Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Lichter.
Erik, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
We would have to go way back to the ’90s when I was a young boy. I grew up in Coconut Grove, the youngest of five brothers. All while growing up, my Mom would always make cookies for every special occasion, whether it was someone’s birthday, a holiday, team sporting event, or gift. Every time someone tried a cookie, we’d have someone new asking my Mom whether they could open up a bakery together because the cookies were that good! Unfortunately, my Mom never got around to it, considering she had five boys to raise. It was during holiday break of my first year of law school that I put serious thought into these cookies and I began to sell them. They were a huge hit that holiday break and I finally incorporated.
Throughout my three years of law school, I started off doing catering events and selling cookies out of stores owned by friends and family. Although the cookies have always been a huge hit, building this business was a little difficult because it started off as a side hustle, which at times led to fulfilling cookie orders at 3 in the morning. In the beginning, there was only chocolate chip cookies. However, I’ve expanded the menu to include over ten flavors of cookies as well as cookie cakes, pies, and other baked goods. These cookies have been perfected, considering it has been nearly twenty years in the making with over thousands of cookie tasters!
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh, it definitely has not been a smooth road. As I discussed earlier, this company was created while I was still in the first year of law school, so I had my hands quite full. Considering I was still in law school at the time, there were many instances I’d arrive to class on two hours of sleep (if that). Also, in the beginning, not having a huge kitchen with the proper equipment made things difficult when there were large orders placed. The biggest hurdle was trying to fulfill cookie orders immediately, considering Sweet Lich’s wasn’t the only thing I was focusing on at the time. Luckily, I found that being honest with the customer and placing a priority on customer service helped go a long way as everyone has continued to order and has recommended me to friends and family.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sweet Lich’s – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Sweet Lich’s is a baked goods company based out of Miami, Florida that offers all types of baked goods. These baked goods include cookies, cookie cakes, pies, and other chocolate and marshmallow treats. The name Sweet Lich’s came about because it is a playoff of my last name, which is Lichter (Lick-ter go ahead and get your jokes in now lol). Our menu is always expanding, but as of now, we have over ten flavors of cookies, cakes, pies, and even a secret menu for the regulars. If I’m being honest, I’m probably most proud of the joy I bring to people when I bring them a box of Sweet Lich’s; or seeing their puzzled face when I tell them I’m the one that baked their cookies (I’m a former University of Miami football player, so I’m not your average baker). There’s a real sense of satisfaction I get in seeing everyone’s reaction knowing all the hard work and care I put into making each and everyone one of these baked goods. As far as what sets me apart from others, I’d say it’s the taste. We are more of the traditional flavors (chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, M&M, etc.) as we believe our flavor alone stands out and there’s no need to add all the extra stuff (special flavors can be made upon request).
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like the diversity of our city and how there’s always something to do for everyone. I’m quite the mix (Father is Jewish American, Mother is a Catholic and Colombian and my wife is half Belgian and half Haitian), so meeting and interacting with people from different cultures is easy in Miami.
What I don’t like about Miami is… I’m looking for the right word and I think I can best put it as “expectations.” Miami moves too fast for some people and I think people get lost in trying to keep up, or thinking they have to live a certain lifestyle just to make it in Miami. If people would be a lot more honest and real Miami would be better, but I can’t be too mad because that’s what makes Miami… Miami!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetlichs.com
- Email: Erik@sweetlichs.com
- Instagram: @Sweet_Lichs
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