What started as a simple passion for macarons has grown into one of Frazee’s sweetest success stories. Home Sweet Bakehouse, owned by Karey Smagacz, is quickly becoming a local favorite, known for its delicate pastries, creative flavors, and welcoming atmosphere. 

Six years ago, Smagacz wasn’t planning to become a business owner. She grew up in Frazee, worked in New York Mills for several years, and was raising her young family when she discovered her love for baking. Encouraged by friends and family, she began selling her creations at the local farmers market, where she quickly built a loyal following. 

After nearly a year of planning and preparation, Home Sweet Bakehouse officially opened its doors in August of 2025. Customers quickly fell in love with Smagacz’s signature macarons and caramel rolls, which remain bestsellers alongside old-fashioned cake donuts. 

Starting a small business comes with challenges, especially when transitioning from baking at home to running a commercial kitchen. Smagacz credits her team, the Frazee community, and West Central Initiative for helping her succeed.  

“Our customer base keeps growing, and we’re always adding new capabilities,” said Smagacz. “The support has been amazing. West Central Initiative’s loan gave us the tools we needed to get started, and we couldn’t have done it without that help.” 

Looking ahead, Smagacz plans to expand her menu with yeast donuts and croissants and hopes to open a satellite location in Detroit Lakes.

“I love being able to create, experiment, and bring people joy through what we make,” said Smagacz. “We’re just getting started.”  

For more information about West Central Initiative’s loan program, visit wcif.org.

About West 

Central Initiative 

West Central Initiative is a place-based nonprofit, community foundation, and regional development organization dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future for White Earth Nation and Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties. Since its founding in 1986, West Central Initiative has provided funding, technical assistance, planning resources, and philanthropic services to strengthen the economic and social fabric of the region.