Business profile: Heartsville Sweets

When it comes to pacifying one’s sweet tooth Heartsville Sweets, located at 100 N. Jackson Street in Hartsville, is among the most popular go-to destinations for Hope area residents. Located just outside of Hope in Hartsville, the shop opened as a joint mother-daughter endeavor and has become a true community treasure.

Owner Tina Vanest says since her mother’s death in 2010, the business has changed some, but continues to serve a faithful following of customers around the area. During a recent phone interview, 54-year-old Vanest talked about how the business started, what she enjoys about being a part of area small business, and what she loves most about being a part of the Hope community.

Q: Who came up with the name Heartsville Sweets?
A: My mom, Wanda, did. She and my dad, Tony, found this building. Originally, we were doing breakfast, lunch and cakes. Mom and dad were doing the cooking and I was doing the cakes. And then my mom got sick and passed away 11 years ago. Dad and I tried to keep up with the food, but we just couldn’t; Not with all the cakes we do. Now, we just do cakes, cinnamon rolls, and blueberry muffins. People still come in during the mornings and have a cinnamon roll and coffee.

Q: When did Heartsville Sweets first open?
A: Well, I’ve been doing this for about 15 years here. I’d been doing it out of my house since my daughter was born, more than 20 years ago, and then it got really big. My mom wanted to do cooking, because she loved to cook, and so we decided to do this as a joint thing back in the early 2000s. With us being in Hartsville, my mom thought to call it Heartsville Sweets, she thought it was cute. Honestly, this business is what kept my dad busy when mom died. It kept him going. You don’t just lose your soul mate and simply go on. This has kept him occupied.

Q: What has it been like being a small-business owner?
A: I’ve never advertised so it has all been word-of-mouth. I do what I can do. There comes a point where I do have to cut off orders for certain things, but I try to fit everyone in that I possibly can. I’m a one-person show. My dad comes in and helps make icing and he does odd things for me, like doing a lot of my shopping, because he likes to find the bargains. So, I do everything. I bake, I decorate and do deliveries. That is why my hours are so crazy, because I also deliver to schools and businesses.

Q: Wow, you are a busy lady. So, what does a typical day-in-the-life of Tina Vanest look like?
A: I babysit my one-year-old grandbaby, Paislee, also, so I get up early in the morning. She’s my pride and joy. I start out here and I bake until I go pick her up and usually I’ll make a couple of deliveries on my way to go get her. I watch her until 5 p.m. and then I come back out here and bake and decorate. On the days I have her, things are a little crazy. The days I don’t have her, I stay here and finish what I’m doing. I’ve always said I wanted to take care of my grandkids, but I love my job. And, I don’t want to give up both, so I’m just trying to make it work.

Q: After your mom passed, was there a break in the business?
A: No. My mom was a very faith-driven lady and she would be really upset if we just stopped.

Q: What are some challenges that you’ve maybe run into that you weren’t quite anticipating?
A: All the hidden expenses that go into the business, like property tax and insurance.

Q: What would you say is your most popular item?
A: Our white chocolate raspberry cake with raspberry filling and cream cheese icing.

Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
A: I love doing wedding cakes. And the people.

Q: What is it that fuels your passion for creating wedding cakes?
A: The creativity. I love making someone’s day special. I love to get pictures of the bride and groom and the cake and they talk about how wonderful it was. It makes me feel good and it feels like I had a small part in such a wonderful day for somebody.

Q: Do you have a favorite cake that you’ve made? Or maybe one that, for you, tends to stand out from the others?
A: I always say, ‘That’s my favorite one.’ And then the next one is my favorite one. Then, later, the next one is my favorite. I don’t know if I’ve really ever actually had one single cake that’s been my absolute favorite – I’ve done so many.

Q: Do you keep photographs of your final products?
A: Oh yeah. Well, I don’t take pictures of birthday cakes very often, but I take pictures of all my wedding cakes.

Q: As Hope-area businesses continue to grow, what do you enjoy most about being a part of Hope’s flourishing business network and community?
A: I love Hope. A lot of my business comes from Hope. I do a lot for Columbus, Greensburg and Batesville, but the people you meet in Hope are just awesome. I’ve met so many neat people and developed so many special relationships with these people it is nice. That is what I like best about my job is being able to meet new people and build relationships with them. They are all special.

Q: For those who haven’t been to visit you yet, what would you tell them? Also, what are your hours of operation?
A: Stop in and see us. You would be amazed with what we have to offer. We are open 7:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday.

Q: Would you do anything differently if given the chance?
A: No, I’m happy where I’m at. I am genuinely so happy with my life right now. I am living the dream. I’ve got a wonderful family and grandbaby and my dad is healthy. I don’t think I could ask for anything more.