Montclair is an ideal town for anyone with a sweet tooth. And now, there is a new sweet indulgence on the block. She Imagined Sweets is located at 147 Valley Road in Montclair. This bake shop packs delectable flavors into bite-size mini cheesecakes. Keep reading to learn more about Zuirrae McKinney, the owner of She Imagined Sweets in Montclair, and how she turned a love of baking with her family into a thriving small bites cheesecake patisserie shop.
About the Owner
Zuirrae McKinney, the owner of She Imagined Sweets, grew up in Newark and now lives with her husband and daughter in Bloomfield.
As a child, she loved to bake with her family. Zuirrae shared a memory with The Montclair Girl, telling us “I remember my aunt always bringing a big NY style cheesecake to our home for holidays. I was always searching for the crust which was my favorite part”. This may have been her first inspiration to imagine what her perfect dessert would look like.
As a young girl, Zuirrae explained that she was very neat and liked everything just right, wrapped up like a pretty package. She shared with us that growing up, she had a speech impediment, but her love of baking and her artistic talents gave her an outlet to express herself with confidence.
Read More: Where to Get Fresh Bread in the Montclair Area
As an adult, baking stayed with her while she attended Rutgers University, where she graduated with a degree in psychology.
Zuirrae kept a journal which helped her envision the inspiration she had as a little girl. It was a small bite-sized cheesecake with a great crust and beautifully packaged. She also wanted to share the joyful feeling she experienced as a child baking with her family.
Organically, her vision came together. She began baking petite treats that were indulgent yet enough to satisfy anyone’s taste for dessert with just a couple of bites — showing us that bigger is not always better and great things come in little packages.
As Zuirrae’s business began to take off, so did the need for her to speak publicly. She had to communicate with contractors for her bakery, relay expectations to her employees and colleagues, as well as converse with the press to promote her business.
The young Zuirrae who had suffered through childhood with a stutter found the courage through her baking to overcome her shyness and conquer her fear of public speaking. These small-bite pastries deliver much more than a delicious dessert. They represent the power to overcome hurdles and to believe in one’s self and one’s dreams.
Why Montclair For She imagined Sweets?
Zuirrae always enjoyed coming to Montclair. She loved to visit Van Vleck House + Gardens for inspiration and now that her store is right down the street, she stops by regularly. She also connects with Montclair’s culture, artistic outlet, and small business owners community which embodies everything Zuirrae and her small-bite cheesecakes are all about.
Zuirrae told us,“ having Montclair Meats located two doors down, is a great neighbor and small business companion”.
We think this is an ideal two-stop shopping moment for dinner ideas and dessert.
Products at She Imagined Sweets
Zuirrae’s signature bite-sized cheesecakes + cheesecake jars are all available with vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free options. All orders may be customized. Flavors include cookies + cream, NY-style strawberry, blueberry, candy bar, and MG’s favorite, banana pudding.
There is also an array of chocolates, jarred cobblers, brownies, and Tea Forte Teas. Do not forget to try the unique lemonades.
See More: Where to Find S’mores Desserts in Hoboken + Jersey City
She Imagined Sweets also provides customized dessert tables and dessert party favors for parties, weddings, and corporate events.
She Imagined Sweets is open Tuesday through Friday from 12PM-6PM, and Saturday from 12PM-5PM. Keep up with the shop’s Instagram for events and specials.