Community Highlights: Meet Shannon Melde of Sugar and Chip AZ

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Melde. 

Hi Shannon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a native of Arizona. I attended Chaparral High School and graduated in 1998. I’ve been baking for over 25 years. I went to culinary school (Scottsdale Community College Culinary Arts Program). Sadly, I didn’t finish the program. I went on to working various jobs throughout my life (Outback Steakhouse, Dutch Girl Dry Cleaners, and Mayo Clinic.) I married my amazing husband, Jason, in 2004. We have 2 wonderful kids, Maddie and Brandon. Baking has always been a passion for me and I have always considered the possibility of one day opening a cookie shop, which has always been a dream of mine. After years and years of being unsure of my decision, a switch flipped and I was 100% all-in. I decided to make the leap to open my home bakery, Sugar and Chip AZ. I specialize in gourmet chocolate chip cookies. I truly love baking and I hope everyone who purchases my cookies enjoys them as much as I enjoy baking them. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Once I got over my own uncertainty and insecurities, I have found it to be a fairly easy process to start my business. I did absolutely everything on my own. From getting my LLC to designing my own logo. I have found that one of the more difficult things is keeping up with social media posting and keeping things interesting. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My home bakery is called Sugar and Chip AZ. I specialize in gourmet chocolate chip cookies. I have several varieties, including gluten-free options. I use all-natural ingredients of the highest quality. I do not use generic ingredients of any kind. I have been baking for over 25 years and it is my absolute passion. I want my customers to love my cookies as much as I love baking them. 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I use only all-natural ingredients of the best quality. Such as Ghirardelli chocolate/cocoa and King Arthur gluten-free flour. 

Contact Info:

• Email: sugarandchipaz@gmail.com
• Website: sugarandchipaz.com
• Instagram: @sugarandchipaz
• Facebook: @sugarandchipaz