The Sweet Surprise Bay Area Story

Hi. I'm Leslie. I run Sweet Surprise Bay Area.

Since 2003, I've been a stage manager working around the Bay Area at theatres like American Conservatory Theater, Aurora Theatre Company, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and California Shakespeare Theater. When the theaters closed in March, 2020, I found myself with time on my hands. I volunteered at  Berkeley Food Network and Alameda County Community Food Bank to fill my time and do something helpful, but, being used to baking regularly for a rehearsal hall or theatre full of hungry people, I also started feeding my neighbors all kinds of baked goods. 

When a friend was having a bad day and I couldn't get to her house to drop off a treat, I looked for the perfect gift to have delivered and couldn't find it. After sending some flowers, I started thinking about "just a little something" kind of treats and decided to start my own gift company to fill that gap. Everyone who sends a homemade gift to a friend, who receives a surprise treat, or who orders something tasty for themselves is happy, which makes me happy too!

I love trying out new recipes, screen printing, reading, kayaking, hiking, and sending mail. I also run RESOLVED BY LESLIE, helping clients with all kinds of projects including home organizing and landscape design. Sweet Surprise Bay Area is a one-woman show except for help from my husband, Nic, who is the official quality-control officer for all baked goods. 

Sweet Surprise Bay Area is a Cottage Food Operation, permitted by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health.