Stepping into Sally’s Sweet Shoppe is like entering a world of delectable craftsmanship and heartfelt dedication. As the owner and operator of this charming bakery, Sally takes immense pride in her fully scratch kitchen, where every delectable creation is crafted with precision and passion. With the help of her dedicated team, which includes two talented bakers, a skilled decorator, and two eager assistants, she has built a haven for those who appreciate the art of baking.
The moment you walk through their doors, you’re enveloped in the warm, comforting scent of freshly baked goods, an invitation to savor the fruits of our labor. The atmosphere is filled with the harmonious symphony of ingredients coming together, from the soft whispers of flour being sifted to the tantalizing aromas of bread rising in the ovens. It’s a place where love for the craft is palpable, and every customer is welcomed with open arms into their sweet, sugar-filled world.
About Tracey Catarozoli
I’m Sally, the proud owner of Sally’s Sweet Shoppe in Genesee Depot, WI. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to follow two career paths, both of which I’m incredibly passionate about: baking and house building. In these roles, I’ve harnessed my creativity, discipline, organizational skills, and thoughtfulness. One of my favorite abilities is my knack for planning and understanding the cause and effect of various decisions, which has proven invaluable in both helping people construct their dream homes and succeeding as a caterer and baker.
In addition to my professional life, I wear many hats. I’m a wife, a step-mother, an auntie, a big sister, a godmother, and a Grauntie! My husband and I have been happily married for over two decades. We made a significant move four years ago, leaving the house we built in Mukwonago, my hometown, and settling into our lakeside home in Pewaukee. Remodeling this new home was quite the adventure, and we’re embracing the joys of lake life as we settle into our beautiful lakeside abode.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest of four daughters and they have all made me the world’s greatest Auntie. My husband, John, and I have two daughters in their 20’s that live on opposite coasts. We no longer have pets, but I get to love all of my friend’s and family’s fur-babies.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am the owner/operator of Sally’s Sweet Shoppe and along with my team of two bakers, one decorator and two assistants, we run a fully scratch bakery. We also choose to give all of our tip money back to our community in the form of our Free Little Food Pantry, in Waukesha.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
We are so proud of the work we produce! I am always so happy to hear a customer who takes time to compliment us and is genuinely surprised at the quality, or rather the difference, a scratch made product makes!
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
When I was in the home building industry, the highs and lows of the housing industry takes it’s toll. It is a blow to everyone’s ego, in all trades, and when you are in a low time of the industry, it is hard to see the light. Equally frustrating is the highs because it feels like you can’t work fast enough, do enough projects, make anyone happy enough. The depression of 2008 was a very low time but it led me back to being in the baking industry again!
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Repeat customers!
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I’m going to take a break for second! We JUST moved down the street after 13 years of being in the same location. We have a wonderful landlord, a beautifully historic building, the train depot building built over 100 years ago, and we are taking the time now to figure out how to use this space and grow to accept more orders.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
SOOOOO many things… but the biggest thing I tell my team and live by is that EVERYTHING MATTERS! And being lazy or being a “quitter” for any task will get you no where. Produce prideful work, inspire people with what you do, and be a stand for greatness.
Tracey Catarozoli & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
Pewaukee Lake.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
I couldn’t possibly answer this since so many of them are our customers. So, I guess my answer is all of the ones that sell Sally’s!
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Pretty, hard working, peaceful.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m an open book. People who know me, get all of me.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
“There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.” Marianne Williamson
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Literally, everyone. Children with good manners. All of my friends for their love and talks, especially Becky because we talk daily and inspire and learn from each other. My husband because it takes a partner to make marriage work. My Mama for her strength. Retired people. Business owners who lead with grace and fairness. Vince Lombardi. Maya Angelou. Veterans. Middle school educators – how does someone do this job? People who practice their hobbies. People who travel.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
I honestly think this depends on my mood! But I’m feeling pretty much like “wine” today, since I’m going to a wine-tasting at one of our great local restaurants tonight.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
Oprah. I love how she has inspired so many to be better versions of themselves and I pride myself on being as authentic as possible and believe she is the same.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Going to Italy – come on 2024!
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Kid snuggles. Baby snuggles are neat, but kids actually get to make a choice to squeeze you with all of their love.
Where to Find Tracey Catarozoli
Email: SallysSweetShoppe@yahoo.com
Phone: (262) 968-1803
