, “You should open a storefront bakery, these cookies are amazing!” He even got me a refrigerator display case for my pop-ups, showing how much he supports my dreams. Him and my mom always try to make it to each of my pop up markets. I’m just so grateful for both of their encouragement and support.

Last but definitely not least, I have to mention my daughter. She’s been with me on this journey from the very start. When she was little, she loved getting her hands messy in the kitchen while we tried out new recipes together. She’s honestly the best taste tester, her feedback is always refreshingly blunt, but I love that about her! If she has a day off from sports she is there for me at every pop-up shop I do. She never hesitates to cheer me on and make the whole experience that much more fun. I’m so blessed to have a daughter like her.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://sweetescapehomemadetreats.com/
• Instagram: Sweetescapehtsd