Caroline Laramie

Owner

Less than a year

I was born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts.

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 was 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 ok. •Mental Health is health. It’s just as important as physical health. •Eating disorders are mental health disorders. They are inextricably linked to trauma, anxiety, depression, other mental health disorders often resulting in low self-esteem.<br /> •We need to work together to destigmatize mental health issues. •Removing the stigma is a small step in overcoming the challenges so many face to get the help they need. Soul Sugar is all about making the cookies. We’re also all about advocating for change. If a Soul Sugar macaron or meringue is in your hand, you're a part of that change. Thank you. XO, Caroline || Oh! PS - you’re also about to enjoy a ridiculously good cookie.

The Macarons and Meringues: The majority of clients have told me that I make the best macarons they’ve ever tasted. One client compared them to Ladurèe in Paris which she said was previously her favorite. She said mine were now her favorite - hands down. This is the ultimate macaron compliment. Several client’s children even put my macarons on their Christmas and Hanukkah lists! || I receive constant compliments on the meringues. They’re often referred to as the lightest, most naturally flavorful and best textured meringues they’ve had. There’s a nostalgic aspect to meringues for some customers that makes me very happy. || The Messaging: With every order my message is conveyed through an enclosed calling card within the carefully thought out packaging. Finally I encourage a message of general self-care and that eating a delicious cookie, enjoying it - guilt free is ok. || Laatly, I have a blog about my own personal history with eating disorders, depression and anxiety. I personalize most of my Instagram stories when conveying my mental health destigmatization message. I have received so many messages from clients, thanking me for sharing my story as it has personally resonated.

Take up space and use your voice.

Moloka’i by Allen Brennert

My secret weapon is to tell my honest story. A consumer product always resonates better with people if the story behind the product is known. There are so many companies that target their presumed consumer demographic and then develop a strategy that resonates with that demographic. It feels manipulative. I began this company as a vehicle to share my story with the hope of helping others relate to my own struggles. Making these beautiful little cookies is a way to deliver a message to any population that can benefit. It’s not contrived.

Growth. Rapid growth in the Covid world.

Hindsight is 2020 right? However, I would tell my younger self to find more confidence because you’ve got what it takes to go far. Use your voice. Be loud. Know that you have great ideas that deserve to be heard. Trust your instincts and just generally love yourself more because you are innately good.

I spend my free time with my partner and children ages 16, 12 and 10. I love my dog walks, learning photography, baking (other than macarons and meringues, I do that enough), podcasts and of course binge watching all genres of shows.

I am certified in Reiki.