Plymouth bakery grows, opens its own downtown shop

Kurt M. Lienhard is another example of job loss leading to entrepreneurism. His Perfectly Sweet Cakes & Desserts in downtown Plymouth has continuously grown since opening nine months ago in a shared space with Boule Artisan Bread .

But as Perfectly Sweet's business grew it became clear it needed its own space. So in May Lienhard moved into his own shop at 470 Forest, next to the Cozy Cafe.

"The day after Mother's Day, as promised, my friends and family and I were literally pushing freezers, everything down the street," Lienhard says.

Initially the former pharmaceutical sales rep (who was lost his job in late 2008) went into business with a friend and baker in another downtown Plymouth spot. "With a wife and three kids to take care of, I had to reinvent myself," he says.

He thought about what to do next. "My colleagues and I used to spend a lot of money at one of our favorite bakeries to entertain our customers, doctors,whatever," Lienhard says. "The  owner and I befriended each other and decided to go into business together. It went off unbelievably successful for two years, but we later decided to part ways."

After their Sweets 21closed, Lienhard opened Perfect Sweets, which became his full-time job and the full-time jobs of four others.

"Our whole premise for being in downtown was being near all the events that are going on here," he says.

Source: Kurt M. Lienhard, owner, Perfectly Sweet Cakes & Desserts
Writer: Kim North Shine