A Small Bakery with Big Dreams

Melis Mevlutoglu, the passionate baker behind The Sweetest Plug, turned a pandemic pastime into a thriving small business. What started as a way to cope with lockdowns quickly became a beloved local brand, thanks to her irresistible cookies and unwavering dedication.

Based in Tillsonburg, Melis has been baking professionally for four to five years. “During the pandemic, I baked constantly,” she shares. “Friends and family kept requesting my cookies, so I decided to make a business out of it!” What surprised her most was how far her bakery has come, despite the challenges of balancing it with a full-time job. “Life gets busy, and I’ve stepped back from promoting at times, but I’m proud of where I am now and excited for what’s next.”

When it comes to signature bakes, Melis finds it hard to choose just one. “A customer favorite is the sweet & salty cookie chocolate chip with Skor bits, pretzels, and a sprinkle of salt,” she says. “But personally, I love the Nutella-stuffed cookie. You can’t go wrong with that chocolatey center.”

Like many small business owners, Melis has faced self-doubt. “The biggest challenge is wondering if my product is really as good as people say,” she admits. “But I remind myself that hard work pays off. Celebrating success, big or small, is important while staying humble.”

Her dream? A brick-and-mortar shop. “God willing, I’ll have my own storefront in a few years,” she says. For now, she’s happy operating online while expanding her reach. Her cookies are available at Betty’s Marketplace in Tillsonburg and Phillip’s Family Farm in Aylmer, and she’ll be at the Aylmer Community Festival on June 21st. “I’d love to join farmers’ markets this summer too!”

For Melis, baking is more than a business, it’s joy, creativity, and connection. “I love experimenting with flavors and putting my own spin on trends,” she says. “Hearing customers rave about my cookies is incredibly rewarding. Baking also gives me peace, it’s where I pour my focus and love into something delicious.”

Follow The Sweetest Plug on Instagram (@sweetestplug), Facebook (Sweetest Plug), and TikTok (@theesweetestplug), or find her treats at local retailers. Here’s to celebrating small Canadian businesses like Melis’s, where passion, perseverance, and perfect cookies come together.