By: Donovan W. Mann – donovanm@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – A fresh bakery business in Humboldt is continuing to find its way as the owner turned a passion into opportunity.
Ashlyn’s Sweet Treats is a local basket business founded by Humboldt’s own Ashlyn Clark. She’s been selling her sweets for just under a year now through both a personal order basis and in a local shop. She talks with KHBT more her business.
Clark’s business was not necessarily planned but something that just sort of happened after she gave her father a pie for his birthday. “I’ve always loved baking but really started getting into it” she says. The baker started making random treats for her family. From there her Uncle Dallas helped her get in contact with the Caribbean Coffee Shop on Highway 169 where she now sells various sweets. “It’s been a fun journey to start and I can’t wait to continue.”
Clark says that she didn’t necessarily see baking as a full time career as she wants to go into dental hygiene but the thought isn’t completely out of the box. “It’s always been a little thought” she says. She calls it more of a “hobby” that she loves to do. After he diagnosis and going to attending college become more difficult baking filled in the free time for her. “It keeps me busy.”
In 2019 Ashlyn Clark was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Since her diagnosis the Humboldt community rose to the occasion so support one of their fellow Wildcats. It is very common for this community to rise up and support their neighbors and Clark says that it’s great to know Humboldt has her back.
“Oh it’s an amazing feeling” the baker says. She calls the community her “second family.” She knows she can rely on a lot of people to help one another. “It’s a little small town so you know ever, so, it’s really nice.”
Ashlyn’s Sweet Treats serves up a variety of delicious desserts including cookies, cupcakes and pies. They are available most days at the Caribbean Coffee House on Hwy 169. Clark takes personal orders by email at ashlynsweettreats@outlook.com. As for Ashlyn’s personal health she says she is doing “really, really good.”
A home town gal serving up home baked goods, Ashlyn’s Sweet Treats.