WHEN CUSTOMERS bite into one of Malia Young’s thumbprint cookies at M. Sweets bakery, their eyes often widen in recognition as they exclaim that the cookies are “just like the thumbprints I used to get when I was little!” Young smiles and nods, sharing in the nostalgia. She is passionate about delighting her customers with fresh-baked, homemade breads and desserts that use only the best, tastiest ingredients.
M. Sweets opened in November 2024, fulfilling Young’s dream of owning her own bakery — a dream that started in her very own family kitchen.
“I have baked for as long as I can remember. It’s just been like a hobby,” Young said.
Her years of experience naturally led to her decision to start selling her baked goods from home and at local farmers markets.
“I always knew that if I was going to do something for work, I wanted to bake,” Young said.
Baking from home was ideal for her as a stay-at-home mom, but it definitely posed some challenges. “I could never have sugar cookies resting or trying to dry or anything because my 4-year-old would go and take them,” said Young, laughing at the memory.
Young has three children: Logan, Silas, and Ruth. Her husband, Blake, and their children have supported her as she turned her baking business into a storefront bakery. Young found a location to rent with a fully furnished kitchen, making it the perfect spot for M. Sweets. In addition to what they sell, Young also offers cookie decorating classes and hosts afternoon teas, as well as other fun events. Young’s sister, Abby Nelson, works alongside her at the bakery, making these events happen. Young’s family is fundamental to her success.
“My step-dad is always going to talk about it to anyone who will listen,” she said. “If he’s in the store, he’s always telling customers, ‘If you haven’t had the chocolate chip sourdough cookies, you are missing out!’” said Young, shaking her head and smiling.
Young said using sourdough starter in your cookies makes them cake-like and adds a savory aspect, which cuts down the sweetness. They also sell the sweeter “O.G.” chocolate chip cookies, which have two bags of chocolate chips in the recipe. Either choice is a winner. Young makes everything from scratch with real butter and ingredients, even homemade fillings and icing.
M. Sweets also sells other foods and beverages, like their breakfast yogurt bowl made with homemade yogurt, homemade granola, and locally sourced honey. When they need ingredients, Young seeks out local vendors to support.
“I’m excited for farmers market season because we’re going to start offering salads. The people that sat next to me at the farmers market — they do hydroponic lettuces, so I’m excited to use that for our summer salads,” Young said.
A fun novelty at M. Sweets is its selection of specialty soda drinks. Young said they offer regular coffee, but she’s not a fan — she’s a soda girl. So, Young created unique, soda-based specialty drinks for her customers, such as the “Pink Swifty” or the “Blue Lagoon.” These drinks, the weekly rotating cupcake flavors, sourdough breads, cookies, and special events make M. Sweets a must-visit bakery in Decherd. GN
