Simply Sweet Celebrations is located at 1805 Tift Ave. N.

TIFTON — Simply Sweet Celebrations held its grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The bakery, located at 1805 Tift Ave. N., is owned and operated by Jennifer Knight, who has turned a hobby she picked up after her son graduated high school into a full-time career.

“I was a teacher for 16 years,” she said. “For two of those years I baked at home and did custom orders. I enjoyed it and loved it. I’d wake up every morning at 3:30… bake before school, teach school and then either my husband or myself would deliver in the afternoon.”

Knight said that her side business grew incredibly quickly.

“We’ve made two cakes that have been served to the governor,” she said. “The governor’s had our strawberry cake, and that’s one of our most popular ones.”

Knight said that about a year ago she started looking for a space outside her home to take her business to the next level.

She wanted a small location and tried another place first, but the location, formerly the site of Dave’s Bread and Coffee Shop, opened up right when she needed it.

“Within a 24 hour period, we changed directions completely,” she said. “And here we are now. We’re learning, because this is a whole new ballgame. I’m trying to do my custom orders, plus fill the case and meeting with and seeing people that come in the store. It’s learning how to juggle everything. It’s a new ballgame, but I’m excited about it.”

Knight said that she has had so much support from the community and is looking forward to growing her business.

She said they are going to serve coffee and are working on adding other offerings such as Krispy Creme donuts and Dave’s chicken salad and pimento cheese.

Knight is also excited about her cupcake truck, nicknamed Sweetie Pie, which will be available for parties, weddings and special events.

“We want this to be a happy place, a place of joy,” she said. “I want that not only for my customers but for me and my workers. I want them to love being here.”

The current hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and on Saturdays the hours will vary. This Saturday the shop will be open from 7 a.m.-2 p.m.