Meet The Owners: Ol’ Sweets

Ol' Sweets wants to bring classic recipes to a new generation of hungry customers.

Persia Asvaraksh, a Souhegan graduate, started her baking business this summer out of her home in Hooksett. This longtime baker said she has been baking for her friends for years, and she wanted to turn her passion into her livelihood.

Asvaraksh bakes sweet treats such as classic apple pie, lemon bars, whoopee pies and the ever-popular cake pops. Her creations are based on heritage recipes passed down from her great grandmother.

You can find Ol' Sweets at the Amhers Farmers' Market each week. Ol' Sweets is also available for weddings and other events.

Amherst Patch talked with Persia Asvaraksh about her sweet new business.

Patch: What inspired you to start your business?

Persia: I actually went to business school at Boston University and graduated in 2009. The economy turned bad and everyone was exploring their options, and having trouble finding jobs. I thought about what I actually want to do, and I just wanted to bake. I took some time off and then started working at The Good Loaf in Milford. I left last year and took some classes at Southern New Hampshire University to refine my baking skills. I am still getting started, and luckily my current job is very flexible so I can work on my business.

Patch: Why call it Ol’ Sweets?

Persia: I named after my great grandmother. I never got to meet her, but her nickname was Ol’ Sweet. I focus on old heritage recipes and a lot of my recipes are actually hers. They are the classics; the good old American recipes.

Patch: What is your favorite creation?

Persia: My favorite this summer has to be the blueberry pie with coconut crumb. I love coconut and add it to everything.

Patch: How do you test out your products?

Persia: I give them out everywhere. I have a sister in Boston who I try them out on, and my friends at work. I just throw it out there. I like getting the opinions from the new generation as well as the older one. It is great to get all of the generations involved and I want their feedback.

Patch: What is it like starting a business now?

Persia: I will say the whole start has been difficult with bills to pay. It is not possible to do it full-time, even though I want to. The juggling has been difficult, but I try and make it work. I love people’s reactions to my food so much, like when people come back and say ‘that pie crust was so flaky’ or ‘it tasted just like grandma’s.’ Everyone loves grandma.

Patch: What are you envisioning for the future?

Persia: I’m open to the future. I would love to have a storefront, a cafe where people could have a slice of pie or take on home. I am not sure where I would go, but I grew up in Amherst and would definitely like to open it here. I wouldn’t mind starting in Maine either, or anywhere in New England for that matter. I am just open to anything and I think it will be best for me to stay flexible.