Business Profile: Sweet Annie's Bakery

Annie Aboushousha has been getting a lot of buzz lately for her quaint Flossmoor bakery, . In fact, just last month she was awarded the . Read on to learn more about this recent Flossmoor favorite.

What made you decide to open up a bakery here?

My husband and I have lived here since we got married 17 years ago and (we) love raising our two children here. I only considered opening a shop in downtown Flossmoor.  I think it is so wonderful for a community to have a bakery that is easy to walk to for train riders, stroller moms and kids for their after school snack.

Has baking always been a passion of yours?

Now that I have been baking for , I'm embarrassed to admit that the only baking I had ever done regularly, before opening, was cookies. I love baking cookies as after school treats and for the holidays. My first job, at 16, was counter girl at the Shaker Baker in Wisconsin, a family-owned, gourmet bakery.  

Bakeries are happy places, and as an adult, I always had in the back of my mind that one day, I'd love to have my own bakery. It is so much fun to serve customer yummy treats!

Any tips for those who struggle with baking?

Quick tips for baking cookies: use the best ingredients. Butter, butter, butter. Chill your dough before baking, and measure your ingredients properly.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a local business?

Open a business that you are passionate about and realize that it can take over your life! Be true to the vision you have, but not ridged, and hold your customers in the highest regard. You are incredibly lucky that they come to your business!  

I am so grateful for all of our customers, who now seem more like friends, I get to see regularly.

What are your favorite places to frequent in the H-F area?

Considering that I work crazy amounts of hours, I don't have much free time. When I need a gift, I shop or Poppies in downtown Flossmoor and when I meet friends for lunch, it's .

Any special treats coming up for Passover and Easter?

For Passover, our matzo toffee and flourless chocolate cake are my favorites. For Easter, I love our bunny and spring cut-out cookies and lemon pound cake!  All of our offerings are listed on our website.