What is your name?
Caroline Laramie
What is your occupation?
Owner
What is your business name?
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year
What is your Instagram handle
@soulsugarsweets
What is your LinkedIn URL?
www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/caroline-laramie
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
I was born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
We are a woman-owned, small business that crafts custom-made French Macarons and meringues to celebrate the relationship between our minds, our emotions and the foods we love. We want to open a dialogue around the relationship between food and mental health, specifically exploring ways that popular culture can exacerbate disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy that cause so many of us to struggle in our daily lives.
Crafting and sharing macarons and meringues is a sweet, simple way to invite people to learn more — and enjoy some delicious sweets at the same time.
We believe:
• What we eat should never make us feel guilty.
• All foods are good foods.
• Food is connection.
• Food is love.
• Food is nostalgic.
• Food is emotional and that’s okay.
• Mental health is health — it’s just as important as physical health.
• Eating disorders are mental health disorders linked to trauma, anxiety, and depression.
• We need to work together to destigmatize mental health issues.
Removing the stigma is a small step toward helping people get the help they need. Soul Sugar is all about making cookies — and advocating for change.
If a Soul Sugar macaron or meringue is in your hand, you’re part of that change.
Thank you. XO, Caroline
PS: You’re also about to enjoy a ridiculously good cookie.
What would your clients say about you and your company?
The macarons and meringues: Most clients have told me that I make the best macarons they’ve ever tasted. One client compared them to Ladurèe in Paris — and said mine are now her favorite, hands down. Several clients’ children even put my macarons on their holiday wish lists!
I receive constant compliments on the meringues — they’re often described as the lightest, most flavorful, and best textured people have ever had. There’s also a nostalgic aspect to them for many customers.
The messaging: Every order includes a message card and thoughtful packaging, encouraging self-care and guilt-free enjoyment.
I also write a blog about my own experiences with eating disorders, depression, and anxiety — and share mental health advocacy through Instagram stories. Many clients have reached out to say my story personally resonated with them.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Take up space and use your voice.
What is currently your favorite book?
Moloka’i by Allen Brennert
What is your secret weapon?
My secret weapon is telling my honest story. A product connects more deeply when people know the story behind it. Many brands target demographics strategically, but I built Soul Sugar as a way to share my truth and help others feel seen. Making these cookies is my way to spread a message — authentically, not contrived.
What is your most recent WIN?
Growth — rapid growth in the COVID world.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Hindsight is 20/20, right? I would tell my younger self to find confidence because you’ve got what it takes to go far. Use your voice. Be loud. Know your ideas deserve to be heard. Trust your instincts — and love yourself more, because you are innately good.
How do you enjoy your free time?
I spend time with my partner and children (ages 16, 12, and 10). I love dog walks, learning photography, baking (besides macarons and meringues!), listening to podcasts, and binge-watching all kinds of shows.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I am certified in Reiki.